Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Justice Sharon L. Kennedy spoke at the Ohio State Medial Association (OSMA) Resident Fellow Section Annual Meeting about what it takes to become a leader. Approximately 50 medical students, residents, and fellows from various fields attended the event at the Ohio State Medical Association headquarters on March 23.

Justice Kennedy told the future physicians that becoming a leader is natural stepping stone that can happen when one decides to take charge.

"The decision to become a leader occurs at that moment in time when you recognize and understand a problem and know you either have the solution to the problem or know who to bring together to solve the problem," Justice Kennedy said.  "In that moment, if you ask yourself, ‘If not me, then who?' you know you are a leader."

Justice Kennedy held a question and answer session after her speech, and one student asked how leaders balance work and home life. Justice Kennedy said leadership can mean different things to each individual.

"Being a leader does not mean you have to run for public office, though someone here today might be another Dr. Terry Johnson from Scioto County," Justice Kennedy said referring to Dr. Johnson who is an osteopathic physician who became a member of the House of Representatives in 2011.

"Being a leader is about engaging with your colleagues, staff, and patients and listening to their issues and concerns and offering them suggestions on how to solve the problem or by picking up the phone calling someone who can," she added.

Justice Kennedy is serving her first term on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy served at the Butler County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division since 1999. She served as the administrative judge there from 2005 until December 2012. Justice Kennedy began her career in the justice system as a police officer in Hamilton, Ohio. She received her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.