At this year's Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) meeting in Honolulu, the American Pediatric Society recognized Dr. Bonnie Ramsey with the prestigious John Howland Award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. Several people from the Department of Pediatrics attended the award gala on April 27 to recognize her significant contributions to advancing child health.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Ramsey brought potential treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) from early development to clinical care, changing the course of the disease and how it is treated. Her research has significantly improved the life expectancy and outlook for children with CF. Her contributions also led to a radical drop in the number of lung transplants needed for CF patients and a significant reduction in patients being hospitalized.
“She's changed the dynamic when a parent hears that their child is born and has cystic fibrosis, it's not the same anymore,” said Dr. Leslie R. Walker, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, in a tribute video showcasing the tremendous impact of Dr. Ramsey's work. "She's changed the whole game in cystic fibrosis."
At the gala, Dr. Ramsey was honored for her dedication to finding ways to improve outcomes for children with CF and her leadership as a researcher, clinician, and mentor. One of her long-time patients also attended the gala and spoke in the video about Dr. Ramsey's dedication to helping her live an active and full life with CF.
Some photos from the gala are included below.
