Karin Bierbrauer, MD

As a pediatric neurosurgeon, I specialize in all types of spina bifida and fetal congenital anomalies. For me, the patient and their family are truly at the center of what we do in our field. We consider not just today’s outcome, but also how what we do impacts our patients over their lifetimes.

My career has been influenced by two truly great mentors who had a profound effect on my interest and specialty. Even today, these mentors remain two of my heroes for their selfless dedication to their patients.

During my neurosurgery training, I was fortunate to learn from and work with a neurosurgeon who specialized in the care of children. Watching him and how compassionately he cared for his patients and their families convinced me that this was the path I wanted to take as well. During my specialty fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery, the director of the program sparked my interest in the care of children with spina bifida. I learned much from him and was so inspired that my passion continues to this day.

As a member of the Cincinnati Fetal Center’s team of subspecialists, I direct the neurosurgical evaluation of children enrolled in the comprehensive Spina Bifida Clinic at Cincinnati Children's. I’m also honored to serve on the board of the Spina Bifida Coalition of Cincinnati. Each year, I look forward to this organization’s Walk and Roll event, where I get to see so many wonderful families enjoying themselves outside the hospital setting.

In my research, we are trying to improve our understanding of prenatal diagnoses of congenital malformations so that we can better counsel families and improve perinatal management of mother and fetus.

When my family and I first came to the United States, I was very young and did not speak any English. During my senior year of high school, I was selected as a Presidential Scholar. Traveling to Washington, D.C., to receive this award was a momentous time in my life. I later became a naturalized U.S. citizen.