The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation will honor Ascension Wisconsin’s Karen Watson, MD, FACOG, with its Superhero of Medicine Award during its Annual Dinner in Madison on April 14. The Superhero of Medicine Award is presented annually to recognize physicians who go above and beyond the call of duty to improve the health of their community.
“Dr. Watson’s commitment to serving as a leader in the advancement of health equity and her efforts for continuous improvement regarding maternal and infant health are just a few examples of what make her a Superhero of Medicine,” the foundation said. Dr. Watson is an OB-GYN at Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - St. Joseph’s Campus. She leads efforts for continuous improvement regarding maternal and infant health and has implemented innovative models for hospital-based care for obstetric patients. She is well respected by her peers for promoting and sustaining clinical excellence, performance improvement and patient safety.
“Our organization, her patients and our community are blessed to have such a devoted physician who has dedicated her life to caring for others, especially those who need her most,” said Bernie Sherry, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Wisconsin.
“Thank you to those who nominated me for this award,” Dr. Watson said. “I accept it with humility. I also recognize and thank the loyal and hardworking staff of Ascension St. Joseph. Our hospital is a lifeline for a vulnerable population. While the infant mortality rate has declined slightly over the past 20 years, the racial disparity in poor birth outcomes in our community is too great and our small gains are fragile. That is why we will continue our challenging work.”
The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation, chartered in 1955 as a charitable organization, works to advance the health of the people of Wisconsin by supporting medical education and public health initiatives across the state.
