Dr. Cynthia Howard Presented Gold Headed Cane Award

Dr. Cynthia Howard Presented Gold Headed Cane Award

The U of M Medical School Department of Pediatrics Presents this Award to Faculty Members for a Lifetime of Achievement

Recognized as a symbol of excellence among physicians, the Gold Headed Cane has been presented by the Department of Pediatrics to over 40 Minnesota pediatricians since its initiation in 1972. Dr. Cynthia Howard was named its 44th recipient and celebrated during Pediatric Grand Rounds on March 27, 2024.

As co-founder of Global Pediatrics at University of Minnesota in 2005, Dr. Howard’s multi-generational and interdisciplinary impact across education, advocacy, service, and research is incalculable. Since 2006, nearly 160 residents have completed the global health track; about 30% of residents complete a global elective now. Recognizing that global health starts at home, she has expanded our healthcare community to care for the whole world of children. Her co-founder, Dr. Chandy John illustrates Dr. Howard’s legacy in his Visiting Scholar talk “Changing the world one person at a time: a tribute to Cindy Howard.”

In addition to multiple department, Medical School, and hospital system awards, Dr. Howard has been recognized with honors including American Academy of Pediatrics Section of International Child Health Hillman-Olness Award, Health Volunteers Overseas Golden Apple Award, Consortium of Universities for Global Health Drs. Anvar and Pari Velji Global Health Education Award, and American Academy of Pediatrics Outstanding Educator Award.

Past Gold Headed Cane winners Drs. F. Blanton Bessinger, Patricia Ferrieri, Dana Johnson, James Moller, and Paul Quie joined the March 27 event to welcome Dr. Cindy Howard as the newest honoree.

Hear more from Dr. Howard about her work.