CMU College of Medicine appoints new Chair of Surgical Disciplines

The CMU College of Medicine is pleased to announce that our own Kathleen Cowling, D.O. has accepted the Chair of Surgical Disciplines role within the College.  Dr. Cowling has been serving as the Program Director for the Emergency Medicine residency at CMU Education Partners since 2015.

Previously, Dr. Cowling served two terms as the Chief of Staff at Covenant HealthCare where she maintains attending privileges.  She also serves as a trustee for the Michigan Emergency Medicine Foundation.  “I am so honored to be selected for Chair,” said Cowling.  “The impact that the College of Medicine is having on the Mid-Michigan community is spectacular and to be part of it is awesome.”

Dr. Cowling’s passion for excellent medical care makes her an exceptional provider, professor and mentor.  She uses her knowledge and skills to prepare the next generation of outstanding physicians.  Her advocacy work includes extensive committee work with the American College of Emergency Physicians which led to serving on the Board of Directors as the secretary-treasurer, vice-president and as a candidate for president-elect.  Dr. Cowling sat on the Michigan Certificate of Need Commission under Governor Rick Snyder and has held board positions, including president, with the Michigan College of Emergency Physicians.

In 2016, Dr. Cowling’s exemplary career was recognized by the American College of Emergency Physicians when she was presented with the John A. Rupke Legacy Award.  In 2023, she was again honored for her outstanding contributions with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan College of Emergency Medicine.

“Dr. Cowling’s dedication to medicine and medical education makes her ideally suited for the Chair of Surgical Disciplines position,” stated George E. Kikano, M.D., VP of Health Affairs at CMU and Dean of the College of Medicine.  “As a physician and an educator, she has made a long-standing commitment to improving health and wellness throughout the state.  Her leadership, administrative experience and overall desire to mentor new and upcoming physicians will prove invaluable to the surgical program.”