Children’s HealthNovember 25, 2025

By Tricia Tomiyoshi

**(SACRAMENTO) **

Amy Powne, a pediatric surgery nurse practice manager with UC Davis Health, was honored with the 2025 Lori J. Howell Excellence in Fetal Nursing Award at this month’s North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet) meeting.

Amy Powne, right, receives award with fetal nurse Katie Francis.

In her role in the Fetal Care and Treatment Center, Powne guides families through the challenges of prenatal diagnosis, fetal intervention and planning for complex postnatal care for their children.

“This is an extraordinary and deeply well-deserved honor,” said Payam Saadai, interim co-chief of the Division of Pediatric General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery in the UC Davis Department of Surgery. “Amy’s commitment to our patients, families, and pediatric surgery and fetal team elevates our program every day. Amy, we could not be more proud of you.”

This international award is given to an individual who embodies the level of excellence in fetal nursing that Lori J. Howell brought to the field as recognized by their physician colleagues. Howell, who died last year, was a nationally known leader and mentor who defined the currently known role of fetal nurse coordinator. This award honors nursing colleagues in the field of fetal diagnosis and treatment.

The award recognizes significant contributions made in the following areas:

• Excellence in patient care
• Access to care
• Innovation
• Commitment to nursing

Award nominations are reviewed by NAFTNet’s physician board of directors, which includes maternal fetal medicine specialists and fetal surgeons.