Kathryn M. Andolsek, MD, HS’76-’79, has been named the recipient of a 2026 Distinguished Faculty Award by the Duke Medical Alumni Association in recognition of her transformative contributions to medical education, community health, and institutional leadership.
A professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and assistant dean for premedical education in the School of Medicine, Andolsek is widely recognized for weaving together her passions for community engagement, learner development, and systems-level innovation.
Her leadership at Duke spans more than three decades. She served as Family Medicine Residency Program director and later as associate director of Graduate Medical Education, roles in which she expanded scholarly opportunities and helped launch dual-degree pathways including the MD/MPH, MD/MBA, and MD/MPP. She chairs the MD Promotions Committee and contributes to institutional governance through the Duke University Academic Council. Her work has strengthened the academic environment for learners across the School of Medicine, residency and fellowship programs, and multiple professional degree programs.
Dr. Andolsek’s vision and commitment were instrumental in creating the Duke Master of Biomedical Sciences program, a 10‑month degree that has prepared more than 400 students for careers in medicine and biomedical science. The program received the Duke Interprofessional Education Excellence Team Award in 2022, reflecting her emphasis on collaboration and inclusive excellence.
Her national influence is equally significant. She has held leadership roles with the ACGME, AAMC, Macy Foundation, and the Alliance for Clinical Medical Education, contributing to national conversations on competency-based education, assessment, credentialing, and regulatory policy. She received the AAMC Group on Residency Affairs Outstanding Service Award in 2021. Her scholarly work centers on interprofessional teamwork, systems thinking, and supporting learners’ professional growth.
Rooted in early experiences serving underserved communities, Dr. Andolsek has also partnered with Durham organizations to develop sustainable care models for patients with poorer health outcomes. She holds an adjunct appointment at UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health, reflecting her broad commitment to community health.
Her legacy is defined by mentorship, equity, and a steadfast dedication to strengthening the health professions workforce at Duke, across the nation, and in the communities she has served.