Karen Komondor
Health Literacy and
Health Equity Speaker
Transforming Healthcare One Conversation at a Time
Guiding health professionals, organizations, and consumers in overcoming communication barriers in the healthcare system so that transparent, equitable, & safe healthcare can be had for all.
About Karen
Karen is an RN and fierce patient advocate whose mission is to eliminate barriers that hinder people’s ability to access, understand, and use health information & services needed to care for their health.
She finds her passion not only from clinical experiences but her personal ones as well. For nearly 2 decades, she struggled alongside three of her siblings who were all uniquely diagnosed with a chronic, debilitating disease in their 30s. Despite years of clinical experience as a nurse and educator, she found herself frustrated with medical jargon, miscommunication, and in many cases, a lack of empathy through an untold number of hospitalizations, surgeries, and specialty office visits. This harsh reality led her to wonder “How could patients without a personal health advocate navigate the maze?”
Despite the passing of all three of her siblings, her fervor and commitment to reducing the healthcare burden on individuals continue to thrive. Her passion has driven her work in the health literacy field, where she has provided training and keynote speeches at local, state, and national levels over the last two decades.
When Karen is not championing for patients, you can find her cherishing quality time with her husband and their beloved yellow lab, Sophie, enjoying connecting with nature and the divine and exploring the intricacies of life and spirituality.
Every day she honors herself, and her family’s memory by living out their motto of “We Do Hard.”
Karen is a visionary thinker and pragmatic strategist who has been a critical leader in the rapid expansion of health literacy as a central conversation in healthcare. Her mission helps transform healthcare by achieving health equity through health literacy strategies.
Whether you’re a health professional, healthcare organization, public health system, …..or a consumer facing healthcare challenges, Karen’s programs ensure you have the tools necessary to break down communication barriers in our complex healthcare system.
The US Healthcare System is complex. The patient’s journey through it should not be. But how do we bridge the communication gap between those receiving healthcare and those providing it - that gap which leads to patient anxiety and frustration, medication errors, or other adverse safety events that could have otherwise been prevented?
Karen's Talks
“Breaking Down Barriers: Improving Patient Understanding through Clear and Compassionate Communication”
The US Healthcare System is complex, however, the patient’s journey through it should not be. This complexity can manifest in a variety of ways, including difficulty accessing care, and poor communication with health professionals.
The impact of poor communication can be particularly significant as it can lead to patient anxiety and frustration, medication errors, or other adverse safety events that could have otherwise been prevented. When healthcare professionals speak in a way that is easily understood, patients are more likely to feel empowered to actively participate in their own care.
By the end of your time with Karen, you will learn how to communicate jargon-filled messaging with ease, operate with empathy in stressful times, and leave patients empowered through their healthcare journey.
“Empathy Amplified: Transforming Healthcare through Compassionate Connections”
The lack of empathy in healthcare communication undermines patient-centered care, erodes trust, negatively impacts the well-being of healthcare providers, and perpetuates health disparities.
In this presentation, we will explore the transformative power of compassionate connections in healthcare and how empathy can be amplified to enhance patient outcomes and experiences. We will delve into the essential role of empathy in healthcare delivery and how fostering meaningful connections with patients can lead to improved trust, satisfaction, and overall well-being.
Through real-life examples and practical strategies, we will uncover ways to cultivate empathy within healthcare settings, empower healthcare professionals to connect on a deeper level with their patients, and ultimately transform the healthcare landscape into a more compassionate and patient-centered realm.
“Bridging the Divide: Achieving Health Equity through Clear Communication”
In this presentation, we will explore the critical role of clear communication in achieving health equity. With a focus on bridging the divide, we will discuss how effective communication strategies can break down barriers, empower patients, and promote equitable access to healthcare. We will delve into the importance of culturally sensitive communication, health literacy, and inclusive language, providing practical insights and examples for healthcare professionals to enhance their communication practices.
By the end of this presentation, attendees will be equipped with actionable takeaways to foster a more inclusive and equitable healthcare environment through clear communication.
Past Clients
Services
What We Do
What We Offer
Testimonials
"I don’t know where else you will find a speaker who is this engaging, knowledgeable, passionate, and personally invested in the field of Health Literacy and Patient Advocacy. I have attended conferences and continuing education courses for 26 years and have never been as captivated during a conference or more motivated to implement the principles as I am from participating in a Karen Komondor speaker engagement."
Mary Beth Child, MA LLP
Founder, Mary Beth Child Psychotherapy
"Karen brings her experience as a nurse and public speaker to her work in helping professionals and organizations identify and remove barriers to clear and effective communication with their patients and clients. We’ve worked with her on a number of initiatives here at IHA. She is smart, insightful, and a delight to work with. I strongly recommend Karen to anyone needing a professional speaker to help move their health literacy initiatives forward."
Michael Villaire, MSLM
President / CEO, Institute for Healthcare
Advancement
“Karen is widely admired in the health literacy field. She is recognized as a national leader, frequently called upon to provide keynotes and workshops, and being tapped to lead national efforts to formally advance health literacy as a vital dimension of health care delivery.”
Mary Ann Abrams, MD
Assistant Professor, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Primary Care Pediatrician, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
“Karen’s passionate delivery and personal storytelling provided several “aha” moments as well as concrete resources to utilize in my practice.”
Seshma Ramsawak,
MD, Specialist in Internal Medicine,
Cleveland Clinic.
"I had the privilege of attending Karen’s talk on tips for navigating the complex health system as a patient, and it was truly invaluable. Her expertise and guidance provided me with newfound confidence when facing healthcare challenges. Her practical advice and insights have empowered me to make informed decisions, advocate for myself, and effectively navigate the often overwhelming healthcare landscape. I highly recommend this talk to anyone seeking to become a more knowledgeable and empowered patient."
Tryna Kronick
Executive Vice President of Stores
North America, Signet Jewelers
Connect with Karen
216.536.4796
