Biography
Dr. Kathleen Ann Kennedy is a Professor and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. She is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and a North American Menopause Society Certified Practitioner.
Dr. Kennedy earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with high honors from the University of Michigan, her Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine—graduating in the top 20% of her class—and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Providence Hospital in Michigan. She joined the University of New Mexico in 1999 and has since held numerous leadership roles, including Division Chief of General Gynecology, Ombuds Person for the department, and long-time Clerkship Director.
A nationally recognized educator, Dr. Kennedy has received numerous awards for excellence in teaching from medical students, residents, and professional organizations, including the APGO Excellence in Teaching Award, the CREOG Outstanding Faculty Teacher Award, and UNM’s Apple for the Teacher honor. She has been named a “Top Doc” by Albuquerque The Magazine for nearly two decades.
Her scholarly work focuses on medical education, professionalism, communication skills, and innovations in clinical training. She has authored peer-reviewed publications, contributed to major clinical texts, and served as a reviewer for leading journals, including the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has also served on national committees with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and contributed as a medical reviewer for WebMD.
Clinically, Dr. Kennedy directs the Benign Breast Clinic at UNM and provides comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic care through the University Center for Women’s Health. She is actively involved in the New Mexico Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, helping expand access to diagnostic and consultative care for underserved women.
Through her teaching, leadership, and patient care, Dr. Kennedy has made significant contributions to advancing women’s health and training the next generation of physicians.
Personal Statement
My career in obstetrics and gynecology has been defined by a commitment to caring for underserved patients, excellence in teaching, and service to the people of New Mexico. I am passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care to women and families across our diverse communities, with a focus on equity and access.
Teaching residents and students is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. I strive to create a supportive and rigorous learning environment that fosters clinical excellence, teamwork, and empathy.
Through outreach, mentorship, and collaboration, I am dedicated to advancing women’s health and strengthening our statewide healthcare system. Joining the UNM Department of OB-GYN represents a continuation of my mission which is to serve, to teach, and to improve the lives of New Mexico’s women and families.
Areas of Specialty
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education
Education:
6/1994-6/1998 Residency, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Providence Hospital
Southfield, MI
1990-1994 Doctorate of Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Detroit, MI
*Graduated top 20% of class
1986-1990 Bachelor of Science
Major in Biochemistry
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor and Dearborn, MI
*Graduated high honors
Certifications
Scholarly Achievements
Books Edited or Co-Edited:
10/2009 Guest Editor and Preface Author
Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America: Challenging Issues in Women’s Health Care, Dec 2009, 36, 4. Elsevier, Inc. (933 pages)
Original Research or Scholarly Articles in Refereed Journals
10/2012 Kennedy, K, Brotherton, SE, Brennan, MC, and Rayburn, WF. Attrition rates between residents in obstetrics and gynecology and other clinical specialties. Accepted in 10/2012 for publication in J Grad Med Educ.
2007 Moreno A, Hall RJ, Kennedy K. Fallopian tube prolapsed following hysterectomy. Female Patient. (2007) 32, 51-2.
2007 Espindola D, Kennedy KA, Fischer EG. Management of abnormal uterine bleeding and the pathology of endometrial hyperplasia. Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am (2007) 34, 717-37.
Works in Progress
Contributed (refereed) Abstracts and/or Presentations at Professional Meetings
3/2012 Kennedy, K. Oral Presentation-Annual Attrition of Residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology Compared with Other Clinical Specialties, 2000-2009. 2012 CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting. Orlando Fl. March 9, 2012
3/2012 Kennedy, K. Poster Presentation-The Medical Student Handbook as a Clerkship Tool for Ob-Gyn Medical Students. 2012 CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting. Orlando, Fl. March 9, 2012
5/2011 Morrison, A, Anderson, T, Barnett, P, Kennedy, K. Using Headspace Theater to Simulate and Debrief Professionalism. 2011 WGEA-WGSA-WAAHP-WOSR AAMC Western Regional Conference. Stanford, CA. May 1, 2011.
3/2011 Kennedy, K. Oral Presentation-Incorporating an Oral Exam into your Ob-Gyn Clerkship: How to Do It, Why It’s Important. 2011 CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX. March 10, 2011.
3/2009 Kennedy K, Ogburn T, Harding J, Espey E. Oral Presentation-Development of an Assessment Tool for Professionalism among Residents. CREOG/APGO Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA. March 12, 2009
Achievements & Awards
Professional Recognition and Honors:
2004-Present Award for Excellence in Teaching Medical Students
UNM SOM, Department of OB/GYN
*Selected based on receiving excellent evaluation scores
Given by Phase II medical students rotating through the
OB/GYN Clerkship each academic year
Voted for by peers by coded web ballot
2000-2004 Recognition for Valuable Contribution to Medical Students as
UNM SOM Preceptor-Selected by Phase II medical students
rotating through my clinics.
2006-Present Albuquerque, The Magazine “Top Doc”
Voted for by peers by coded web ballot
2011 UNM SOM Apple for the Teacher award in the Phase II Medical
Student Education category for the Outstanding teacher during the
2010-2011 Academic Year-Selected by Phase II medical students
2010 Recognition for Outstanding Contributions to Resident Education UNM SOM, Department of OB/GYN-Selected by UNM OB/GYN Residents
2009 Recognition for Exhibiting Exemplary Professionalism in the 2008-2009 Academic Year-Named by medical students a recipient for recognition
2006 2006 APGO Annual Excellence in Teaching Award
Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Nominated by UNM faculty, residents and medical students
2005-2006 Medical Education Scholars Program Award for Leadership and
Educational Skills
UNM SOM Teacher and Educational Development (TED)
Awarded to eight SOM faculty members who demonstrate outstanding initiative to enhance the leadership and educational skills of medical students
2003-2004 CREOG Outstanding Faculty Teacher Award
Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Nominated by OB/GYN residents for outstanding teaching and mentoring abilities
2003-2004 Recognition for completion of the 2003-2004 APGO/Solvay
Pharmaceuticals Educational Scholars Development Program
And for dedication and commitment to medical education
1996 Resident of the Year
Providence Hospital
Southfield, Michigan
1993 Overall Honors, Year III
Wayne State School of Medicine
Detroit, Michigan
1986-1990 Dean’s List
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor and Dearborn, Michigan
Gender
Female
Languages
- English
Courses Taught
Teaching/Education
Classroom, Laboratory Teaching, and Tutoring (Courses or Blocks Taught or Team Taught)
Case-Based Lectures (presented to Phase II medical students rotating through the Ob-Gyn Clerkship, 6 blocks/year)
2011-2013 Professionalism Writing Exercises Discussion (discussion of student observations of professionalism on Ob-Gyn Clerkship rotations)
2008-present Labor Management and Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring
2004-present Breast Disease
2001 Biochemistry 201/University Honors 221 Breast Cancer, Mammography, and Hormone Therapy
Week-Long Course (Team-taught)
7/2010-Present Communication Intensive: A Remedial Communication Skills Workshop
Lead Facilitator
Presentation of lectures, medical patient cases with standardized patients
Facilitate student interactions with SPs to improve competency of Phase II medical students who have failed communication skills component of OSCEs. Course prepares students for USMLE Step 2.
Four Week Course (Team-taught)
11/2012-12/2012 Clinical Reasoning Course
Lead Facilitator & Case writer
Weekly workshop for eight students
Workshops/Tutorials
2007-Present (Teaching Phase II medical students rotating through Ob-Gyn Clerkship, 6 blocks/year)
2004-2012 Tutor Phase II students of Repo/Endo block, 7-12 students per year
11/2012 Contraception Workshop
Human Sexuality and Reproduction Block
(Phase I Medical Students)
11/2012 Breastfeeding/Parturition Workshop
Human Sexuality and Reproduction Block
(Phase I Medical Students)
4/12-10/12 Teacher and Educational Development (TED) Workshops:
Fostering Medical Students Professionalism
(Presented to UNM Faculty interested in improving medical student professionalism)
2011 Block Tutorial Session Leader
Diversity in Health Education
(Phase I Medical Students)
2010 Block Tutorial Session Leader
Clinical Skills/GI Nutrition Block
(Phase I Medical Students)
2010 Pelvic Exam Clinic
Human Sexuality and Reproduction Block
(Phase I Medical Students)
2009 Endocrinology Tutorial Session Leader
Human Sexuality and Reproduction Block
(Phase I Medical Students)
2009 Surgery Workshop
Surgery Block
(Phase II Medical Students)
2007-Present Block Tutorial Session Leader
Human Sexuality and Reproduction/Endocrinology Block
(Phase I Medical Students- ½ day 2X per week for 4 weeks)
2006 Suture Workshop, Instructor
(Phase I medical students)
Research and Scholarship
Research My scholarly interests parallel my educational interests to discover valid innovations to maximize student learning of clinical skills and knowledge and also for shaping professional behaviors that influence the physician-patient and physician-physician interactions that can affect overall patient care. My interests have manifested in studying the effect of oral examinations in the OB/GYN Clerkship on standardized test performance, and evaluating the usefulness of innovative tools used in the clerkship, including a new assessment tool for discerning beginning to advanced professionalism behaviors. An additional interest includes evaluating the attrition rates of OB/GYN residents nationally. As the co-Chair of the Clerkship Directors, I work collaboratively with other SOM Clerkship Directors to review and implement processes and to make improvements in the curriculum and education for Phase II medical students. As the Clerkship Director, I involve OB.GYN faculty, CNMs, genetic counselors and nursing staff in delivering education to our students. I serve as Faculty Clinical remediation Coach for the SOM providing assistance to students who have not demonstrated competency in clinical aspects of medicine, e.g. professionalism, communication skills or clinical reasoning, and sit on many SOM committees charged with maintaining a school of medicine that is accountable for delivering excellent education to its medical students.