Karen Chen, M.D.
Department of Critical Care Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Chair, Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Chair ad interim, Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Medical Director, Twenty-Four Hours Medical Coverage, Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Professor, Department of Critical Care, Division of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Medical Director, Nocturnal Program, Acute Care Services, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Associate Medical Director, Intensive Care Unit, Critical Care Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Department of Critical Care, Division of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1993 | Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, US, MD |
| 1991 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, US, Biology, BS |
Postgraduate Training
| 2009-2009 | Faculty Leadership Academy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2006-2006 | Clinical Safety and Effectiveness (CS&E), Session 3, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 1997-1998 | Fellowship, University of Texas at Houston, Houston, Texas |
| 1994-1997 | Residency, Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas |
| 1993-1994 | Internship in Internal Medicine, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2014 | American Board of Medical Quality |
| 1999 | Subspecialty Certification in Critical Care |
| 1999 | Diplomat, American Board of Anesthesiology |
| 1998 | Texas Medical Board |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 2012
Associate Professor, Critical Care Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2005 - 2012
Assistant Professor, Department of Critical Care, University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center,, Houston, TX, 1999 - 2005
Leading Others Cohort, Leadership Academy, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Chair Ad Interim, Critical Care Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2021 - Present
Medical Director, Nocturnal Program, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2021 - Present
Supervisor of Advanced Practice Providers, Critical Care Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2021 - 2022
Medical Director, Twenty-Four Hours Medical Coverage, Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2020 - 2021
Medical Director, Nocturnal Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2010 - 2020
Critical Care Midlevel Practitioners Coordinator,, UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2004 - 2007
Associate Medical Director, Intensive Care Unit, Critical Care Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1999 - Present
Other Professional Positions
Course Director, Anesthesia Critical Care Rotation -UT Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2014
Program Director, Critical Care Anesthesiology - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2014
Program Director, Critical Care Anesthesiology - UT Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 2007 - 2014
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Lead, ASU Steering Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - Present
Lead, Division Education Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - Present
Member, Glycemia Management Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2022 - Present
Member, Restraints Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2022 - Present
Member, Divisional Quality Improvement Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Lead, Nocturnal Quality and Safety Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Member, Division Executive Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Chair, Best Practice Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
Member, The Utilization Review Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - Present
Member, Bylaws Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
Member, Executive Committee Medical Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - 2019
Chair, Medical Quality Planning Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - 2019
Member, Mobile Strategy Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - 2018
Member, Hospital Practice Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2017
Member, Emergency Department, Chair Search Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2017
Vice Chair, Medical Quality Planning Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2014 - 2018
Member, Acute Care Services Leadership Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - Present
Member, Graduate Medical Education CLER - Care Transition Team, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - 2017
Member, Ad Hoc Quality Planning Committee of the Medical Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - 2014
Member, Acute & Critical Care Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - Present
Member, ICU Operations Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - Present
Member, Clinical Observations Committee, Education Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2017
Member, Clinical Observation Services, Billing & Charge Capture Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2017
Member, Executive Committee Medical Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2015
Chair, CCMS, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2015
Lead, Nocturnal Leadership Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2011 - Present
Member, Institutional Admissions Review Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2011 - Present
Member, Physician Notification Policy Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - Present
Member, Baylor Clinical Competence Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - 2016
Member, 24 Hour Medical Coverage Steering Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - 2012
Member, Clinical Council, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - 2011
Member, Council of Committee Chairs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - 2015
Member, OPPE Work Group, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - 2015
Member, Physician Network Credentials Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - 2015
Vice Chair, CCMS, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - 2012
Chair, ICU Staff Education Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2007 - Present
Member, Graduate Medical Education Curriculum Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2005 - 2016
Member, Graduate Medical Education Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2005 - 2016
Member, Credentials Committee of the Medical Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2005 - 2015
Member, Faculty Senate Finance Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2004 - 2008
Member, Faculty Senate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2004 - 2008
Chair, ICU End of Life Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2004 - 2007
Honors & Awards
| 2006 - 2026 | Multi-Year Appointment Award, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2006 - 2024 | Co-Principal Investigator, Role of Thromboelastogram in Predicting the Probability of Venous Thromboembolism |
| 2006 - 2009 | Consumers' Research Council of America, Guide to America's Top Anesthesiologists |
| 2004 - 2024 | Collaborator, Effects of Manpower Allocation, Impact of Intensivist to Patient Ratio |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2025. Divisional Grand Rounds. Invited. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Divisional Grand Rounds. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Divisional Grand Rounds. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Grand Rounds at Baylor College of Medicine. Conference. Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, US.
- 2004. Grand Rounds at University of Texas Health Science. Conference. University of Texas. Houston, TX, US.
- 2004. Morbidity and Mortality Conference in Anesthesiology Grand Rounds. Conference. MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston. Houston, TX, US.
International Presentations
- 2025. Complications and Results of Novel Therapies in Critical Patients: The International Experience. Panelist. Seville, ES.
- 2025. ASU A novel Intermediate Care Unit in Oncology at End of Life. Invited. I Congreso Internacional de Oncologia Critica. Seville, ES.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Gonzales CE, Brito-Dellan N, Banala SR, Rubio D, Ait Aiss M, Rice TW, Chen K, Bodurka DC, Escalante CP. Handoff Tool Enabling Standardized Transitions Between the Emergency Department and the Hospitalist Inpatient Service at a Major Cancer Center. American J Med Qual, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Chen K, Puana RB, Price KJ, Keller CA, Nates JL. The Role of Point-of-Care Testing in the Early Diagnosis of Pseudo-hypoxemia in Myeloproliferative Disorders. Respiratory Care 2010 55 (6):777-9, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
- Hsu AR, Cai W, Veeravagu A, Mohamedali KA, Chen K, Kim S, Vogel H, Hou LC, Tse V, Rosenblum MG, Chen X. Multimodality Molecular Imaging of Glioblastoma Growth Inhibition with Vasculature-Targeting Fusion Toxin VEGF121/rGel. J Nucl Med 48:445-454, 2007. e-Pub 2007. PMID: 17332623.
- Nates JL, Aravindan N, Hirsch-Ginsberg C, Sizer KC, Kee S, Nguyen AT, Chen K, Shaw AD, Price KJ. Critically ill cancer patients are not consistently hypercoagulable after craniotomy. Neurocritical Care 2007 7(3):211-216. e-Pub 2007.
- Varon J, Chen K, Sternbach GL. Rupert Waterhouse and Carl Friderichsen: Adrenal Apoplexy. J Emerg Med 16:643-7, 1998. e-Pub 1998. PMID: 9696186.
- Varon, J, Chen K, Marik P, al: E. Management of the critically ill asthmatic patient. Bio Medicina 1:231-235, 1998. e-Pub 1998.
Review Articles
- Chen K, Varon J, Wenker OC. Malignant airway obstruction: recognition and management. J Emerg Med 16:83-92, 1998. e-Pub 1998. PMID: 9472765.
- Chen K, Sternbach GL, Fromm RE, Jr, Varon J. Mechanical ventilation: past and present. J Emerg Med 16:453-60, 1998. e-Pub 1998. PMID: 9610977.
- Chen K, Varon J, Wenker OC, Judge DK, Fromm RE, Jr, Sternbach GL. Acute thoracic aortic dissection: the basics. J Emerg Med 15:859-67, 1997. e-Pub 1997. PMID: 9404805.
Abstracts
- Nates JL, Rathi N, Haque S, Gaeta S, Pravinkumar E, Botz G, Chen K, Crommett JW, Calabrese D, de Villalobos D, Malik I, Price K. ICU Triage Improves Patient Flow and Resource Utilization. Chest October 2011 140(4):Meeting Abstracts 357A, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Chen K, Burdine C, Puana R, Botz G, Nates JL. Financial Impact of ICU Point-of-Care Electronic Professional Charge Capture. Presented at Society of Critical Care Medicine 37th Meeting, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Bruno JJ, Hernandez M, Chen K, Pravinkumar E. Influence of Corticosteroids on Cosyntropin Stimulation Test Results in Oncology Patients with Severe Sepsis or Septic Shock. Presented at Society of Critical Care medicine 37th Meeting, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Nates JL, Chen K, Burdine C, Aravindan N, Price K. Individual Clinical Productivity in an Academic Critical Care Department. Anesthesiology A2005:A299, 2005. e-Pub 2005.
- Hsu PW, Chen K, Rozner MA. Postoperative Methemoglobinemia Caused by Medicated Vaginal Packing. Presented at the Centennial Meeting of ASA, 2005. e-Pub 2005.
- Nates JL, Kee S, Nguyen AT, Chen K, Aravindan N, Shaw A, Hirsh - Ginsberg C, Sizer KC, Price K. Critically Ill Patients are Not Consistently Hypercoagulable After Craniotomy. Crit Care Med; Presented at 35th Congress 33(12):A104, 2005. e-Pub 2005.
- Nates JL, Burdine C, Chen K, Price K. Improved Outcomes with Higher Intensivist to Patient Ratio. CritCare Med, 2004. e-Pub 2004.
Book Chapters
- Chen K, Nates JL. ICU Staffing, Models, Outcomes. In: Oncologic Critical Care. First Edition. Springer International Publishing, 33-42, 2019.
- Chen K, Hsu PW. Perioperative concerns for surgery of the major abdominal organs . In: Acute Care of the Cancer Patient. 1st ed. Taylor and Francis Group, 2005.
- Chen K, Nates JL. ICU Staffing, Models, Outcomes. In: Oncologic Critical Care. Second Edition. Springer International Publishing.
- Chen K. ICU Utilization: Current Trends in ICU beds, Use, Occupancy, and Costs in the United States. In: Oncologic Critical Care. 2nd. Springer.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 22, 2026