CHOP Urologists Awarded at Societies for Pediatric Urology Fall Congress

L to R: Maddy, Annabelle, and Caroline Canning. This September, hundreds of researchers, clinicians, and investigators from around the world attended the annual Societies for Pediatric Urology Fall Congress meeting in Houston, Texas. Among the presentations and awards, two of our CHOP Urologists received awards for their outstanding achievements in pediatric urology.

Our former chief of the Division of Urology, the late Douglas A. Canning, MD, was posthumously awarded the American Academy of Pediatrics Urology Medal, which is presented to a pediatric urologist who has made outstanding contributions to the field of pediatric urology. As the 39th recipient of this award, Dr. Canning joins the ranks of fellow giants in the field who have received the AAP Urology Medal, gaining continued recognition for his expertise in bladder and cloacal exstrophy, as well as hypospadias. He is remembered for leading one of the largest and most comprehensive pediatric urology programs in the world—having trained more than 30 fellows, well over 100 residents, and countless students during his tenure.

A presentation from Anthony Caldamone, MD, of Brown University/Hasbro Children’s Urology, memorialized Dr. Canning at the presentation of the medal. “There is no one more deserving,” says Dr. Caldamone of Dr. Canning receiving the medal. He continued, “[Doug] always focused on making a difference in the lives of others. It was never about himself…His view of pediatric urology was global, and he worked tirelessly to strive for the best possible care for every patient— locally and abroad.”

David Bloom, MD, of University of Michigan/CS Mott Children’s Urology also honored Dr. Canning’s legacy in a presentation, noting, “In the operating room, clinic, or the wards, and in conferences—Doug was sincere, selfless, and superb in all dimensions.” Of Dr. Canning’s pride in his family, Dr. Bloom described, “Doug’s best work was at home and that conveyed to work. Doug and Annabelle were a team – setting a standard for excellence in leadership, mentorship, and kindness.”

Present at the meeting were Dr. Canning’s wife, Annabelle, and their two daughters, Caroline and Maddy, who accepted the award in his honor.

Gregory E. Tasian, MD, MSc, MSCE The 2023 Presidential Leadership Award was awarded to Gregory Tasian, MD, MSc, MSCE, for his work in creating the Pediatric KIDney Stone (PKIDS) Care Improvement Network. Supported by an endowment from Patrick and Linda McKenna, The Presidential Leadership Award was developed to recognize younger pediatric urologists who have risen to the leadership level and have performed “above and beyond” in the service of pediatric urology. Started by Dr. Tasian, PKIDS is a community of patients, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers who perform collaborative studies of kidney stones. The organization just recently completed a clinical trial of surgical interventions for pediatric patients with kidney stones, who were enrolled at 30 sites in the United States and Canada.

“Greg’s work with PKIDS over the last several years has been nothing short of one the most comprehensive and collaborative multi-center studies that exist in Pediatric Urology,” says CD Anthony Herndon, MD, FACS, of the AAP Section of Urology.