Keri Hainsworth

Keri Hainsworth, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), where she also serves as Research Director of the Jane B. Pettit Pain Management Center at Children’s Wisconsin. Her work focuses on pediatric pain management, particularly in populations with co-occurring chronic pain and obesity, as well as the integration of complementary therapies like yoga. Dr. Hainsworth holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and completed postdoctoral training in pediatric pain at MCW.

Education:

• PhD, Experimental Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1994)
• MS, Experimental Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1991)
• BS, Carroll College (1988)

Research Interests: Dr. Hainsworth investigates the interplay between pediatric chronic pain and obesity, exploring mechanisms such as altered pain thresholds and quality of life impacts. Her studies include validating pain measurement tools (e.g., RPE-P Scale, Stress NRS-11), perioperative pain management strategies (e.g., methadone use in spinal fusion surgery), and integrative approaches like probiotics and yoga. Recent work highlights healthcare professionals’ attitudes toward essential oils in pediatric care and the role of gut microbiome in obesity-related pain.

Publications: Her research spans diverse topics, including postoperative pain interventions, sleep apnea risk mitigation, and psychosocial interventions for surgical patients. Collaborations emphasize translational outcomes, such as texting-based post-discharge monitoring and biopsychosocial approaches to pain.

Lab/Teams: As director of the Pain Management Center, she leads a multidisciplinary team including anesthesiologists, psychologists, and advanced practice nurses. The Center’s research integrates anesthesiology, psychology, and integrative medicine to address acute and chronic pain challenges in children.