Karen Abrams, MD

Pediatrician in Louisville, KY

I am a Louisville native and graduate of Ballard High School. I continued my education at Tufts University, where I graduated in 3 short years and then decided to backpack through Europe and Israel with my college roommate. After my travels, I began working in the Immunology Department at the University College of London as a lab assistant. I wanted to work at Harrods but figured that the lab assistant would look better on my medical school application! I came home to attend medical school at the University of Louisville where I graduated as a member of the AOA medical honor society in 1984, and also never missed a U of L basketball game! I did my pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati. I then worked for 2 years at a neighborhood health clinic where I developed my interest in adolescent medicine. I returned to Louisville to join the practice in which I grew up. Not only was I a patient of this office but Dr. Kaplan is my cousin. I feel blessed to be working in such a wonderful, respected, and stimulating practice.

In addition to being in private practice,  I am a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a certified diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics, and an assistant professor at the University of Louisville. We interact with the residents at the hospital and often have medical students and residents rotate through our practice. I am a past president of the Louisville Pediatric Society and have been on hospital committees.

I am married to Dr. Jeff Glazer, who is an OB/GYN at the Family Health Centers. We have 3 adult children, Nicholas, Asher, and Andrea.

In my non-work world, my children and I have been horse obsessed. I bought my first horse in my 40’s and it goes to show it is never too late to fulfill a life-long dream.  I have accomplished my goal of eventing at the Novice level (3-foot fences).  I still compete at dressage but enjoyed watching my children compete more. I also love to travel with my family and of course attend U of L basketball games. I also read, play golf once a week and play duplicate bridge once a week, and in occasional tournaments with my mother.

Another area I find very rewarding is my volunteer work. I feel strongly that everyone should give back to their community and think it is a very important example to set for my children. I have been past board chair of the Jewish Community of Louisville. Currently, I am on the U of L presidents council and the board of JHFE (Jewish heritage fund for excellence).

Working with babies, children, and teenagers keeps me feeling energized and young. I joined the practice in 1991 and one of the most rewarding experiences has been watching my patients grow up. I have been practicing long enough that some of my babies are teenagers and some of my teenagers are parents and I take care of their children. I feel truly blessed to be able to watch this and hopefully contribute in some way to their health and well-being.