A Life of Purpose, Passion, and Service: Honoring Dr. Sharon Istfan's Lifelong Advocacy

Dr. Sharon Londeree Istfan had a way of making everyone she met feel at ease. Whether she was caring for patients, mentoring young physicians, or simply talking with a friend, her warmth and compassion shone through. Sharon was a pediatrician who dedicated her career to addressing child abuse and neglect, driven by a deep belief that every child deserved to feel safe and valued. Her tireless efforts and quiet strength inspired those around her and left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.

As a posthumous recipient of the YWCA’s Women of Achievement Award, Dr. Istfan’s story reminds us of the profound impact one individual can make in the lives of others. Her contributions to her family, community and profession continue to resonate, leaving a legacy of purpose, passion, and service.

From her early days in Hurricane, West Virginia, to her distinguished career in medicine, Sharon embodied resilience, compassion, and dedication. Reflecting on her journey, Sharon herself once said, “I didn't go to medical school to do child abuse pediatrics. But as a general pediatrician for several years, I would see children that had injuries that weren't explained well. And I felt the need and the calling to do more training in this field so I could be a better advocate for the kids. The most rewarding part for me is when we can get kids out of a bad home environment. That's why I do what I do.”

Her decision to take on child abuse cases was a profound commitment—one that demanded far more than the already challenging work of a pediatrician. The job went beyond diagnosing and treating illnesses. It required navigating complex legal disputes, making frequent court appearances, and traveling across the state to testify on behalf of abused children. “I would sometimes ask her, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? This is not easy work,’” her husband, Dr. Michael Istfan, recalled. Despite the long hours and the difficult nature of her cases, she remained steadfast in her commitment. Her husband often marveled at her dedication, recalling how she never hesitated in her mission to protect vulnerable children. Her determination never wavered, even in the face of the exhausting demands of her work.

Sharon’s work extended far beyond the walls of the Charleston Area Medical Center and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where she spent her final professional chapter. She was board certified in child abuse pediatrics, a distinction that highlighted her specialized expertise and dedication to this critical field. She was a mentor to future generations of pediatricians, inspiring countless residents with her expertise and unwavering commitment to child advocacy. The awards and accolades she received—such as the Advocate for Children award from the WV Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and multiple recognitions from Child Advocacy Centers across the state—are a testament to the lives she touched and the difference she made.

“She was involved in over 3,500 cases at the CAMC Women & Children’s Child Advocacy Center alone,” said Maureen Runyon, a longtime colleague at the CAMC Children’s Advocacy Center.  “Her work helped establish medical protocols across West Virginia and empowered non-pediatrician providers to care for children suffering abuse.”

Sharon’s interest in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of abusive head trauma led to impactful collaborations with colleagues. Her research into Shaken Baby Syndrome, including her co-authored 2019 article published in the Child Abuse and Neglect journal, brought critical attention to the issue. “She always stuck it out, no matter how difficult the situation,” Dr. Istfan shared of his wife. “She just went at it with everything she had.”

Even during her final year at Vanderbilt, Sharon remained deeply committed to her work, developing a child abuse curriculum for medical students and pediatric residents. She continued mentoring young physicians up until three months before her passing, always ensuring they had the medical expertise and practical skills needed to handle these complex cases with confidence and care.

"Sharon and I both knew how critical this work was, and we leaned on each other to ensure it was done with the highest level of care and expertise," said Dr. Joan Phillips, a close friend and colleague. "She had an incredible depth of knowledge and a meticulous approach to her cases. Her clinical judgment was unmatched, and she was always willing to teach and support others in the field.”

Yet, Sharon’s legacy is not confined to her professional achievements. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 31 years, Dr. Michael Istfan, and a loving mother to her three children, Samantha, Anthony, and Christopher. Her family was her foundation, and she cherished every moment spent with them, from attending live musical theater productions to engaging in spirited discussions inspired by the diverse books she loved to read. Sharon had a gift for fostering curiosity and open-mindedness, values she instilled in her children and carried into her interactions with everyone she met.

Her impact on the community was profound. Sharon’s unwavering commitment to addressing child abuse and neglect was evident in every aspect of her career. She played a pivotal role in developing protocols to support children suffering from physical and sexual abuse and worked tirelessly to advocate for their safety and well-being. “She never boasted about her work,” her husband shared. “She simply did the job with complete dedication and compassion.” Her work has left a lasting imprint on countless lives, from the children she treated to the physicians she mentored, and her legacy continues to inspire others to protect the most vulnerable among us.

As we celebrate Dr. Sharon Istfan’s achievements, we also celebrate the spirit of a woman who lived with purpose, passion, and love. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and, in the example, she set for all of us to follow. As one of this year’s Women of Achievement, we honor not only what Sharon accomplished but also the extraordinary person she was.

Her story serves as a beacon, encouraging us to lead with compassion, to advocate for those in need, and to treasure the bonds of family and community. While her absence is deeply felt, her influence endures, lighting the way for future generations to carry forward her mission of care and advocacy.

If you are interested in donating, sponsoring or attending the Women of Achievement Luncheon March 14 from 12:00p to 1:30p at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, WV please visit our WOA page: https://www.ywcacharleston.org/woa