Dr. Karen Kost receives the Irma-Levasseur Prize presented by the FMSQ

Otolaryngologist Dr. Karen Kost is the recipient of the 2026 Femmes médecins d’exception award, an honour presented at noon today during the virtual event "Les femmes au cœur de la santé" organized by the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ).

A true pioneer in her specialty in Canada, Dr. Kost has devoted more than 35 years to shaping the evolution of voice surgery by developing innovative surgical procedures that address previously underserved needs, particularly for transgender individuals and geriatric patients.

Dr. Kost’s commitment has also extended far beyond her clinical environment. She provided specialized care in Nunavik for more than twenty years, among other initiatives. A determined leader, she has repeatedly broken the glass ceiling by holding prominent positions, including President of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Vice-President of the American Laryngological Association (the first Canadian to hold this position), an association she will lead as President starting in spring 2026.

Our warmest congratulations — you are a great inspiration to the medical community within the health network!