The Medical School has appointed Dr. Carol Bradford as the new chair of the Department of Otolaryngology beginning Jan. 1, pending approval by the Board of Regents.
Prior to the new appointment, Bradford was director of the Head and Neck Surgery Division, co-director of the Head and Neck Oncology Program, and associate chair of the Department of Otolaryngology for clinical programs and education.
“It is a testament to the strength of the faculty at the University of Michigan Medical School that we were able to find such a superbly qualified department chair from within our ranks,” says Dr. James Woolliscroft, dean and Lyle C. Roll Professor of Medicine at the Medical School. “Dr. Bradford is one of the top head and neck surgeons in the country, and she will be an exceptional leader for the Department of Otolaryngology.”
Bradford specializes in head and neck cancers, including the removal of skin cancer and reconstructive surgery. Her research focuses on identifying and evaluating biomarkers that can predict outcomes in head and neck cancer patients, and developing therapies to combat certain types of head and neck cancer.
As co-director of the Head and Neck Oncology Program in the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bradford helped to advance it from a small program with a few members to one with 30 members from 10 departments and five schools.
“I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to lead such a wonderful department,” Bradford says. “My vision is that ours will be the most sought-after otolaryngology department in the country, known for its innovative training of clinicians and researchers, and for exemplary patient-centered ear, nose and throat care.”
Bradford has had ties to U-M for many years. She began her academic career at the University, and earned a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology in 1982. She followed that with master’s and medical degrees at U-M. Following her residency at U-M, she was named an assistant professor of otolaryngology in 1992 and promoted to professor in 2004.
Bradford replaces Dr. Gregory Wolf, who has stepped down as chair but will continue his research and clinical work at U-M.
