Dr. Whitten was honored by Children's Hospital as a distinguished alumnus.

Charles Whitten, MD, associate dean for special programs and distinguished professor of pediatrics emeritus, was chosen by the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Alumni Association as this year’s distinguished alumnus. He was honored at the 43^rd Children’s Hospital of Michigan Clinic Days, an annual pediatric conference, which paid special tribute to Dr. Whitten for his outstanding contributions to the improvement of sickle cell disease treatment and research and his achievements in medical education.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Whitten organized the Sickle Cell Clinic at Children’s Hospital and the Detroit Sickle Cell Detection and Information Program. He also conceptualized and developed Wayne State University’s post baccalaureate program to increase the pool of qualified minority applicants to the School of Medicine.

“Dr. Whitten identified a need in both sickle cell disease treatment and medical education and worked creatively and consistently to find new approaches and solutions,” said Dr. John Baker, Children’s Hospital’s chief of ophthalmology, who presented the award.

Also honored at the Clinic Days celebration was the late Margaret Couzens Slattery, for whom the Margaret Couzens Slattery Endowed Lecture has been named. Presenting the inaugural lecture, in tribute also to Dr. Whitten, was Dr. Clarice Reid, retired director of the National Institutes of Health’s Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Dr. Reid presented an historical perspective of sickle cell disease.

“Dr. Whitten was instrumental in bringing about positive changes in the perception, diagnosis and treatment of patients with sickle cell disease,” said Dr. Reid. “He has been a true pioneer and I am proud to have been associated with him for so many years.”