Thies has come a long way since her childhood in Oscoela, Missouri — but she wouldn’t trade her rural upbringing. “Growing up in a small town made me humble and taught me to look out for others in my community,” she says. Her nontraditional path into medicine began with an engineering career. After a decade of university teaching, research and design (including contributions to University of Missouri athletics facilities), she decided to follow in the footsteps of her father, whose 45-year legacy serving rural patients inspired Thies’ commitment to provide quality medical care.

Thies completed her residency at MU in obstetrics and gynecology and spent the first half of her medical career in a full spectrum private practice setting. Now a member of the University of Missouri faculty, she combines patient care with research and education, including service as a mentor for medical students and residents. Through these opportunities, she hopes to see a legacy of obstetrical gynecology residents evolve into exceptional physicians known for their morals and competency in medical care.

Dr. Karen Thies is an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology in the School of Medicine.

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