June Physician Spotlight: Karin Cesario, MD

1. Who or what inspired you to become a physician?

I grew up in Ithaca, New York, in the 1970s, and my father was a professor at Cornell University. Ithaca has a very progressive population, and my pediatrician was a brilliant and compassionate female physician (back at a time when there were very few female physicians). From a young age, I wanted to be just like Dr. Marguerite Uphoff! A few months ago, I discovered that Dr. Uphoff is still teaching and practicing medicine in Ithaca, New York, after 56 years. She is truly an inspiration.

2. Briefly describe a "peak experience" from your career: interaction with a mentor, memorable patient, etc.

I practice mainly transplant hepatology and have worked hard to develop a community practice without any affiliation to a liver transplant center. A "peak experience" was when, after a very long and difficult medical journey, my first patient secured a liver transplant. The patient visited me just two weeks after his surgery and thanked me for the “gift of life.” It was an incredible feeling.

3. What led you to become involved in El Paso County Medical Society leadership? Dr. Cesario is on the EPCMS Board of Directors

For over a decade, I served on the Medical Advisory Committee of the American Liver Foundation (ALF), first in the Midwest Division and, more recently, in the Rocky Mountain Division. I decided to step down from the ALF in December 2022 to look for medical leadership opportunities elsewhere. Two weeks after my last commitment with the ALF, I received a call from Mary Harrington (Interim CEO of the EPCMC). She mentioned that I was nominated to be on the EPCMS Board of Directors, and it seemed like a great opportunity. So far, the EPCMS has allowed me to connect with local physicians in and out of my specialty, and I have enjoyed it very much.

4. What advice would you give to physicians-in-training who are just starting their careers?

My advice to new physicians is to frequently remind yourself why you became a physician. Being a modern physician is a challenge: we often have to deal with a lot of paperwork, disrespect, and insurance companies trying to dictate how we practice medicine. When work is demanding, remember how privileged you are to be able to connect with patients and their families. The doctor-patient relationship is priceless.

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of medicine?

My husband (Dr. Christian Simpfendorfer) and I have four extraordinary children who keep us very busy! They are all unique and gifted in very different aspects of life. We both spend a lot of time trying to help our children stay focused, find passion and be kind. I also LOVE animals and currently have two dogs and three horses. After I retire from medicine, I plan to volunteer at a dog/horse rescue.