Patricia and William L. Watson Jr., M.D. Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine

This award, UT Southwestern’s highest honor in clinical care, recognizes a UT Southwestern clinician who exemplifies excellence in patient care and is a leader in advancing clinical innovation. It honors a faculty member who has had a profound impact on patients, students, trainees, and colleagues through the quality of his or her clinical work.

The Watson Award recipient is chosen by a select committee of physician leaders who review nominations. All members of the UT Southwestern community are welcome to submit a nomination.

See distinguished past winners

The 2023 Winner:

Karen J. Kowalske, M.D.

Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

In her 33-plus years at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Karen Kowalske, a physiatrist, has had a profound impact on the treatment of burn patients in North Texas.

Described by one nominator as a “fierce advocate” for her specialty, Dr. Kowalske works with patients requiring a wide range of long-term rehabilitative care, from those suffering from post-polio syndrome decades after their initial disease to patients with traumatic brain injuries. Her special expertise is in the treatment of catastrophic injuries, particularly among burn patients, for which she has earned a national reputation.

“Dr. Kowalske is the heart and soul of the burn rehabilitation program, and in this capacity she has positively impacted thousands of burn patients over the years. Patients and families love Dr. Kowalske because she takes complete ownership of her patients and will do anything for them,” one nominator wrote.

Another nominator said Dr. Kowalske is not just concerned with her patients’ physical issues, but with their emotional health and their ability to function in the world as well.

“She is also unafraid to be ‘real’ with patients and get them to get on board with the care they need,” a nominator added.

Among her colleagues, Dr. Kowalske is invaluable as a leader, a mentor, and a source of knowledge.

“She has had a life-changing impact on countless faculty members, fellows, residents, and students whom she has mentored through almost three decades at UT Southwestern. Speaking personally, I know that I would not be a UTSW employee today were it not for Karen,” a nominator stated.

A physician who regularly seeks Dr. Kowalske for clinical and professional advice and praises her teaching methods said they are “in debt to her in a way that is difficult to describe.”

Fellow clinicians note that Dr. Kowalske’s expertise in the field is vast, and she has the “knowledge and the willingness” to handle any issues that arise.

In one example, a colleague described how Dr. Kowalske passionately advocated for expanded access to prosthetics, which led to the creation of a program for unfu