Karen P. Acker

Dr. Karen P. Acker serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College and Assistant Attending Pediatrician at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, specializing in pediatric infectious diseases with clinical expertise in immunocompromised hosts, Staphylococcal infections, and respiratory illnesses.

Her educational background includes:

• B.S. in Biology from Davidson College (2007)
• M.D. from SUNY Downstate Medical Center (2012)

She completed pediatric residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Columbia University Medical Center.

Dr. Acker's research integrates clinical epidemiology and microbiological investigation to address critical challenges in pediatric infections. Key focus areas include:

• Antibiotic stewardship in neonatal and pediatric settings
• SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
• Staphylococcus aureus virulence mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions
• Infection prevention across obstetric, neonatal, and hospital environments

Her 15 recent publications (2020-2025) reveal a pronounced emphasis on pandemic-responsive research, particularly SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in children during Omicron waves and the "tripledemic" viral surge. She demonstrates consistent leadership in infection control for vaccine-preventable diseases (measles) and diagnostic stewardship for pathogens like Clostridioides difficile.

Dr. Acker has not reported scientific awards but actively contributes to clinical education through news media and podcasts on RSV, polio, and emerging infections. As a co-investigator (2020-2023), she participated in pandemic-related research while mentoring medical trainees in infectious disease management. Her clinical work operates within Weill Cornell's Pediatric Infectious Diseases division, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to translate research into improved pediatric infection outcomes.