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Biography
Dr. Mardi R. Karin is a board certified surgeon with over 20 years of experience, specializing in breast surgery and is Clinical Professor of Surgery in Stanford University Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology. She was appointed the first Clinical Director of Breast Cancer Care at Stanford Cancer Center South Bay after the new cancer center opened and served in this role from 2016-2019. Dr. Karin specializes in the surgical treatment of breast diseases and cancer. In addition to providing outstanding care, her focus and leadership in breast cancer care includes improving coordinated care for breast cancer treatment both within the Cancer Center and the community.
Dr. Karin has extensive experience in breast surgery, including complex breast cancer skin and nipple sparing procedures in coordination with the plastic surgeon for immediate breast reconstruction and optimal appearance with excellent outcomes. She collaborates closely with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to provide the best options to patients, including Oncoplastics for optimal aesthetic appearance with breast conservation treatment, in addition to mastectomy with nipple sparing and immediate breast reconstruction. Her clinical research is focused on improving patient outcomes in different aspects of breast surgery, including nipple sparing mastectomy by utilizing MRI blood flow information to preserve important blood flow to reduce complications. She also is involved with advancing surgical techniques to decrease lymphedema rates after axillary lymph node dissection, with lymphatic preservation and possible LYMPHA procedure by the Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgeons. In addition, she works in close collaboration with Medical Oncology to offer the latest most advanced treatments for breast cancer.
Dr. Karin has extensive experience in breast surgery, including complex breast cancer skin and nipple sparing procedures in coordination with the plastic surgeon for immediate breast reconstruction and optimal appearance with excellent outcomes. She collaborates closely with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to provide the best options to patients, including Oncoplastics for optimal aesthetic appearance with breast conservation treatment, in addition to mastectomy with nipple sparing and immediate breast reconstruction. Her clinical research is focused on improving patient outcomes in different aspects of breast surgery, including nipple sparing mastectomy by utilizing MRI blood flow information to preserve important blood flow to reduce complications. She also is involved with advancing surgical techniques to decrease lymphedema rates after axillary lymph node dissection, with lymphatic preservation and possible LYMPHA procedure by the Plastic Reconstructive Microsurgeons. In addition, she works in close collaboration with Medical Oncology to offer the latest most advanced treatments for breast cancer.
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Professional Summary
Education & Certifications
- Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Surgery Residency (1990) IA
- Medical Education: UCLA David Geffen School Of Medicine Registrar (1985) CA
- Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, General Surgery (1991)
- Residency, The University of Iowa Hosptials and Clinics, General Surgery (1990)
Administrative Appointments
- Clinical Director of Breast Cancer Care, Stanford Cancer Center South Bay (2016 - 2019)
Publications
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The Impact of Device Innovation on Clinical Outcomes in Expander-based Breast Reconstruction
Momeni, A., Li, A. Y., Tsai, J., Wan, D., Karin, M. R., & Wapnir, I. L. (2019). The Impact of Device Innovation on Clinical Outcomes in Expander-based Breast Reconstruction. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN, 7(12). -
The Impact of Device Innovation on Clinical Outcomes in Expander-based Breast Reconstruction.
Momeni, A., Li, A. Y., Tsai, J., Wan, D., Karin, M. R., & Wapnir, I. L. (2019). The Impact of Device Innovation on Clinical Outcomes in Expander-based Breast Reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open, 7(12), e2524. -
Prevention of Postoperative Lymphedema for Breast Cancer Surgery with Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Combined with Lympha and Lymphatic Preservation: Patient Selection and Outcomes
Karin, M. R., He, H., Posternak, V. R., Bowler, A., & Dung Nguyen. (2021). Prevention of Postoperative Lymphedema for Breast Cancer Surgery with Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Combined with Lympha and Lymphatic Preservation: Patient Selection and Outcomes. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. -
Utilizing Breast MRI Blood Flow Data to Improve Clinical Outcomes Following Skin Sparing Mastectomy and Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
Karin, M. R., Wu, R., Black, C. K., & Momeni, A. (2021). Utilizing Breast MRI Blood Flow Data to Improve Clinical Outcomes Following Skin Sparing Mastectomy and Nipple Sparing Mastectomy. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONS. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. -
Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach (LYMPHA) for Lymphedema Prevention after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection-A Single Institution Experience and Feasibility of Technique.
Lipman, K., Luan, A., Stone, K., Wapnir, I., Karin, M., & Nguyen, D. (2021). Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach (LYMPHA) for Lymphedema Prevention after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection-A Single Institution Experience and Feasibility of Technique. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(1). -
Impact of Incision Placement on Ischemic Complications in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.
Tevlin, R., Griffin, M., Karin, M., Wapnir, I., & Momeni, A. (1800). Impact of Incision Placement on Ischemic Complications in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 149(2), 316–322. -
Nipple-sparing mastectomy with internal mammary artery perforator preservation based on breast MRI reduces ischemic complications
Karin, M., Pal, S., Silverstein, M., & Momeni, A. (2022). Nipple-sparing mastectomy with internal mammary artery perforator preservation based on breast MRI reduces ischemic complications. ANNALS OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY. SPRINGER. -
Patient perspectives on window of opportunity clinical trials in early-stage breast cancer.
Parikh, D. A., Kody, L., Brain, S., Heditsian, D., Lee, V., Curtis, C., … Caswell-Jin, J. L. (2022). Patient perspectives on window of opportunity clinical trials in early-stage breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
Practice Locations
Outpatient Surgery in San Jose San Jose, CA
San Jose, CA
Outpatient Surgery in San Jose
2589 Samaritan Drive
San Jose , CA 95124
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »Breast Cancer Program in San Jose San Jose, CA
San Jose, CA
Breast Cancer Program in San Jose
2589 Samaritan Drive
San Jose , CA 95124
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »Cancer Center in South Bay San Jose, CA
San Jose, CA
Cancer Center in South Bay
2589 Samaritan Drive
San Jose , CA 95124
Make An Appointment More Clinic Information » Getting Here »Important Information about Our Organizations and Physician Affiliation
Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners are each independent nonprofit organizations that are affiliated with but separate from each other and from Stanford University. The physicians who provide care at facilities operated by Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners are faculty, foundation, or community physicians who are not employees, representatives, or agents of Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri- Valley, or Stanford Medicine Partners. Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, and Stanford Medicine Partners do not exercise control over the care provided by such faculty, foundation, and community physicians and are not responsible for their actions.
Patient Reviews
(108 reviews)
Dr. Karin is very thorough, empathetic, and takes time to answer all my questions.
Dr. karin is one of the kindest doctors I have ever visited. Combined with the fact that she is highly talented in cancer care, there is NO ONE better than her. I am so fortunate to have her on my care team. She truly saved my life.
She had all my tests redone, which I had to pay out of pocket. She didn’t want to read the tests from El Camino. She didn’t seem to care that I developed an infection after a procedure on my breast.
Dr Karin is so personal and caring. Great doctor and her assistants too
Dr. Karin and her staff are wonderful
Dr. Karin and her team were all very supportive and informative.
Dr. Karin and her staff were amazing!
Very accommodating
Dr. Karin is very good
My visit was very professional by all those who participated. Dr. Karin was very matter-of-fact and clearly explained the diagnosis and treatment.
Fast and easy
Dr. Karin and her assistants were thorough and detailed explanations were provided
All providers were fabulous!
Stanford is lucky to have Dr. Karin.
I particularly like that she takes the time to introduce her scribe
Exceptional doctor!!!
Everyone was great compassionate and supportive
Thorough & supportive, took the time I needed. Gives me confidence that I'm in good hands.
With the whole team together we were able to get all of our questions answered and a plan going forward. Excellent and very worthwhile.
everyone was very helpful and let me know the doctor was runny late
Very thorough and kind
Dr. Karin’s team was great!
Dr Karin is amazing!
She is always so uplifting when I see her!
Dr. Karin and all the nurses were wonderful and treated me very well.
Dr. Karin was kind, efficient, and wanted to help. I’m very grateful to her and her team.
Poor organization, mishandling medical records, unnecessary delays
Very friendly
Very courteous and caring and patient.
Appreciate her attention to any of my concerns and addressed them with consults to answer my questions. I felt confident in her attention to detail with recommendations for additional surgery given my family hx. I would recommend her to others for care. The Stanford team was very supportive during this process as well.
Dr. Karin is excellent in every way and I'm lucky to have her on my care team
From diagnosis to surgery, everyone was so very comforting and caring. Very special people to care for patients who have received the scary news that they have cancer. From that moment on you are treated as part of their family.
I brag about it
I did recommend Dr. Karin to many acquaints.
I would have no hesitation to recommend Dr. Karin to anyone. She is amazing!
Dr. Karin has been my doctor for 10 years and each time I meet with her she gives me the same kind of professionalism, courtesy, and caring attention. Always "picking me up" with her great energy regarding my health and how far I've come and how well i'm doing. We celebrate together each year that my cancer is more and more behind me and I'm doing great!
I just love to talk with Dr. Karin. She is SO easy to talk with.
I feel she is not taking my input in my treatment with any real consideration. She has made up her mind regarding my surgery and what she feels is in my best interest. I told her I disagree and she disregards my input.
A great medical facility. And very nice people.
Dr. Karin is an excellent doctor.
Highly satisfied
Hopefully no one needs to come here, but I have recommended you with everyone being happy.
Very helpful in explaining my health situation.
Docs not answer or explain with respect. Does not listen well. Rushed and says things that are wrong/untrue.
Both Dr. Karin and her PA, Heather are awesome! They are attentive and caring. They take the time to listen and address my concerns always.
Dr. Karin is always very thorough and takes her time with me. She doesn't make me feel rushed when I ask questions and always thoroughly answers them. She is kind and caring.
I just love Dr. Karin! She is so wonderful, knowledgeable & caring. I'm lucky to have her as my dr. & Stanford is lucky to have her too as their clinician!
Very thorough.
Like to spend a little bit more time with the care provider.
Dr. Karin was great!
Dr. Karin really listens to concerns and shows empathy.
Very good doctor!
They were extremely kind and answered all my questions. Alleviated many of my worries & concerns.
Excellent as always, very friendly, makes you feel at ease, very professional, highly recommend.
When telling MD of my primary concern: Told to, "Forget about it, it happened, you need to move on," in exact words. My chief complaint was NOT in the tx notes! MD spent entire time in tx room typing on computer, after waiting over 1 hr. in tx room after appt. time.
Dr. Karin is an incredibly wonderful doctor who shows compassion, concern, and positivity every time I see her.
Dr. Karin is amazing. Her bedside manners are just as good as her surgery results.
Dr. Karin always puts me at ease. I am now seeing her for follow-ups but I always feel she (and her staff) are genuinely looking out for me and want the best care for me.
Dr. Karin is excellent in all areas!
Dr. Karin and her team are amazing! Dr. Karin takes her time with me to address any questions I have. She and her team are very kind. In fact, a friend of mine became her patient also because I recommend Dr. Karin to her.
The doctor,PA & NP were very caring and kind. They all took time to answer all my questions.
I highly recommend these doctors that I have seen. Dr. Karin, Dr. Momeni, Dr. May Chen, Dr. Karam.
Due to long waiting times.
Dr. Karin is awesome! Nurses and staff are the best too!!
Dr. Karin and her whole team were very courteous friendly and absolutely marvelous. I can not say enough good things.
The appointment felt rushed.
Dr. Karin is a very kind, compassionate doctor. She always includes me in all decisions of my treatments. She is very concerned, helpful and very patient with all of my other health problems.
Excellent customer service by everyone.
Love Dr. Karin! She is so wonderful!
Love Dr. Mardi Karin!
Dr. Karin is very professional and very knowledgeable even with a case as challenging as mine. She's caring enough that she is able to give me all information necessary for my well being. She has the best judgment based on facts and I respect and appreciate her having made decisions for me when I couldn't. She is by far one of the best doctors I have met in my life.
I really like the facility the service the teams of doctors etc... Everyone is very friendly.
Dr Karin is the best!
Dr and PA were wonderful. They were thorough and were outstanding in their patience, kindnesses and patient services. They were understanding and clear and concise in answering my concerns.
Excellent!
She is amazing! She made me feel informed during an unknown time. She spent as much time as I needed.
I really liked that she kept eye contact with me at all times.
I could tell minutes in that I wanted Dr. Karin to be my doctor!! 9. EXCELLENT.
Always EXCELLENT!
I continue to be impressed by the exemplary attention I receive through the combined and coordinated care of my medical team. This was my first visit with Dr. Karin. I could tell she was highly knowledgeable about the most current treatment options I have. Equally as important, I felt her commitment to my personal journey though this process.
I have been so happy to be Dr. Karin's patient - I could not feel luckier to have such a positive, caring, and intelligent doctor.
Dr Karin was friendly, informative, engaged, and thorough. I was very satisfied with the time I spent with her.
Dr. Karin is super great.
Dr. Karin has been my doctor for the past five years since the very day I was diagnosed with breast cancer. From day one she was the doctor who explained everything to me and made me feel like she really cared about my situation and alleviated all my concerns. She helped me understand my options about breast conservation versus reconstruction, and supported me with my decision for breast conservation. She was persistent in ordering a test she had a gut feeling needed to be run, and because of that, my treatment program was dramatically changed -- for the better. She is an amazing doctor who always makes me feel like I have the best care when I'm seeing her.
Dr. Karin & her team are awesome I feel cared for and as happy as I can for being a person with breast cancer. It has been a good experience for me.
Love Dr. Karin. She's been super through my surgery and follow up!
Fantastic team! Dr. Karin & Sarah Lange were exceptional. Julie Villagran has been incredibly helpful regarding follow up visits, answering questions and help w/referrals.
Dr. Karin figured out my problems by asking me to go over my problem. Tests were inconclusive I believe she trusted me and I have great trust and regard for her diagnostic and surgical expertise.
After meeting with Dr Karin, my family and I are very confident about the outcomes for my surgery and treatment
Physician referrd me to dermatologist for a consult
Excellent doctor
Dr. Karin is an excellent doctor.
Great doctors.
Dr. Karin deserves a 10! She too exhibits c-1-care. Those who knew about my situation, I have recommended Dr. Karin for their care, if needed.
I was extremely impressed with Dr. Karin's medical advice and the time she took to explain everything to me. I did not feel "rushed" during our appointment which helped me to trust the doctor more. It was a great visit.
Dr. Mardi Karin and nurse team were excellent, my respect goes to them.
Dr. Karin had been a solid, compassionate provider since March 2016 when I first met w/her. She's taken great care of me.
she's amazing
I have complete confidence in Dr Karin.
Excellent!
Very nice experience.
Very impressed by my interactions with Dr Mardi. Seems the surgery was done well (so far) and I hope my condition does not recur due to any procedural issues.
Highly recommend your office to others.
Dr. Karin was amazing. She was confident, knowledgeable & patient. She had some interns with her & they were great too!
Dr. Karin is very positive, upbeat, encouraging - good surgeon - a good fit for me.
have been with Dr Karin for 15 years, very good.
Dr. Karen, is very professional, as well as courteous, friendly and approachable, she answers all of your questions in easy to understand English. Thank you,
After changing gown and getting ready for doctor to time, it takes longer time than I expected probably doctor is busy with other patients. she is a good doctor.
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