Newswise — DETROIT – Kathleen Yaremchuk, M.D., chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Henry Ford Health System, was announced as the 2020 Helen F. Krause, MD Trailblazer Award recipient by Women In Otolaryngology (WIO).

The announcement was published in the August issue of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery magazine. Each year, the award recognizes an individual who has furthered the interests of women in the field of otolaryngology.  As one of the few female otolaryngology chairs, Dr. Yaremchuk is an outstanding role model and mentor to current and aspiring female otolaryngologists.

Dr. Yaremchuk was recognized for her efforts to further the interests of women in otolaryngology. She has served as Chair of the Society of University Otolaryngologists Gender Disparity committee and Chair of the AAO-HNS/F Section for Women in Otolaryngology. In addition, Dr. Yaremchuk has published multiple articles addressing and highlighting the importance of women in the specialty. She was noted as a mentor and advocate for female residents and faculty members by supporting their interests. Because of her influence and accomplishments, she has provided experience and exposure opportunities to help further their careers.

In addition, Dr. Yaremchuk has held multiple leadership positions in local, national and international professional societies, published numerous peer reviewed articles and book chapters, edited several books and journals, and has lectured nationally and internationally.

In February, Dr. Yaremchuk was appointed to a two-year term as chair of Henry Ford Medical Group’s Board of Governors, making her the first female physician in its history to serve in this role. Henry Ford Medical Group, founded in 1915, is one of the foremost group practices in the nation, comprising 1,900 physicians and researchers across 40 specialties.  

Dr. Yaremchuk is also the first physician to serve as chair of the Henry Ford Health System Board of Directors’ Patient Safety and Quality Committee, which works to ensure the highest quality of care for all of Henry Ford Health System patients. She has also served on the Physician Advisory Committee for the National Committee for Quality Assurance and on the National Quality Forum task force for ambulatory measures.