August 27, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Thomas H. Howard, M.D., a University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) childhood cancer doctor and leader in pediatric oncology and blood-cancer care, is the 2008 winner of the American Cancer Society Life Inspiration Award.

Howard is a professor of pediatric hematology and oncology. In his 22 years of service at UAB and at The Children's Hospital of Alabama, he has founded and led advanced care and survivorship programs now considered vital in the Southeast.

"I've always understood the impact of childhood cancer on people and families. It's often devastating, and that's why compassion is so important," Howard said.

Howard is director of the hematology section of the UAB Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, and was division director from 1996 to early 2008.

He is credited with helping to establish UAB's experimental cancer therapeutics program for children, and with expanding the clinical offerings to include a more comprehensive psychosocial support system for patients and caregivers. Also, Howard helped develop a pediatric bone marrow transplant program and a pediatric neuro-oncology program at UAB.

Through all these developments Howard said he remains proudest of the commitment among the pediatric hematology and oncology faculty and staff toward compassionate care for children and openness with their families.

A father of two, Howard earned his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He came to UAB in the 1980s and in 2002 was named to the Hugh J. Morgan Jr. Endowed Chair for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.

Each year the American Cancer Society's Birmingham office gives out one Life Inspiration Award to a medical professional nominated for extraordinary kindness, compassion and excellence as a caregiver.