Shawn Karns, MPA, PA-C

Shawn Karns grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and made his way out to Colorado to attend CU Boulder, where he graduated with a BA degree. After college, Shawn developed and guided cycling trips throughout the U.S. and Italy and also worked as a ski patroller in Vail during the winter months.  It was during his time as a ski patroller and EMT that Shawn decided to commit himself to a career in medicine, and he completed his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA in 2008.  He has been practicing as a physician assistant in orthopedics ever since and is thrilled to be a part of the team at BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine.  

Shawn has over 15 years of orthopedic experience working in a variety of specialties, including sports medicine and total joint replacement.  He is focused on clinical management of orthopedic conditions, as well as optimizing pre-surgical patients and managing their post-operative care.   

Shawn believes in taking a personal approach to each patient, listening to each individual’s concerns, and providing patients with the knowledge and tools so that they can take an active role in their health and well-being, enabling them to stay active with their interests.

Shawn is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies: Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA

Interests

Outside of work, Shawn enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and 2 boys, skiing, cycling, backpacking, and fly fishing.