In a remarkable recognition of their outstanding contributions to medical science, three distinguished faculty members from the University of Michigan Medical School have been inducted into the National Academy of Medicine. This prestigious honor is awarded to individuals who have made significant advancements in medical sciences, healthcare, and public health.
Among the 100 esteemed honorees are Dee E. Fenner, Lisa Hope Harris, and Frederick Kofi Korley, joining a legacy of excellence with 83 other current, former, and late faculty members from the University of Michigan who have previously been honored.
Dee E. Fenner
Elizabeth Bates Professor of Diseases of Women and Children, chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of urology, Medical School
Renowned for her research on fecal incontinence in aging and postpartum women, Dee E. Fenner has been a trailblazer in the rehabilitation and repair of postpartum perineal damage. Her expertise in defecation disorders, surgical education, and reconstructive surgery has earned her national recognition.
Fenner’s recent induction is a testament to her leadership in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Previously, she was named “Continence Champion” by the National Association for Continence in 2011 and received numerous other honors, including the Sarah Goddard Power Award in 2015 and the 2019 Rudi Ansbacher Leadership Award for Support of Women in Healthcare.
In 2024, she was honored with the inaugural Bucksbaum Institute Award for her commitment to clinical excellence and enhancing doctor-patient relationships.
Lisa Hope Harris
Arthur F. Thurnau Professor; George E. Wantz Professor of Interdisciplinary Enrichment in Medicine, professor of obstetrics and gynecology, director, Center for History, Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Ethics in Medicine, Medical School; professor of women’s and gender studies, director, Health Sciences Scholars Program, LSA
Lisa Hope Harris is celebrated for her work in bioethics and interdisciplinary approaches to reproductive healthcare. Her efforts to bridge divides on contentious healthcare topics, such as abortion, have been particularly noted.
A specialist in miscarriage management and family planning, Harris has spearheaded numerous clinical and educational innovations at Michigan Medicine. Her teaching career spans over two decades, educating undergraduates in Women’s and Gender Studies alongside her roles at the Medical School, Law School, and School of Public Health.
Her influential research focuses on conscience-based healthcare provision, physician communication strategies on divisive issues, and understanding abortion stigma. Harris co-chaired a 2022 U-M taskforce on abortion access and has been recognized with awards such as the Bernard Lo Award in Bioethics and the Outstanding Researcher Award from the Society of Family Planning.
Frederick Kofi Korley
Professor of emergency medicine, associate chair for research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical School
Frederick Kofi Korley’s recognition stems from his pioneering research in emergency medicine and his mentorship in clinical trials. Identified as an “international leader in emergency medicine” by the National Academy of Medicine, his work in biomarker research has led to new diagnostics and therapeutics for traumatic brain injury, including a groundbreaking blood test.
Holding four patents for biofluid-based biomarkers, Korley’s contributions have been instrumental in advancing the field. He has been recognized for leading the first NIH R38 training program for emergency medicine residents and has served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on Accelerating Progress in Traumatic Brain Injury Research and Care.
Korley’s accolades include the 2021 Society of Academic Emergency Medicine Mid-Career Investigator Award and his election to the American Society of Clinical Investigators.
