Dr. Susan Berry, Geneticist and Advocate, Awarded the 2025 Gold Headed Cane

Since 1972, the Department of Pediatrics has presented the Gold Headed Cane to pediatricians in recognition of their exceptional contributions to pediatric care and education. Susan Berry, MD, was named its 45th recipient and celebrated during Pediatric Grand Rounds on April 2, 2025.
Dr. Berry has provided over four decades of dedicated service to the Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, and the University of Minnesota through exceptional leadership in promotion and tenure, research, education, and governance committees. 

Dr. Berry's impact can be seen across the hundreds of learners she has taught over her tenure — physicians, students, genetic counselors, and early career faculty. A nationally recognized expert, Dr. Berry cares for both children and adults, focusing on improving diagnosis and care for inborn errors of metabolism as well as long-term effects related to these rare disorders. In 2021, she led Masonic Children’s Hospital to be named a National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Center of Excellence, one of only 30 centers nationally to achieve this status. 

Beyond the University, Dr. Berry has devoted countless hours to service and advocacy for pediatric genetics. She has been an advocate for newborn screening at both the state and national levels, lobbied in Washington for payment for specialized formulas for children with inborn metabolic disorders, and advanced the treatment of many diseases, particularly urea cycle disorders. She is an exceptional clinician, respected by her peers and loved by her patients.

Past Gold Headed Cane winners, Drs. Patricia Ferrieri and Dana Johnson joined the event on April 2 to welcome Dr. Susan Berry as the newest honoree.