WOMEN TO WATCH

Karen Farst, MD

Chief Medical Officer
Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Beginning my career as a primary care physician, I transitioned to serving as a child abuse pediatrician at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in 2004. Drawn to a team-based approach to enhancing child safety and strengthening families, I embraced the challenges of this field and am now advancing to the role of chief medical officer.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best advice I ever received

Act like a duck; let stuff in life that could weigh you down roll off you like water off a duck’s back.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

I never expected to provide input on the architectural design of a multimillion-dollar facility to ensure it would meet clinical and operational needs after construction.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Exploring the trails and waterfalls of our beautiful state.

How I knew this was my passion

What we learn about health in medical school is only part of what makes a child healthy/safe. My passion is impacting child health through a community-based environment.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Multiple

I can’t start my day until

Coffee

Hobbies

Dogs and trails

Binge watch

“All Creatures Great and Small” on PBS

Last good read

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Favorite meal in town

A Big Orange burger

Best recent local discovery

Flatside wilderness

Latest splurge

Family travel trip

Most-used app

ESPN

Dream vacation

Acadia National Park in fall colors

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