Charles Howell

Charles Howell serves as the Moretz/Mansberger Distinguished Chair of Surgery and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia, Department of Surgery with specialization in Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery. He concurrently holds leadership roles as Co-Medical Director of the Children's Hospital of Georgia and Co-Director of the Perioperative Executive Team at Georgia Regents Medical Center, having pioneered the hospital's ECMO program since 1985 which has saved over 500 children.

His educational foundation includes a BS in Biology from Valdosta State University (1970) and MD from Medical College of Georgia (1973), followed by General Surgery residency (1978) and Pediatric Surgery fellowships at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Board certifications encompass General Surgery (1980), Pediatric Surgery (1984), and Georgia State Medical Examiners license (1974).

Dr. Howell's research revolutionizes pediatric surgical care through neonatal ECMO protocols, congenital anomaly management, and surgical informatics. His work spans gastroschisis repair, magnet ingestion complications, Müllerian duct syndromes, and electronic medical record optimization for resident education. The Children's Hospital of Georgia ECMO program under his leadership represents a national model for pediatric critical care innovation.

Recent publications (2013-2016) demonstrate consistent contributions to pediatric surgical literature, with emphasis on rare congenital conditions and healthcare system improvements. Article analysis reveals strong focus on translational research bridging clinical practice and technological innovation in surgical education.

Major recognitions include:

• Professionalism Award, Medical College of Georgia (2015)
• Outstanding Clinical Science Young Faculty Award (1985)
• American Cancer Society Clinical Fellowship (1980)
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (1972)
• Black Key Honor Society (1970)

Administrative leadership spans departmental reorganization (adding Acute Care Surgery Service), Digestive Health Center development with Drs. Madaio and Rao, and successful $6 million Ronald McDonald House campaign. He chaired the CEO Search Committee, served as President/CEO of MCG Physicians Practice Group (1991-92), and directs multiple standing committees including Adult OR Committee and Children's Hospital OR Committee.

The Perioperative Executive Team under his co-direction integrates surgical services across Georgia Regents Medical Center, while his role in establishing the Children's Hospital of Georgia (1998) cemented regional pediatric surgical infrastructure. Current committee appointments include Surgery Educational Leadership, RAP Committee, and Ronald McDonald House Board membership (2013-present).