Muirhead Named Chair of USD Department of Pathology

DesiRae Muirhead recalls the words of her father which propelled her towards obtaining a pathology degree: “If you’re going to do it, you should be the top dog.” Since then, Muirhead has found success in various areas of medicine, but most recently in being named Chair of the USD Department of Pathology. 

After receiving her M.D. from the University of North Dakota and completing residency at the University of Iowa, Muirhead interviewed for a position with Sanford affiliate, LCM Pathology. She would later become the director for the residency program for 10 years. 

“The beauty of the job is it’s a community based practice, yet they had pathology residents and a medical school,” Muirhead said. “I could practice pathology and not be forced to be in a very strong academic setting.” 

Following former USD pathology department chair, Michael Koch’s retirement announcement, Muirhead decided it was time for a change in her career. She had spent the past years working with him, and she knew what the job entailed. 

Upon receiving the chair position, Muirhead knew one of her goals was to attract more pathologists across the state to USD’s faculty. 

“I want medical students to see what a diverse group we are. If we can get more exposure to these medical students, I think we can draw more people into our field,” Muirhead said. 

Muirhead wants to show medical students the brilliance of a pathology career at an earlier stage in their training. She hopes to incorporate pathology interest meetings for students who are curious in learning more about the field. 

“I think there’s a lot of bonuses and benefits going into pathology. I just don’t think medical students get exposed to it,” she said. 

Now a month into her new role, Muirhead acts as a mentor to all medical students while working with other physicians around the medical school. She also continues her clinical work at Sanford and says it’s important for her to have her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in medicine. 

“I still think of myself as this excited little resident going into pathology and before you know it, you’re stepping into a role where you’re hoping to inspire other students,” Muirhead said. “I’m really excited for this opportunity, and I think it’s a great challenge for me.” 

Outside of the office, Muirhead values time spent with her husband and two sons. She also enjoys traveling and golfing in the summer.