Driven by curiosity her entire life, Karen Herbst was fascinated with the idea of fat since childhood: Where does it come from? How could some people live on a diet of fruits and vegetables and yet have disproportionate fat deposits? Her academic life and subsequent degrees were fueled by her quest for knowledge and inspired by mentors who encouraged her to ask questions, research the answers, and “figure it out.”
Now the leading authority on lipedema, she’s motivated to “figure it out – faster” because her core mission is to help people. In fact, her favorite success story stars a patient who improved so dramatically that he didn’t need to see her again.
However, many would say that spearheading the Standard of Care for Lipedema in the United States is one of her greatest accomplishments. Not one to rest on her many laurels, Dr. Herbst hints that updated versions are in the works and welcomes vigorous debate about medical issues. Perhaps that’s why she shines in her role as Lympha Press’s Chief Medical Officer and anchor of the monthly Research Roundtable for medical professionals, held on the first Monday of each month and hosted alongside certified lymphedema therapist Karen Ashforth. “If you want to hear about emerging science and research that hasn’t even been published yet, it’s where you want to be,” she adds.
Though she wears many different hats, including a prominent role with Total Lipedema Care and Dr. Jaime Schwartz’s surgery practice, Dr. Herbst is best categorized as a lifelong learner whose passion for helping people only grows stronger with time.
The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.
