John Howland (doctor)

American pediatrician

John Howland (1873–1926) was a pioneering American pediatrician known for his significant contributions to the field of pediatrics. He is often regarded as one of the founding figures of modern pediatrics in the United States.

Early Life and Education

John Howland was born on February 3, 1873, in New York City. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he graduated in 1894. Following his passion for medicine, Howland attended the New York University School of Medicine, earning his medical degree in 1897.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Howland began his career at the New York Hospital, where he worked as an intern. He then moved to the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where he worked under the mentorship of the renowned physician William Osler.

Johns Hopkins University

In 1912, Howland was appointed as the first full-time professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University. During his tenure, he established the Harriet Lane Home for Invalid Children, which became a leading center for pediatric care and research. Howland's work at Johns Hopkins laid the foundation for the development of pediatrics as a distinct medical specialty.

John Howland, 1957

Contributions to Pediatrics

John Howland made numerous contributions to the field of pediatrics. He was instrumental in advancing the understanding of pediatric diseases and was a strong advocate for the importance of specialized care for children. Howland's research focused on metabolic diseases in children, and he was particularly interested in conditions such as rickets and cystic fibrosis.

Research and Innovations

Howland's research on rickets led to significant advancements in the understanding of the disease and its treatment. He was among the first to recognize the importance of vitamin D in preventing and treating rickets. His work laid the groundwork for the development of vitamin D supplementation as a standard treatment for the disease.

Legacy

John Howland's legacy in the field of pediatrics is profound. He is remembered not only for his clinical and research contributions but also for his role in shaping the future of pediatric education. The American Pediatric Society honors his memory with the John Howland Award, which is considered one of the highest honors in the field of pediatrics.

Related Pages

• Pediatrics
• Johns Hopkins University
• William Osler
• Rickets
• Cystic fibrosis