St. Joseph’s University, New York, was thrilled to announce that distinguished alumna Dr. KMarie King ’94, will be the commencement speaker for the Class of 2024 graduation ceremonies. The event takes place on Thursday, May 23, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.
Dr. King, who graduated from St. Joseph’s with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, has achieved remarkable success in the field of medicine. She currently is the chair and chief of surgery at Albany Medical Center, where she has made history as the first Black female chair of surgery at an academic health science center in the United States.
A trailblazer in her field, Dr. King’s journey to prominence has been marked by exemplary achievements and unwavering dedication. Following her undergraduate studies, she earned her medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis and completed her residency training in general surgery, as well as a research fellowship in surgery, at the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, she pursued a fellowship in hepatobiliary and pancreas surgery at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she also obtained a master’s degree in biomedical science.
Dr. King’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her medical practice. She is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served with distinction during Operation Desert Storm. Furthermore, she holds a master’s degree in business management from Brandeis University, showcasing her multifaceted approach to leadership and innovation.
Across her career, Dr. King has made significant contributions to the field of surgery, particularly in liver and pancreatic cancers. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters to her name, she is recognized as a leading authority in her field.
Her involvement in various organizations, including serving as a trustee of WMHT Public Media in Troy, New York, and holding leadership positions in esteemed surgical societies such as the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, the Society of Surgical Chairs, and the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, underscores her commitment to academic and professional excellence.
Dr. King’s exceptional leadership qualities have been acknowledged through her selection as a fellow in the prestigious Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program for Women. This recognition solidifies her position as a role model and mentor, particularly for aspiring surgeons, women, and underrepresented minorities in medicine.
