“In my 15 years of training pediatric surgeons, Dr. Maloney is the best of the best.” 

Amy Wagner, MD

40 Under 40

Children’s Wisconsin is proud to share that Caroline Maloney, MD, PhD, Pediatric Surgeon at Children’s Wisconsin and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, has been named one of Milwaukee’s 2026 40 Under 40. 

The Milwaukee Business Journal’s annual 40 Under 40 Award spotlights young professionals who are going above and beyond to shape their organizations and communities.

Dr. Maloney joined Children’s Wisconsin as a Pediatric Surgery Fellow in 2023. She has played an instrumental role in developing the Thoracic Robotic Surgery Program at Children’s Wisconsin and is responsible for the growth of minimally invasive surgery at Children’s Wisconsin and improved outcomes for countless children. Dr. Maloney’s surgical practice and laboratory at Children’s Wisconsin has already been successful, as a leader in the field of surgical oncology and in the competitive world of grant applications.

“In my 15 years of training pediatric surgeons, Dr. Maloney is the best of the best,” said Amy Wagner, MD, Pediatric General Surgeon. “I have no doubt that she will not only continue in her career to personally help and save the lives of thousands of children in the Milwaukee area, but to also make an impact and improve the way we treat pediatric cancer to save the lives of pediatric cancer patients all over the world.”

Her dedication to innovation, compassionate patient care and advancement of surgical techniques elevate the standard of pediatric treatment. Her success will undoubtedly allow us at Children’s Wisconsin, and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), to recruit additional promising surgeon scientists.  She hosted an undergraduate student this past summer allowing them to gain experience in her lab, which she plans to continue. She also mentors young physician scientists and medical students at MCW, specifically as an active participant in AMWA, the American Medical Women’s Association.  

What’s most impressive about Dr. Maloney is not just what she has accomplished, but how she has accomplished her achievements — with kindness, humility and grace.