The world of fetal medicine has lost one of its most influential and compassionate leaders. Lori J. Howell, DNP, MS, RN, the former Executive Director for the Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment (CFDT) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), passed away on January 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Howell dedicated her life to improving the care and outcomes of families facing birth defects. She was a pioneer in the field of fetal treatment, from its inception to its current state of excellence. She was also a mentor, a researcher, a visionary, and a friend to many.
A Trailblazer in Fetal Surgery
Lori J. Howell began her career as a nurse at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she developed the pediatric pain management, tracheostomy and clean intermittent catheterization programs. She also became the first fetal surgery nurse coordinator for UCSF’s nascent fetal program, working alongside Dr. N. Scott Adzick, who would later become the Surgeon-in-Chief at CHOP.
In 1995, Lori and Dr. Adzick moved to CHOP to establish the CFDT, the first and largest center of its kind in the world. The CFDT provides comprehensive care for pregnant women carrying fetuses with complex congenital anomalies, such as spina bifida, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, twin-twin transfusion syndrome, and many others.
Howell was instrumental in building the multidisciplinary team of the CFDT, which includes specialists from maternal-fetal medicine, fetal surgery, neonatology, genetics, radiology, nursing, social work, and psychology. She also developed innovative and personalized patient care approaches, such as the fetal family team conference, the fetal family handbook, and the fetal family website.
Lori J. Howell was a co-investigator on many research studies that advanced the field of fetal treatment, such as the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), a landmark clinical trial that showed that fetal surgery for spina bifida results in significantly improved outcomes compared to postnatal repair. She also championed the importance of long-term follow-up for fetal surgery patients, establishing the CFDT Outcomes Database and the Fetal Family Follow-up Program.
READ ALSO:- Piju Spiteri Dies at 84: His Son Reuben Pays Tribute to the Texas Band Co-Founder and Producer
A Visionary in Fetal Delivery
One of Howell’s most remarkable achievements was the creation of the Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit (SDU), the world’s first birth facility in a pediatric hospital specifically designed for healthy mothers carrying babies with known birth defects. The SDU, which opened in 2008, allows mothers to deliver their babies in the same hospital where they will receive immediate and specialized care.
The SDU has delivered more than 4,000 babies with complex conditions, such as congenital heart defects, airway anomalies, and skeletal dysplasias. The SDU has also reduced the need for emergency transport, improved neonatal outcomes, and enhanced family bonding.
Lori J. Howell was the driving force behind the SDU, from its conception to its operation. She oversaw the design, construction, staffing, and policies of the unit, ensuring that it met the highest standards of safety, quality, and comfort. She also fostered a culture of collaboration, compassion, and excellence among the SDU team, which includes obstetricians, anesthesiologists, neonatologists, nurses, and support staff.
A Leader and a Mentor
Howell was not only a clinical innovator, but also a leader and a mentor to many. She was the inaugural Executive Director of the CFDT, a role she held until 2022, when she stepped down to focus on her health. She was also a Professor of Clinical Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, where she taught and mentored many students and faculty.
Lori J. Howell was widely respected and admired by her colleagues, both at CHOP and around the world. She was a founding member and past president of the International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society, a prestigious organization of fetal therapy experts. She was also a frequent speaker and consultant on fetal medicine topics, sharing her knowledge and experience with others.
Lori received many awards and honors for her contributions to fetal medicine, such as the Distinguished Alumna Award from the University of California, San Francisco, the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Society of Pediatric Nurses, and the Visionary Award from the Fetal Health Foundation.
READ ALSO:- Joel Popp Obituary and Death: A Heroic State Trooper Who Died in the Line of Duty
Lori J. Howell’s Family, Spouse and Friends
Howell was more than a colleague to many; she was a friend and a family member. She had a warm and caring personality, a generous and compassionate spirit, and a genuine and sincere smile. She was always supportive, encouraging, and helpful to those around her. She was also fun-loving, adventurous, and joyful, enjoying traveling, skiing, hiking, and spending time with her loved ones.
Lori J. Howell is survived by her husband, John, her children, Ryan and Kelly, her grandchildren, Avery and Jack, her siblings, Linda, Jim, and Bob, and many other relatives and friends. She is also remembered by thousands of fetal families who benefited from her care and dedication.
Lori was a pioneering force in fetal medicine, a trailblazer in fetal surgery, a visionary in fetal delivery, a leader and a mentor in fetal research and education, and a friend and a family member to many. She left behind a legacy of innovation, excellence, and compassion that will continue to inspire and impact generations to come.
No Responses Yet