Dr. Karen Thies

Dr. Karen Thies has dedicated her medical career to the practice of women’s health. Trained at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Karen served her residency at MU Health Care and is an assistant professor and doctor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at MU Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She’s also active, funny, and driven — and this issue’s Strong Woman.

Where are you originally from?
Small rural town in Missouri called Osceola. Population of 600, maybe.

How did you get where you are today?
Setting one goal after another and reaching them through persistence and hard work. If one approach failed, then I would change my strategy and try again and again till I hit my goal. Then on to the next goal!

Three words that someone would describe you as?
I actually asked some people about this: Loyal, enthusiastic, hardworking, funny, disciplined, great leader. 

On a typical weekday night, we could find you:
On the tennis courts; watching my son play basketball (during the season); feeding my koi; jogging with my dogs (when I’m not playing tennis); attempting to not set the fire alarm off while I cook dinner.

What’s your favorite restaurant in COMO?
Dessert at Chris McD’s, steak at CC’s City Broiler, and pasta at Sophia’s.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee! All day long.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration?
What: Growing up in a small town, which made me humble and taught me to look out for others in my community.

Who: Pat Summitt, the former University of Tennessee basketball coach who passed away in June. Her journey of dealing with men professionally and not letting them hold her back in any way inspires me.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I am on a journey through life and don’t want to miss a moment of it!