Karen Kelly-Blake

Fostering collaboration across sectors to enhance healthcare outcomes, Karen Kelly-Blake serves as the Associate Director of Academic Programming and an Associate Professor at Michigan State University's Center for Bioethics and Social Justice. With a robust focus on health services research, her work delves into shared decision-making and clinical communication, aiming to improve patient outcomes through effective decision aid development and implementation. Her research interests are deeply rooted in chronic illness management and health equity, with a particular emphasis on men's health. Karen's dedication to these areas is evident in her collaborative efforts on the Primary Care Rural Screening Project. This initiative is pivotal in evaluating and enhancing colorectal cancer screening interventions in rural communities, addressing significant gaps in healthcare access and delivery. In addition to her primary research endeavors, Karen is a Co-Investigator with the NIH-funded Office-GAP IMPACT program. This project is instrumental in assessing medication adherence for heart disease management within Michigan's federally qualified health centers. Her work in this area underscores her commitment to improving health outcomes for underserved populations, ensuring that equitable healthcare is not just an ideal but a reality. Karen's contributions extend beyond research, as she is actively involved in training and developing clinical communication skills among healthcare professionals. Her efforts aim to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients, fostering environments where shared decision-making is the norm rather than the exception. Through her multifaceted research and collaborative projects, Karen Kelly-Blake continues to make significant strides in the field of health services, advocating for a more equitable and effective healthcare system. Her work not only addresses immediate healthcare challenges but also paves the way for long-term improvements in patient care and health policy.