Director, Pediatric Neurosurgery, John Hopkins Hospital
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1994
Citation:
As a highly respected, dedicated and accomplished pediatric neurosurgeon, you have distinguished yourself as "one of the acknowledged miracle workers of modern medicine." You were one of the youngest directors to head a hospital surgical division when you were appointed Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In 1987, you received international acclaim for leading a surgical team of 70 doctors, nurses and technicians during a successful 22-hour operation to separate a pair of Siamese twins. You perform numerous other delicate surgical procedures, and your successful outcomes with children have earned you the high regard of your medical colleagues. Beyond your current accomplishments, you relentlessly pursue research activities to discover better therapeutic approaches. Coming from humble beginnings in Detroit, you have exceeded all boundaries in achieving your lifelong dream of becoming a physician. Through your commitment to education and hard work, you have become a role model for young people. Your commitment to excellence is exemplified by your teaching and research responsibilities and your membership on numerous professional boards and committees. You have received countless honors and awards, including Morehouse University's Candle Award, Ebony magazine's American Black Achievement Award and the University of Massachusetts' Chancellor's Award, as well as six honorary doctorate degrees. In recognition of your illustrious career in medicine and as an exemplary role model for today's youth, University of Detroit Mercy is proud to confer upon you an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 14, 1994.