Dr. Karen E. Burke
Honorary Life Governor
Dermatologist and Research Scientist
Dr. Karen Burke is a dermatologist and research scientist in the Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Following her PhD in biophysics from Cornell University, she completed postdoctoral fellowships at Cornell University Medical College and the Rockefeller University. She earned her MD at New York University Medical College with residency in dermatology.
Her current research at Mt. Sinai Medical Center studies the mechanism and efficacy of various topical and oral antioxidants in preventing and reversing photoaging of the skin and in prevention of ultraviolet-induced skin cancer. She has also studied the effects of oral antioxidants on breast cancer and has published research papers on many subjects including fat structure and metabolism, the effects of topical retinoic acid and retinol, and the science and techniques of collagen and other tissue implantation to treat dermal defects.
Dr. Burke is the author of four popular health books: Thin Thighs for Life, Great Skin for Life, Thin Thighs Diet and Workout, and Thin Thighs—all of which were published in England and translated into more than seven other languages. She has written numerous research articles and medical textbook chapters and is frequently quoted as a health and skin care expert in many health magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Elle, In Style, and Family Circle. Dr. Burke was the Medical and Science Editor of the Diplomatic World Bulletin of United Nations for which she wrote the “Health Update” column. She currently serves on the editorial boards of Cutis and Aesthetic Dermatology News.
Dr. Burke has been a consultant to many companies including L’Oréal (Paris, France) and Ethicon (New Jersey). She has been cited as one of New York’s prominent physicians by New York Castle Connolly Guide to Best Doctors magazine and is listed in the Castle Connolly Guide to Best Doctors.
Dr. Burke is on the Board of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation and of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, and is a Trustee of New York’s Poly Prep Country Day School. She is founder and president of the Karen E. Burke Research Foundation and of Longévité, Ltd. She is an active member of numerous scientific and medical organizations as well as the Women’s Forum of the United Nations and the Europe Society.