19 Aug Howard Bailey reflects on a life spent helping patients and growing research

By Doug Moe, Madison Magazine

Having been provided the opportunity to speak with Dr. Howard Bailey earlier this month in advance of his Sept. 5 retirement celebration at the Edgewater Hotel, I realize I should highlight the official accolades that accompanied his decade as director of the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.

There are many. Carbone is now fifth in the nation for cancer research funding. In 2023, Carbone was named one of America’s Best Cancer Hospitals by Newsweek. In addition, Carbone is one of 33 leading cancer centers that make up the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Yet there are things that statistics and ratings can’t measure. They can be found elsewhere — say, in Madison newspaper obituaries, where Bailey has been praised by patients’ families for his “endless compassion and guidance” and giving “unsparingly of his time.” Read more…