Karen Shackelford, MD

As a contributor to General Medicine, she draws on her clinical and editorial background to provide readers with trusted, evidence-based insights into a wide range of health topics. Her writing is grounded in real-world medical experience and a deep commitment to clear, accessible communication.

Experience

Dr. Shackelford’s career in medicine began with a strong foundation in psychology, earning her undergraduate degree in the subject before pursuing medical school. She graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and went on to complete a four-year residency in emergency medicine, including a focused year in internal medicine. She earned board certification from the American Board of Emergency Medicine and began practicing as an attending emergency physician at a level-two trauma center—where she handled everything from acute trauma to complex medical emergencies.

Throughout her clinical career, Dr. Shackelford also worked as a locum tenens physician in critical access hospitals across Mississippi. These rural settings often lacked immediate specialty support, requiring her to make high-stakes decisions independently, further sharpening her diagnostic skills and ability to manage a broad range of conditions.

Her commitment to care extended beyond the hospital. She volunteered as the medical director of an inner-city, need-based family practice clinic, where she supervised nurse practitioners and personally cared for patients with complex medical and psychosocial needs. This work reflects her longstanding dedication to health equity and community-based care.

Since 2012, Dr. Shackelford has also built a parallel career in medical writing and editing. She served as the Director of Medical Content for BoardVitals from 2019 to 2023, leading the creation and review of content across specialties for physician board preparation and continuing medical education. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing rigorous content standards, directing expert contributors, and keeping resources up to date with evolving clinical guidelines.

Today, through her work with General Medicine, Dr. Shackelford brings together her clinical knowledge and editorial precision to inform readers on everything from acute conditions to long-term health strategies. She has a particular talent for translating complex medical concepts into language that empowers patients to better understand and manage their health.

Education

• Doctor of Medicine, University of Mississippi School of Medicine
• Residency in Emergency Medicine (4 years), including 1 year of Internal Medicine
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Millsaps College