The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) has named R. Rodney Howell, MD, Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Chairman Emeritus of Pediatrics, and Member of the Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine—as the first recipient of its new, annual Advocacy Award.
This award honors individuals or groups who have exhibited excellence and achievement in applications of human genetics for the common good, in areas such as facilitating public awareness of genetics issues, promoting funding for biomedical research, and integrating genetics into health systems.
Throughout his career, Dr. Howell has led varied efforts to leverage biomedical and genetic advances to improve public health. He has held leadership positions with the Muscular Dystrophy Association since the 1980s, as Chairman of its Genetics Task Force from 1983-1989, as Chairman of its Scientific Advisory Board from 1989-2007, and as Chairman of its Board of Directors since 2007. In these roles, he advocated for the research and improved care of people with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases, and in 2007 helped the organization establish a formal National Advocacy Office.
For these achievements and others, Dr. Howell has received numerous awards, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Duke University Medical Alumni Association (2007) and from ACMG (2012), as well as the March of Dimes Colonel Harland D. Sanders Lifetime Achievement Award in Genetics (2013).
(Provided by American Society of Human Genetics)
