Gift to Michigan Medicine will boost women’s health

Mike Wilk, Michigan Medicine | Photos courtesy of Michigan Medicine | Original Publication Date: May 12, 2026 | Read time: 4 min, 9 sec

With a goal of advancing women’s health and inspiring more donations to this cause, the Stanley and Judith Frankel Family Foundation has made a gift to Michigan Medicine to launch a catalytic new program that will expand opportunities for women’s health research across the University of Michigan.

“We are thrilled to partner with Michigan Medicine to elevate women’s health research and also raise awareness of the significant need to support the science that can transform care for women everywhere,” says Judy Frankel. “For way too long, women’s health research has not gotten the attention and funding it deserves. We hope this gift can help change that and inspire others to support this worthy cause, including on International Women’s Day.”

The donation will establish a professorship in the Michigan Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as a new program designed to revolutionize research, ideas, and practices in women’s health in Michigan and beyond. These initiatives can ultimately inform and advance the services offered at U‑M Health Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital and in all Michigan Medicine specialties and clinics where women seek care.

“The Frankel family has been so generous and involved with Michigan Medicine and the university for many years. Their philanthropy has made an incredible impact on so many people and programs, and we are excited to partner with them again as we work to advance crucial research and discovery,” says David C. Miller, M.D., M.P.H., executive vice president for medical affairs and CEO of Michigan Medicine. “This gift is an investment in a healthier future, ensuring that women across our state, region, and nation benefit from leading-edge science and care at Michigan Medicine.”

A portion of the gift will be used to create the Judy Frankel Research Professorship in Women’s Health. The position would support a women’s health researcher and provide this person with essential resources to advance clinical operations and conduct life-changing research.

“Not only is a named professorship an incredible honor that recognizes a faculty member’s dedication, leadership, and impact in their field, a position like this empowers the important work that drives innovation and improves patient outcomes,” says Dee E. Fenner, M.D., the Bates Professor of Diseases of Women and Children and chair of the Michigan Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We couldn’t be more thankful for the support and vision of the Frankel family and this amazing gift that will help to transform the resources, options, and answers available to all women.”

The donation will also establish the Frankel-Vondell Women’s Health Program, named in honor of Judy Frankel and her daughter, Caren Vondell, and her daughter-in-law, Carolynn Frankel. The program will support research that focuses on treating a wide range of conditions that impact women including fibroids, endometriosis, gynecological cancers, mental health issues, complications during pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, and menopause.

“Because of the tremendous support we receive from generous donors like the Frankel family, Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital is a nationally recognized leader in providing compassionate, comprehensive care to women and families,” says Luanne Thomas Ewald, M.H.A., FACHE, chief operating officer of C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital. “This gift will advance the discovery and bold ideas that help our teams deliver the personalized care and expertise that our patients count on.”

The Frankel-Vondell Women’s Health Program will also coordinate its efforts with the existing Michigan Biological Research Initiative on Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease (M-BRISC) in the Samuel and Jean Frankel Cardiovascular Center.

“At a time when women’s health needs a bright light, I am always inspired by the bold and forward-thinking ideas of Michigan Medicine physicians and researchers dedicated to improving women’s health,” says Caren Vondell. “We are thrilled and proud to be playing a role in supporting measurable progress in women’s health. It is so important to be a part of the whole picture where innovation and progress are at the forefront of improving the lives of women and families here in Michigan and beyond.”

“We are grateful to have an opportunity to give back in a way that can improve the lives of family members, friends, neighbors, and women in communities around the world,” says Carolynn Frankel. “We hope that the more people get involved and the more we work together, we can overcome the challenges facing women’s health research and make a difference for generations of women.”

About the Look to Michigan campaign

This gift is part of the Look to Michigan fundraising campaign, which aims to create transformative answers to health care’s biggest challenges for the benefit of people in our state and beyond. Building on 175 years of leadership in medicine and as part of the University of Michigan’s Look to Michigan strategic framework for impact, we are breaking new ground in patient care, research, medical and graduate education, health care facilities, and health advancement and community engagement. Together, we can improve and save lives. For more information, visit the Look to Michigan website.