Faculty Directory
Karen Effinger, MD, MS
Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist,
Medical Director of Survivorship,
Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Associate Professor of Pediatrics,
Emory University School of Medicine
EMAIL: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Biography
I am a pediatric oncologist and specialize in the late effects of cancer treatment. I work in the Survivorship Clinic in the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, which sees oncology and bone marrow transplant patients who have completed their treatment. My research focuses on physical and psychosocial functioning after cancer treatment with a particular focus in health risk behaviors, wellness, and physical function in childhood, adolescent, and young adult survivors. Additionally, I am involved in a joint cardio-oncology initiative between the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology and Survivorship Clinic.
Nationally, I serve as the co-chair for the Children’s Oncology Group Oral/Dental/GI/Hepatic Long Term Follow-up Guidelines Task Force and am a member of the Musculoskeletal/Functional Outcomes task force. I also am a member of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Early Career Council and Program Committee as well as the American Society for Clinical Oncology. I am an investigator with the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study and received a 2014 Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Young Investigator Award to fund my work.
Research
Pediatric oncology survivorship
Late effects of childhood cancer and stem cell transplantation
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors
Wellness and physical function in cancer survivors
Cardio-oncology
Education
EDUCATION
2011-2013 Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, Master of Science in Epidemiology and Clinical Research
2002-2006 New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, Doctor of Medicine
1997-2001 Northwestern University Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Evanston, IL, Bachelor of Arts in History (Departmental Honors) and International Studies
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING
2010-2013 Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital/ Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Postdoctoral Fellow in Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Chief Fellow 2012-2013
2008-2010 Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital/ Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Resident in Pediatrics
2007-2008 Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
2006-2007 Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital/ Stanford University, Stanford, CA, Intern in Pediatrics