Dr. Kathryn Dowd Named Audiology Alumna of the Year

Kathryn Dowd, AuD ’08, has dedicated decades of service to the profession of audiology, promoting the awareness of chronic and infectious diseases and ototoxic medication, and the impact on hearing loss among patients, diabetes educators, and audiologists nationally. Her background over the past 41 years is varied with audiology at the school systems and state levels, as well as a private practice in ENT offices, skilled nursing facilities and proprietary clinics. She has owned a private practice for 28 years, managing all aspects of business development including patient care, marketing, human resources and business growth. Dr. Dowd works to erase impediments in improving access to hearing healthcare on a state and national level.

“Dr. Dowd has been the prime mover for our profession to have audiology recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the diabetes initiative,” wrote Robert DiSogra, AuD ’03, in his nomination for the Audiology Alumna of the Year Award. Along with the establishment of The Audiology Project in 2016, Dr. DiSogra noted the alumna’s development of an international diabetes education network for audiologists as well as her efforts with the American Academy of Diabetes Educators as a testament to Dr. Dowd’s continued advocacy in the field. “Dr. Dowd’s work is ongoing and soon the CDC will give their final approval on having audiologists listed as professionals who patients with diabetes should have a relationship,” he said.

This award is presented to an alumnus of the University’s Osborne College of Audiology (OCA) or the PCO School of Audiology who has distinguished himself/herself through extraordinary service and contributions to the profession of audiology, bringing honor and prestige to Salus and OCA. The University’s Alumni Association is proud to name Dr. Dowd the Audiology Alumna of the Year.