Karen J Ho

Karen J Ho, MD, serves as Associate Professor of Surgery (Tenure) and John Marquardt Clinical Research Professor of Vascular Surgery at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. She directs resident research in the Department of Surgery while maintaining an active clinical practice across Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Lurie Children's Hospital, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

Education:

• MD: Harvard Medical School (2003)
• General Surgery Residency: Brigham & Women's Hospital (2011)
• Vascular Surgery Fellowship: Brigham & Women's Hospital (2013)
• Board Certification: Vascular Surgery, American Board of Surgery

Research Focus: Dr. Ho leads an NIH-funded laboratory investigating gut microbiome influences on arterial remodeling and atherogenesis. Her work bridges surgical science and microbiology to develop novel interventions for vascular disease, particularly examining bacterial community impacts on arterial health and regeneration pathways.

Publication Trends: Her 2025 publications reveal concentrated focus on peripheral artery disease mechanisms, with themes spanning patient activation metrics, growth factor therapies, vascular regeneration models, and national guideline development. This reflects her dual commitment to basic science discovery and clinical translation.

Scientific Recognition:

• Consecutive Research Mentor Awards (2019-2023)
• Multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards (2015-2023)
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society membership (2019)
• American College of Surgeons Fellowship (2016)

Academic Leadership: As Director of Resident Research, she mentors surgical trainees while serving on American Heart Association guideline committees and editorial boards. Her national roles include AHA Peripheral Vascular Disease Council leadership and Society for Vascular Surgery Publications Committee service.

Research Infrastructure: Dr. Ho's laboratory collaborates with Northwestern Scleroderma Center and NUCATS to advance vascular regeneration research. Her team integrates microbiome analysis with vascular biology to develop translational therapies for arterial disease.