In a recent email home from what her father Dom Howse likens to the “dark side of the moon,” Dr. Dawn Howse wrote, “I don’t believe in miracles, I depend on them every day.” In recognition of her selfless service and dedication to the people of Zimbabwe, Dr. Howse has been named 2003 recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, by the Alumni Association of Memorial University of Newfoundland. On Oct. 16 at the Alumni Tribute Awards in St. John’s Dr. Howse’s parents accepted the award on her behalf.

Even contact by telephone is tenuous. Over a time-delayed and often broken line in September, Dr. Howse (B.Med.Sci.’76, MD’78) recounted the details of her story. Seventeen years ago, in 1986, after seven years of medicine in rural Newfoundland, she made a life changing decision. She became a Salvation Army Officer, studied tropical medicine and moved to Zimbabwe. Very quickly after arriving there Dr. Howse had to master procedures such as C-sections and bowel surgery all while learning the rudiments of the Shona language.

In 1992 Dr. Howse was appointed chief medical officer at the 101-bed Salvation Army Tshelanyemba Hospital in a sparsely populated semi-arid region. Serving 35,000 people, mainly subsistence farmers, Dr. Howse faces daily the human impact of living in a country devastated by HIV/AIDS where “family disintegration has become an epidemic.” But she says there are bright spots. Just prior to taking this telephone call she delivered by section “a beautiful, healthy baby.” And finally after many years delay, the anti-viral HIV treatment, commonly available in North America, will be available to local victims.

Not only is Dr. Howse the sole medical doctor, surgeon and CEO of the hospital –

a role which she says Memorial did a great deal to prepare her for – but she is also responsible for three outlying clinics. If she could leave behind a legacy for this community she would like it to be “reducing the transmission of HIV to mothers and infants,” by reaching as many people as possible with counselling and a positive message of how a healthy lifestyle can help alleviate the disease and prevent its progression.

Unable to attend the October ceremonies, Dr. Howse sent home this message over the crackling wire: “Despite being a person who enjoys solitude, I’ve learned that life is enriched by relationships. I value the relationships that I’ve developed here and the people I work with and serve. But I also value deeply my relationships with my family, friends and colleagues at home. And I want them to know that their support means a great deal to me.”