Karin Muraszko '81: Winner of the Virginia Kneeland Frantz '22 Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine

Karin Muraszko '81 was presented with the Virginia Kneeland Frantz '22 Award for Distinguished Women in Medicine at the VP&S Alumni Reunion on May 19, 2024, in New York City.

Dr. Muraszko was the first woman admitted to the neurosurgery residency at Columbia's New York Neurological Institute, followed by training there in pediatric neurosurgery. She worked for two years at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the NIH. One of the world's leading surgeons for tethered spinal cords and pediatric brain tumors, in 2005, she became the first woman in the United States to chair a pediatric neurosurgery department at the University of Michigan. She was elected in 2020 to the National Academy of Medicine in pediatric neurosurgery.

This award is a testament to the remarkable achievements of Dr. Virginia Frantz, MD 1922. Her breakthroughs significantly advanced medical research, basic science, and clinical medicine. This award recognizes an alumna of VP&S who has made significant accomplishments in scientific research or clinical care. It is a tribute to the invaluable contributions of women in medicine. Learn more about the VP&S Alumni Association’s annual awards program and submit a nomination anytime for yourself or a fellow alum.