FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2027
American Pediatric Society Honors Dr. Steven H. Abman with 2027 APS John Howland Award
October 29, 2027 – The American Pediatric Society (APS) proudly announces Steven H. Abman, MD, as the recipient of the 2027 APS John Howland Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Society. Widely regarded as the most prestigious recognition in academic pediatrics, the award celebrates Dr. Abman’s extraordinary contributions to advancing child health and the field of pediatrics.
Established in 1952 to honor clinician-scientist John Howland, MD, the APS John Howland Award annually recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to pediatrics. Dr. Abman will be formally honored during the APS Presidential Plenary at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2027 Meeting, taking place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 29 through May 3, 2027.
Dr. Abman, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Pediatric Heart Lung Center at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, is internationally recognized as one of the world’s foremost leaders in neonatal and pediatric pulmonary vascular disease. Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, he has transformed the understanding and treatment of pulmonary hypertension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and developmental lung diseases. His pioneering investigations helped define the role of endogenous nitric oxide in the transition of the pulmonary circulation at birth and contributed to landmark clinical studies that established inhaled nitric oxide as a life-saving therapy for newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. His groundbreaking work linking pulmonary vascular development to lung growth helped establish the “vascular hypothesis” of lung development, fundamentally changing the field’s understanding of neonatal lung disease.
“Dr. Abman exemplifies the spirit of the John Howland Award through his transformative scientific discoveries, visionary leadership, and unwavering devotion to improving the lives of children,” said Tamera Coyne-Beasley, MD, MPH, President of the American Pediatric Society. “His pioneering work has revolutionized the care of newborns and children with pulmonary vascular diseases, while his extraordinary commitment to mentorship, care for humanity and collaboration has inspired generations of pediatric investigators and clinicians around the world.”
Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Dr. Abman has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing pediatric research, education, and clinical care. He founded the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNet) in 2008 and led its growth into the world’s largest scientific, clinical, and advocacy organization dedicated to pediatric pulmonary hypertension. He also co-founded the Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Collaborative, a global network that has become a leading force in research, clinical care, education, and advocacy for infants with chronic lung disease. Through these efforts, Dr. Abman has brought together multidisciplinary teams across institutions and disciplines to improve outcomes for children with complex cardiopulmonary disorders.
Dr. Abman’s influence extends far beyond his own research program. An internationally respected mentor and educator, he has trained and inspired generations of physician-scientists whose work continues to advance the field of pediatrics. His commitment to developing future leaders was recognized through the Society for Pediatric Research Maureen Andrew Mentorship Award and further honored when the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network established the Steven Abman Annual PPHNet Leadership Award in recognition of his lasting impact on trainees and colleagues.
“I am deeply grateful to Maureen Andrew’s family, Hugh O’Brodovich, and the Society for Pediatric Research for their support of the mentorship award, which has always meant so much to me. I am equally appreciative of my colleagues in Finland for honoring me with the Arvo Ylppö Award,” said Dr. Abman.
Throughout his career, Dr. Abman has provided distinguished service to national and international medical organizations. He served as the President of the American Pediatric Society during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During his presidency, he fostered collaboration, mentorship, and community across academic pediatrics while guiding the Society through a period of significant change and growth. He also served as Co-Chair of the landmark American Heart Association/American Thoracic Society Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Guidelines and has played pivotal leadership roles in shaping international research and clinical care standards. Most recently, he was named Co-Chair of the Lancet Commission on the Future of Neonatology.
Among his many honors, Dr. Abman has received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the American Thoracic Society, the Mary Ellen Avery Award from APS and the Society for Pediatric Research, the Robert F. Grover Prize from the American Thoracic Society Pulmonary Circulation Assembly, and numerous international recognitions for his contributions to pediatric research and child health.
APS looks forward to celebrating Dr. Abman’s achievements at the PAS 2027 Meeting, where his remarkable career, scientific vision, and enduring commitment to children will continue to inspire the next generation of pediatric leaders.
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About the American Pediatric Society
The American Pediatric Society (APS) founded in 1888 as the first pediatric society in North America, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening academic pediatrics. Through its mission to expand the workforce, nurture leaders, and develop innovative approaches to address child and adolescent health challenges, APS engages over 1,800 distinguished members who are recognized for their extraordinary achievements. Together, they work to advance the future of child health and the profession of pediatrics. For more information, please visit aps1888.org, and follow us on Facebook and X.
Media Contact:
Lisa Thompson
American Pediatric Society
(346) 980-9707
lthompson@aps1888.org
