Karen Duncan, MD

I grew up around medicine, and it felt like a natural fit for me from the very beginning. Medicine and health were always discussed around the dinner table. My father, a plastic surgeon, would bring me to the emergency department on the weekends, so I could watch him care for patients. I was impressed by the way he helped people and repaired their injuries—and the way patients loved him. My mother was a nurse and received additional training to become a nurse practitioner. It was inspiring to watch her pursue her dreams. I never considered any career other than medicine.

Obstetrics and gynecology appeals to me because I get to help people during pivotal moments and transitions in their life, such as puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, and menopause. While the phases of life may be normal, the accompanying symptoms may not be ideal. Obstetrician–gynecologists can form connections with patients and care for them throughout their lives.

I specialize in gynecologic ultrasound. At NYU Langone, I oversee all aspects of gynecological ultrasound performance, interpretation, and reporting. Detailed ultrasound exams allow me to evaluate the pelvic organs and to diagnose and manage a full array of gynecologic conditions. These include pelvic pain, ovarian cysts and masses, uterine abnormalities, abnormal uterine bleeding, and early pregnancy complications.

I also perform saline infusion sonohysterograms, a form of ultrasound in which salt water is placed in the uterus to better highlight its structure. I also use ultrasound guidance for procedures such as endometrial biopsy. In addition, I deliver babies and perform obstetric–gynecologic procedures and surgery.

My goal is to provide thorough, evidence-based care to my patients. I love helping them to understand what is going on in their bodies, and I listen carefully to their concerns. I strive to find the correct diagnosis and offer the best treatment options for their condition.

Educating the public about obstetrics and gynecology is another interest of mine. I have been a source for numerous media outlets, including NY1 News, Refinery29, and Business Insider.

In addition, I am passionate about medical education and mentorship for students and residents pursuing careers in obstetrics and gynecology. I am the obstetrics and gynecology residency program director, and have received numerous teaching accolades, including New York University’s School of Medicine’s Pessary Award in 2020 and 2021 for leadership, support, and advocacy for obstetrics and gynecology residents, the Gordon W. Douglas Faculty Teaching Award in 2017, and the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Excellence in Teaching Award in 2015.

My research interests include diagnostic gynecologic ultrasound and quality improvement in medical education and mentorship.