An internationally recognized head and neck cancer researcher and faculty leader with a track record in promoting diversity has been named the new executive vice dean for academic affairs for the University of Michigan Medical School.
The Board of Regents on Thursday approved the appointment of Dr. Carol R. Bradford to the new position, effective July 1. The position will focus on the educational mission and continue to ensure the Medical School provides excellent training and mentoring for students, residents and fellows.
According to Dr. Marschall Runge, the university’s executive vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Medical School, Bradford will be part of a new leadership team structure announced last fall.
In the new role, Bradford will lead a multiyear education plan, manage and develop the Medical School administrative budget, represent the Medical School with key constituents, and assist Runge in recruitment and oversight of the chairs of clinical departments.
“Dr. Bradford has been an outstanding leader here at U-M and I’m thrilled to have her on my leadership team,” Runge says.
“Her research into the treatment of head and neck cancer has brought her international recognition and here at U-M she leads a department committed to diversifying our faculty. She will be a key part of keeping our Health System and Medical School on the frontier of medical innovation in health care and education.”
Bradford has served since 2009 as the chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery. She is the Charles J. Krause, M.D., Collegiate Professor of Otolaryngology. Otolaryngology deals with disorders of the ear, nose and throat, which include the head and neck. Bradford specializes in head and neck cancer surgery, focusing her research on identifying and evaluating biomarkers that can predict outcomes.
Bradford earned three degrees at U-M: her bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology, her medical degree and a master’s degree in microbiology-immunology. She completed her residency training in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at U-M, which included an 18-month research fellowship.
“I have been a part of the U-M community for my entire career, so I welcome this opportunity to help lead our educational mission,” says Bradford. “We have such an important task: preparing the next generation of physicians who will influence health care globally. I expect many challenges, but also many rewards.”
Bradford also was elected as the first woman president of the American Head and Neck Society in 2012 and received the 2009 Physician of the Year Award from Castle Connolly for Clinical Excellence. In 2015, she was inducted into the Institute of Medicine (National Academy of Medicine).
She presently serves on the board of directors of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and as president of the Society of University Otolaryngologists. She currently chairs the Clinical Practice Committee of the U-M Medical Group.
