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Karen Gardner, DO

Internal Medicine

Hospital Affiliations
Lankenau Medical Center
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Dr. Gardner

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Fill out the form to join now, receive more information, or schedule a meeting with Dr. Gardner.
MDVIP Annual Membership Fee
MDVIP’s annual fee covers the Wellness Program and generally can be made in quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments.
Quarterly
$500.00*
Semi-Annual
$1,000.00*
Annual
$2,000.00*
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About Karen Gardner, DO

Several years ago, I changed careers, leaving a job as a hospital clinical dietitian to take the road to become a primary care physician. I did this to expand the tools available to me to help patients as they work toward getting healthier. It was the best decision for me, as I believe a better course for assisting with chronic diseases is to coach patients on prevention in the first place.

I aim to help patients pursue better health by counseling them on lifestyle modifications and evidence-based treatment options. I believe that the model under which most traditional doctors operate does not allow for more focus on preventive care. To me, the number of patients my peers see each day, and the way medical insurance is typically structured do not seem to allow enough time to deliver the more personalized care that I believe patients deserve. The MDVIP model allows me to spend more time with my patients without time constraints as usually experienced in traditional practices. Also, the annual MDVIP Wellness Program includes advanced screenings and tests that are not offered in most traditional primary care practices, and those services help to identify risk factors.  

As a well-established MDVIP-affiliated physician, I have more time and focused energy aimed at helping you pursue improvements to your health and your life. I invite you to stop by and learn about my practice and how it can help you and members of your family.

My practice is located in Bryn Mawr, PA, and I service Delaware County, Montgomery County, Chester County and the surrounding areas.

Residency

Lankenau Hospital
Wynnewood, PA
Internal Medicine 1994-1997

Internship

Kennedy Memorial Hospital, University Medical Center
Stratford, NJ
1993-1994

Medical School

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine
Stratford, NJ
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine 1993

Undergraduate

University of Vermont
Burlington, VT
Bachelor of Science, Human Nutrition and Dietetics 1983

Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
Registered Dietitian, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Lankenau Medical Center

Partner/Physician, Clarke & Gardner Internal Medicine Associates 2000-present

American College of Physicians
American Osteopathic Association
American Dietetic Association
The Tower Society, Leigh University
Program Founders of the Gardner Health and Wellness Initiative, Chapen Haven Schleifer Center New Haven Connecticut
Schereyer Honors College at Penn State Parents Board 2017-2019
 

Pennsylvania

Biking, Classical Music, Gardening, Reading

Benefits of joining Dr. Gardner's practice with MDVIP

MDVIP Wellness Program
Expect comprehensive screenings and tests and a custom wellness plan designed for you.
Better Doctor-Patient Relationship
97% of MDVIP members are satisfied with their relationship (vs 58% in traditional PCP).
Same/Next-Day Appointments
See Dr. Gardner quickly and take your time during each appointment.
Reachable 24/7
Reach Dr. Gardner by phone after-hours and on weekends.
Smaller Practice Size
MDVIP practices are smaller than most primary care practices, which means your doctor has more time to help you.
Your Dedicated Doctor
See Dr. Gardner when you go to the office — not someone else like a nurse practitioner or physician assistant
Travel Benefits
If you need urgent care while traveling, your physician can help arrange your care with a local hospital, pharmacy or doctor.
Medical Centers of Excellence
For patients who need care beyond what is available locally, MDVIP can connect your doctor with specialists at some of the country’s leading medical institutions
Better Health Outcomes
Members have better control of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension.

The office of Karen Gardner, DO

Primary Office
234 South Bryn Mawr Avenue Suite 101
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Get Directions
Hours
Mon 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tue 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wed 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thu 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri 9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Sat Closed
Sun Closed

What our members are saying

My daughter has special needs and our doctor is always quick to fill out the immense amount of paperwork that is required for her services. Also Dr. Gardner answers the phone at all hours of the day or night when my daughter or I have an urgent need.
Cynthia
Cynthia
February 10, 2024
I have been a patient of Dr. Gardner's for a number of years. I know that when I have a question, it will be answered thoughtfully and comprehensively. She backs up her opinion with research references when necessary, but always has my interests at heart. My annual comprehensive exam is just that-comprehensive, with her willingness to discuss any and all concerns I may have. While this…
Philip
February 10, 2024
My way over the years is to pick all medical professionals by recommendation. So that is the path that led me to Doctor Karen Gardner. I have never looked back! She is the best there is.
Dorothea
January 18, 2024
Dr. Gardner has been my doctor since I moved to Philadelphia, about 24 years. Immediately when meeting her for my first appointment, I felt connected to her and felt she was interested in me. Not your usual half-listen to the patient and diagnose the problem. A real genuine, what do you the patient feel is the problem - what are you experiencing, and what can we do to work on this issue. That…
Darlene
January 18, 2024

Reviews from the web

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03/19/2025 Denny Lutz
Andrea Lutz not Denny Lutz. My doctor is super attentive and always within reach by phone or in person. Her advice is always on point. Her care is exceptional.
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02/21/2025 Cynthia Folio
Dr Gardner is always available.
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02/21/2025 Christine Falkenberg
Dr. Gardner is my 2nd MDVIP Dr.
My first was in center city Philadelphia, Dr Lillian Cohn And now in the suburbs Dr. Karen Gardner.
Both my MDVIP Drs are EXCELLENT clinicians who give me all the time I need with all my health care needs and concerns.
Even before our Health Care became a business, I found using MDVIP extremely helpful for many reasons. Now under the current conditions of our extremely fractured health care system leaving people with uncertainties on many levels …. MDVIP and Dr. Gardner always provides me with her exceptionally impressive knowledge and guidance as well as the sometimes complex navigating of in our current health care systems, in what ever area of care I need. To be able to reach a physician who knows you with a phone call and quick response, whether a big or small problem, wether you are home or traveling, is a level of comfort and security that is especially valuable!
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06/14/2024 The LEGO Cantina
Came in for a skin allergy. After 20 minutes of being quizzed on when I got my last flu or tetanus shots and being completely ignored, I decided to scratch my arm to start a reaction, as soon as my arm turned bright red I was asked the very intelligent question of: "whats that on your arm?"... Oh also they took a blood sample and a month later I found out they had lost it.... I paid $100 out of pocket and got absolutely nothing for it.
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02/24/2023 Chris Susman
I always feel I am being very well taken care of when I have a visit with Dr Gardner. She is an excellent listener and I have never felt rushed. I am very confident in her support and expertise to guide me on to a healthy and happy life.
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02/15/2023 S S
Dr Gardner saved my life when she suggested a medication for me. She truly cares and wants the best for her patients!
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03/17/2022 Malinda Muzi
Choosing Dr. Karen Gardner as my VIP physician was the best decision I ever made. As an 80-year-old, I feel confident my health care is in good hands. She is knowledgeable and caring, the best traits of a doctor.
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02/23/2022 Leanne Buckley
Dr. Gardner is thorough, knowledgeable, compassionate and kind. She's the best primary care physician I have ever had. I completely trust her judgement.
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02/15/2022 Brendan Gallagher
Dr Gardner is fantastic. She takes the time to explain everything in a simple and actionable way. She's a big motivation for me to work hard to stay healthy. She's an absolute primary care expert, but incredibly open-minded and approachable. I always look forward to our time together because I always learn something!

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctors who operate in the MDVIP models typically see far fewer patients than traditional primary care doctors. That gives them more time to develop deeper doctor-patient relationships that can lead to better outcomes. They can also offer conveniences that most primary care doctors can’t, including same- and next-day appointments. They’re available after hours for urgent matters. And they have time to focus on prevention. That focus begins with the MDVIP Wellness Program, which patients pay for with their annual membership fee.

Most MDVIP-affiliated primary care practices accept insurance (your physician can tell you whether they accept your specific insurance plan). Your annual fee pays for preventive care medical services that insurance usually doesn’t cover (e.g., advanced diagnostic testing and screenings). Your MDVIP-affiliated physician will continue to bill your insurance and charge copays, co-insurances and deductibles as he or she currently does for other medical services like sick visits.

MDVIP makes wellness and prevention easier by providing your physician with innovative tools and technology. MDVIP supports your physician’s practice and seeks to eliminate barriers to a positive healthcare experience. Your doctor will determine whether and how to incorporate these tools at his/her discretion.

**The message above is a personal introduction from the physician, intended to help you get to know them better. The views, opinions, and statements expressed above are solely those of the physician and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of MDVIP. This content is intended for general background purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any mentions of expertise or quality of care are personal expressions and should not be interpreted as guarantees of performance or outcomes.