About
Karen M. Kennedy, MD, DABFM, built her foundation in family medicine at Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, NY, and completed her residency at UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Family Medicine in New Jersey. She brings more than 25 years of experience in clinical care and healthcare leadership. Early in her career, Dr. Kennedy served as Associate Program Director of the Brooklyn Hospital Family Medicine program in New York. She later transitioned to West Michigan, serving as Community Benefit Ministry Medical Director at Trinity Health Medical Group. Throughout her career, she also worked as an attending preceptor at Michigan State University, teaching residents, medical students, and NP and PA students. Grand Rapids Magazine recognized her as a Top Doctor. Dr. Kennedy is a patient advocate who focuses on helping people become motivated, educated, and proactive about their health. Her interests include leadership, healthy living, and community involvement.
Education & Training
Medical School
Upstate Medical School, Syracuse, NY
Residency
Family Medicine, UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Family Medicine, New Jersey
Additional Training
Associate Program Director, Brooklyn Hospital Family Medicine program; Community Benefit Ministry Medical Director, Trinity Health Medical Group, West MI
Certifications
Who is Dr. Kennedy right for?
Dr. Karen Kennedy suits patients who want a physician invested in their long-term health education. She works well with patients who want to take an active, informed role in managing their own care. Adults navigating complex health concerns or seeking a multifaceted approach to wellness will benefit from her broad experience. Her background in community health also makes her a strong fit for patients with social or environmental health factors in play.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Kennedy brings over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience in family medicine. She trained at Upstate Medical School and completed her residency at UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Family Medicine in New Jersey. She also served as Associate Program Director of the Brooklyn Hospital Family Medicine program.
Yes, Grand Rapids Magazine named Dr. Kennedy a Top Doctor.
Yes, Dr. Kennedy practices full-scope family medicine and sees patients across age groups. Her background spans clinical care, academic medicine, and community health leadership.
Dr. Kennedy believes patients should be motivated, educated, and proactive about their health. She takes a multifaceted approach, drawing on her background in community benefit health work and academic medicine.
Dr. Kennedy earned her medical degree from Upstate Medical School in Syracuse, NY. She completed her family medicine residency at UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson Family Medicine in New Jersey.
Yes, Dr. Kennedy served as an attending preceptor at Michigan State University. She trained residents, medical students, and NP and PA students. She also held the role of Associate Program Director at the Brooklyn Hospital Family Medicine program.
Dr. Kennedy focuses on leadership, healthy living, and a multifaceted approach to patient care. She is also deeply engaged in community involvement and health advocacy.
Doctor profile last updated June 11, 2026