Joy Hawkins
MD ’78 ’81
Biography
Joy Hawkins, MD ’78 ’81, a prominent figure in Anesthesiology, graduated as valedictorian from the Charter Class of the Texas A&M University College of Medicine. She pursued specialized training in Anesthesiology, completing residencies and fellowships in Obstetric Anesthesia and Critical Care in Houston. Joining the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine, she served as Residency Program Director before moving to the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1992 with her husband, Randall Clark, MD.
During her tenure at the University of Colorado, Dr. Hawkins has served as a Professor of Anesthesiology and held various leadership roles within the Department of Anesthesiology, including Division Director of Obstetric Anesthesia and Vice-Chair of Education and Residency Program Director. She has been recognized as a Denver “Top Doctor” by 5280 magazine on multiple occasions, including one year as their cover model!
Dr. Hawkins’ expertise in anesthetic management during pregnancy is renowned, and she is sought after as a lecturer and educator both nationally and internationally. Her commitment to advancing Anesthesiology extends beyond the classroom and operating room, as evidenced by her leadership roles in prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP).
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Hawkins is a devoted mother to two accomplished daughters, Catherine and Victoria. Catherine is a PhD astronomer at NASA's Cal Tech and the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, CA, while Victoria is an attorney at Covington Burrell in Washington, DC.
Dr. Joy Hawkins’ legacy in Anesthesiology is marked by her unwavering commitment to excellence, education, and patient care, making her a respected figure in her field and beyond.