Robert Karpman

Robert Karpman is a Professor of Practice at Cornell University, holding dual affiliations with the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management (part of the SC Johnson College of Business) and the biomedical engineering department. He combines a medical background (MD, University of Pennsylvania) with an MBA (University of Phoenix) to bridge clinical practice, entrepreneurship, and business education.

His career spans 34 years in healthcare, including roles as an orthopedic surgeon, hospital chief medical officer, and entrepreneur. Key innovations include patents for medical devices (e.g., bone screws for osteoporotic fractures) and development of a medical education program in Phoenix. Since 2015, he has focused on academic roles, teaching courses like 'Business as a Second Language' to STEM students and directing the Business Minor for Life Science Majors at Dyson.

Research interests emphasize healthcare entrepreneurship, geriatric orthopedics, and biomedical innovation. He has authored peer-reviewed articles on topics including joint arthroplasty outcomes, nicotine effects on bone cells, and geriatric fracture management. Awards include the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition in Marquis Who’s Who.

Academic leadership includes curriculum development (e.g., courses on healthcare entrepreneurship and business simulations) and mentorship via the Blackstone Launchpad Program. His work integrates clinical expertise with business fundamentals to prepare scientists and engineers for leadership roles in healthcare innovation.