Karen J. Wakefield

Karen J. Wakefield, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Humanities in Medicine at Texas A&M University College of Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Baccalaureate in Nursing from Dallas Baptist University, and both master's and doctoral degrees from Texas A&M University. Her current roles include Course Director for the Humanities in Medicine HEAL IV Capstone course and Faculty Editor of the Texas A&M College of Medicine's Synapse newsletter. Previously, she served as Assistant Editor for the Annals of Behavioral Science and Medical Education journal. Dr. Wakefield brings clinical experience as a registered nurse in hospice care and obstetrics/gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Her academic focus bridges nursing practice with medical humanities, emphasizing compassionate patient care and interdisciplinary education. She contributes to advancing medical education through curriculum development and scholarly communication initiatives.