Ji “Karen” Bai, MSc, MD, joined the Duke Department of Pathology on July 1, 2026, as a surgical pathologist and clinical assistant professor. She specializes in women's pathology, with a particular focus on breast pathology. Her research interests center on identifying prognostic biomarkers associated with tumor progression and investigating the molecular mechanisms that drive tumor aggressiveness and maintenance.
“I am excited to welcome Dr. Bai to the Duke family,” said Vice Chair for Faculty and Gynecologic Surgical Pathology Division Chief Sarah Bean, MD, FCAP. “She already has several years of practice experience and will be a terrific asset for our department and for our GYN surgical pathology section.”
Bai is board-certified in anatomic pathology by the American Board of Pathology. She earned both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Toronto in Canada before receiving her Doctor of Medicine degree from Stony Brook University School of Medicine on Long Island, New York, in 2019.
She completed her anatomic pathology residency at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she concentrated her final year of training on breast and gynecologic pathology. Following residency, she joined the Stony Brook faculty as a clinical instructor in 2022 and was promoted to clinical assistant professor in 2024.
“I’m excited as we continue to build our Breast Pathology service and am thrilled to welcome Karen Bai to our group,” said Breast Pathology Section Head Rachel Factor, MD, MHS. “She's delightful, enthusiastic, and will be a fantastic addition. Even from our limited interactions during interview season, she already felt like a colleague, so it’s almost a surprise she’s just starting now. I have no doubt researchers near and far will be equally excited.”
Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, swimming, and spending time with her husband and daughter. Please join us in welcoming her to Duke Pathology.