Physician Profile

Karen P. Alexander, MD

Education:
Medical School:
M.D., Duke University School of Medicine, North Carolina, 1992

Residency:
Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts, 1992-95

Fellowship:
Cardiovascular Disease, Duke University Medical Center, North Carolina, 1995-98

Clinical Interests/Specialties:
General adult cardiology, secondary prevention, geriatric cardiology, heart disease in women

Research:
Aging and Heart Disease.
Patient decision making for cardiovascular care.
Health care quality assessment.
Diagnostic testing strategies: optimization of the treadmill test.

Clinical Trial Participation:
Dr. Alexander's research focus is on cardiovascular disease management and outcomes in special populations, specifically woman and the elderly. Historically there has been a lack of randomized controlled data regarding treatment efficacy and outcomes in these special populations. Because of this, certain therapies may have different risk benefit profiles, which may cause physicians to withhold certain therapeutic interventions. Her primary research project is looking at patient preferences and decision-making assessment regarding the rational use of revascularization in the elderly.

In addition, Dr. Alexander is looking at ways to optimize diagnostic tests, specifically treadmill testing, for specific patient populations by use of computer based algorithms.

Hospital Affiliations:
Duke University Medical Center
Person Memorial Hospital