Karen Roussel Jooste, MD, MPH

I am a palliative care specialist and a pediatrician. I work on the Pediatric Quality of Life team ( Pediatric Palliative Care) at Duke Children’s Health Center and with adults with serious illness. I am passionate about caring for people of all ages, from premature babies to those who have lived for a century! My mission is to help children and adults with serious illness live to the fullest, with vitality and joy. It is a privilege for me to offer guidance and support during difficult times when patients face complex decisions about their treatments. I experience great joy doing this work, as I meet wonderful people, develop close relationships with my patients and have the privilege of walking alongside them throughout their illness. I am inspired and awed by the courage, resilience and humor of my patients during very difficult times. I am also passionate about teaching, mentoring and coaching. Aside from finding happiness in my work, I love to travel and experience different cultures, especially with my four adventurous children and my husband. I am a book lover and love to write and read. I also love food, cooking and baking. Some of my favorite things are dinners with friends, long walks on the beach and hiking.