05/02/2025
Meet our Dr. Lawrence C. Hawkins Tower of Strength Award honoree!
Dr. Alvin H. Crawford, Hon ’18, is a world-renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon and professor emeritus at the UC College of Medicine. The first African American graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Dr. Crawford directed Orthopedic Surgery at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for 29 years, where the Crawford Spine Center was named in his honor. He is celebrated for advancing scoliosis treatment and pediatric orthopedics globally, mentoring over 57 fellows and teaching in 43 countries.
A prolific scholar with over 200 publications, Dr. Crawford is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the AAOS Diversity Award, Scoliosis Research Society Lifetime Achievement Award, and Great Living Cincinnatian Award. He received an Honorary Degree from UC in 2018. Beyond medicine, he shares his passion for jazz as a lecturer at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music and remains active in mentorship through programs like Black Men in Medicine Cincinnati. His autobiography, The Bone Doctor’s Concerto, was published in 2023. Dr. Crawford also serves on the UC Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Learn more: https://www.alumni.uc.edu/campaigns/onyx-ruby.html
University of Cincinnati | UC Foundation | University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
