Kara Michel, MD, MSHP is a resident in the Department of Surgery, Division of Urology. Dr. Michel’s policy research interests are in health care systems, particularly in studying the cost and quality of healthcare and healthcare delivery in the US as it relates to surgery. One of her first areas of investigation within this broader field has been examining the effects of efforts to decrease hospital stays for surgical procedures and the potentially associated hospital readmissions. This work was recognized by the American Urologic Association and presented at their annual conference in May 2019. She has additionally been involved in several quality improvement explorations surrounding prostate biopsy complications within the Urology Department at Penn. Her master’s thesis explored the impact of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion on the uninsurance rate, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer. After completing her Urology training, Dr. Michel hopes to continue blending surgery and health policy research in her career.
Dr. Michel earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Master’s of Science in Health Policy Research, for which she was awarded full tuition through receipt of the David A. Asch Medical Student Scholars in Health Services Research. She received her BA in Medical Anthropology from Yale College.