Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick received the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute Lifetime Achievement Award. It is the highest honor awarded by the W. Montague Cobb Health Institute. Dr. Frederick was honored at the Opening Program of the National Medical Association Convention & Scientific Assembly late last month. This award recognized Dr. Frederick for his longstanding commitment to scientific excellence, his fervor as a leader in addressing bias in healthcare and medical education, as well as his impact on medical research.
“As I humbly accept this award, I am reminded of the power Howard University’s faculty and staff have in advocating for resources and services that create a healthier and more equitable society. This prestigious recognition serves as a reminder that our work in healthcare as well as education, can make tangible impact on people’s lives. Like the phenomenal physician for which this award is named after, I will continue to champion diversity and inclusivity in healthcare and strive to break down barriers that adversely affect far too many within our communities,” Dr. Frederick said when accepting the award..
This past spring, Wayne A. I. Frederick informed the board of trustees of Howard University that he plan to retire from the presidency by June 2024. Dr. Frederick, who had been serving as provost, was named interim president in 2013 and assumed the permanent position in 2014. He has spent 34 years at Howard as a student, faculty member, administrator, and president.
A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Frederick enrolled at Howard University when he was 16 years old. In six years, he earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees. He completed his surgical residency at Howard and then was a surgical oncology fellow at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Frederick also holds an MBA from the School of Business at Howard University.
