By Brittany Bailer
We are proud to announce Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, has received the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute Lifetime Achievement Award. It is the highest distinguished award from the W. Montague Cobb Health Institute and was presented at the Opening Program of the National Medical Association Convention & Scientific Assembly on July 29th 2023. This award recognizes 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.
Frederick has advanced Howard Universityâs commitment to student opportunity, academic innovation, public service, and fiscal stability. He has overseen a series of reform efforts, including the expansion of academic offerings, establishing innovative programs to support student success and the modernization of university facilities.
âAs 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,â said Frederick.
Frederick received his B.S and M.D. from Howard University. Following his post-doctoral research and surgical oncology fellowships at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Frederick began his academic career as associate director of the cancer center at the University of Connecticut. Upon his return to Howard University, his academic positions included associate dean in the College of Medicine, division chief in the Department of Surgery, director of the Cancer Center and deputy provost for Health Sciences. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from Howard Universityâs School of Business in 2011.
Frederick is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, abstracts, and editorials and is a widely recognized expert on disparities in healthcare and medical education. His medical research focuses on narrowing racial, ethnic and gender disparities in cancer-care outcomes, especially pertaining to gastrointestinal cancers.
Frederick was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Humana Inc. He is a member of various surgical and medical associations including the American Surgical Association and the American College of Surgeons.
In 2017, he was named âWashingtonian of the Yearâ by Washingtonian magazine and in 2015 was named âMale President of the Yearâ by HBCU Digest.