October 6, 2026
Meet the members of our Board and staff, and get to know the people behind our mission! These blog and social media posts give you an inside look at the incredible individuals who guide our mission and shape the work we do. Next up we have James Bishara, MD, MBA, FAAP, Associate Professor, Pediatric Cardiology at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s, who is wrapping up two years of dedication and service as OPS Board President. We asked Dr. Bishara to share what drew him to OPS, his hopes for its future, and a few lighter questions just for fun.
Question: If you played professional baseball, what would be your walk-out song?
Answer: Jambi by Tool
Question: What do you love about being a part of OPS?
Answer: Both the sense of connection with other pediatricians and pride in knowing we’re making Oregon better for kids and their families.
Question: What book are you reading right now?
Answer: Reading The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch; Listening to Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Question: If you weren’t doing your current profession, what would you do?
Answer: Tough choice, either healthcare economics or analytical chemistry.
Question: What are your hopes and dreams for OPS in the future?
Answer: More engagement and participation from our members – everyone from medical students to retired pediatricians.
Question: What’s your favorite children’s book?
Answer: I loved reading The Book with No Pictures to my kids!
Question: What children’s issue are you really passionate about?
Answer: Universal Access to Healthcare and Tobacco Policy
Question: What’s your favorite children’s movie?
Answer: Goonies
Question: What was your favorite subject in school? Why?
Answer: Math: If a picture is worth a 1000 words, then an equation is worth a 1000 pictures.
Question: What are your hobbies?
Answer: Long distance triathlon, mountaineering, rock climbing.
Question: What is your favorite part about your job?
Answer: Teaching children and their families about their hearts.
Question: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Answer: A pediatrician
Question: What was your favorite afterschool snack?
Answer: Cheetos
As Dr. Bishara’s time as Board President comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank him for his steady leadership these past two years. His dedication to connecting pediatricians across Oregon and his vision for a more engaged, inclusive membership have left a lasting mark on our organization. We are grateful his guidance will continue as he transitions into the role of Immediate Past President for the next two years.
Feeling inspired and ready to make a difference too? There are plenty of ways to get more involved with OPS—whether that’s joining a committee, attending an upcoming event, or simply connecting with a community of providers who share your values. Contact us.
