Gloria Kuhn, D.O., Ph.D., professor of Emergency Medicine for the Wayne State University School of Medicine, received the Advancement of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine Award from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Kuhn, vice chair of Academic Affairs for the WSU Department of Emergency Medicine, received the award in May during the society's annual meeting in San Diego.
"Having been involved with the Academy for Women in Academic Emergency Medicine and been chosen to be the lead author of the manuscript 'Recommendations from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Taskforce on Women in Academic Emergency Medicine' has been one of the most satisfying experiences of my career," said Dr. Kuhn, an attending physician at the Detroit Medical Center. "This recognition and honor is something I will treasure all of my life."
The Farmington Hills resident has served on several SAEM committees and served as president of the AWAEM in 2012. She is known for her commitment to advancing careers for women in medicine.
"Women have a great deal to contribute to medicine, and supporting the recruitment and retention of these bright and dedicated physicians is crucial," Dr. Kuhn said. "When I entered medicine there were few women in the field and some of my male colleagues sincerely questioned whether women had the intellectual capacity and strength that would allow them to practice medicine effectively. Those questions would never be asked today.
"Women have demonstrated their competencies and capabilities as physicians," she added. "Almost 50 percent of medical classes are made up of women. They work side-by-side with their male colleagues, as equals. They have arrived and earned their place in the profession of medicine. If I have helped in some small way, I am grateful for having had the opportunity to advocate for them."
In 2012, Dr. Kuhn received the School of Medicine's inaugural Women in Medicine and Science Leadership Award. The awards is presented to an individual who has supported and brought recognition to women faculty members or activities for women faculty, and was created to recognize those who, by their leadership, have specifically promoted the advancement of women faculty members.