Kathy Umlauf, residency and fellowship coordinator for the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, has won the 2022 Rosemarie L. Fisher, MD, Excellence in Graduate Medical Education (GME) Award.
During her tenure as program coordinator, Umlauf consistently models excellent professionalism and people skills. She has maintained ongoing participation and collaboration as a member of the monthly GME Office program coordinator meetings. She has developed a reputation for strongly advocating for her department’s residents, who have given her the nickname “Ortho Mom” because she always makes herself available to listen, help, and offer support when they need it the most.
Umlauf, who is in her 40th year at Yale, has served as the program coordinator for the Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program since 2001.
“Receiving this award is amazing and a true honor, especially knowing that the nomination came from the faculty and residents with whom I have worked closely,” Umlauf said. “When I started in this department, Dr. Jonathan Grauer, who is now our Spine Division Section Chief, was among the graduating residents. I am proud to have been a part of 20 subsequent graduating classes.”
I always felt like the residents were a part of my family and I’ve treated them as such. In a role like mine, trust is critical. I am fortunate to be part of the lives of our residents for five years, so working to build a bond with each of them has always been very important to me.
Kathy Umlauf
“I always felt like the residents were a part of my family and I’ve treated them as such,” she continued. “In a role like mine, trust is critical. I am fortunate to be part of the lives of our residents for five years, so working to build a bond with each of them has always been very important to me.”
Kathy’s long-term dedication and outstanding performance as the program coordinator was detailed in a nomination letter collectively signed by the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, which spoke to why she is well deserving of this recognition.
“Kathy is the heart and soul of our training programs,” the letter says. “She is an outstanding communicator with house officers and the point person for their interactions with all details of the program. She enthusiastically introduces and follows up on details and regulations, personally connecting with everyone with whom she works: shadowing undergrads, medical students, sub-interns, resident applicants, the residents and fellows themselves, program alumni, and the faculty and directors she represents. Her love of what she does is exceedingly clear in how she carries herself and the people around her.”