The late Arnold Gold, MD, was a New York City child neurologist and a long-term member of the Child Neurology Society, but many people will be surprised to learn that he was by birth a Texan. Gold’s foundation continues to promote his passion for humanism in medical care, supporting Gold Humanism Honor Society chapters at many medical schools, the annual white coat ceremony for new medical students, and the Gold Humanism Award at the CNS’s annual meeting. The Gold Foundation’s website describes humanism in healthcare as a respectful and compassionate approach that is sensitive to the values and the cultural backgrounds of all people. Few people exemplify these qualities as well as the 2024 Gold Humanism Award winner, Dave F. Clarke, MD.
Clarke is professor of neurology and chief of the epilepsy program at Dell Children’s Medical Center. He has published dozens of articles and held important leadership positions. His extraordinary dedication to advancing care for epilepsy around the world was recognized by the American Epilepsy Society with its 2023 J. Kiffin Penry Award.
Fewer people know about Clarke’s parallel career as a humanitarian. Although he trained in Michigan and Toronto and has spent his academic career in the United States, he has never abandoned his native Caribbean islands. The stunningly beautiful region has few medical specialists, so general physicians and nurses usually care for children with neurological disease. Tests such as EEG and MRI are not always available, and many routine medications are not on the islands’ formulary.
For almost two decades, Clarke has returned to the islands two or three times per year for weeklong free clinics, during which he sees dozens of children with epilepsy and other conditions with local practitioners. He often convinces colleagues in neuropsychology, neurology, and nursing to volunteer as well. Between patients, he finds time for lectures and bedside teaching. After returning home, he is readily available to the island physicians who call for patient care advice or for help with a difficult EEG.
Clarke’s advocacy in the region resulted in five new epilepsy drugs being added to the government’s approved drug formulary. He arranged for the donation of several EEG machines to island clinics, provided instruction about basic EEG interpretation, and arranged for technician training. His efforts represent humanism on a large scale.
