Jan 04, 2021 / Spotlight
Get to Know our Staff: Karl E. Rathjen, M.D.
What are your areas of specialty?
My practice has certainly evolved over the years! Today, most of my clinical time is spent caring for patients with spine deformity or hip, knee or foot conditions in children with neuromuscular or syndromic diagnoses.
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
Being part of a GREAT team!
In addition to serving as the assistant chief of staff and pediatric orthopedic surgeon, you are also the organization's Foundation President. Can you talk about the foundation and help others understand its purpose?
The Foundation exists to support the mission of Scottish Rite for Children. It interacts with the various stakeholders and communities with which the organization interfaces to tell our story and garner support.
Not only does Scottish Rite for Children turn 100 this year, but 2021 also kicks off our first-ever capital campaign – the Boundless Centennial Campaign. Can you tell us more about this?
The Boundless Centennial Campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness of the groundbreaking work we have accomplished over the last 100 years and financial support for our next 100!
What are the goals for the Boundless Centennial Campaign?
We aim to raise $100 million. We have had 100% participation from our administrative and medical staff and Board of Trustees. I think it would be cool – and send an incredible message to our community – if we had 100% of ALL staff participate at some level!
How can people stay involved and connected?
We communicate monthly on upcoming events, news and ways to give, and this year, we will highlight many of our achievements over the past 100 years. Click here to sign up to receive this monthly email.
What is special about the place you grew up?
I was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – but moved to Dallas when I was in grade school. Dr. Herring’s daughter and I had the same high school swimming coach – who now volunteers (with his wife) at Scottish Rite. My children grew up with 22 first cousins, who all lived within a mile, so Dallas is a big city that feels like a small town!
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Being outdoors with family and friends.
My practice has certainly evolved over the years! Today, most of my clinical time is spent caring for patients with spine deformity or hip, knee or foot conditions in children with neuromuscular or syndromic diagnoses.
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
Being part of a GREAT team!
In addition to serving as the assistant chief of staff and pediatric orthopedic surgeon, you are also the organization's Foundation President. Can you talk about the foundation and help others understand its purpose?
The Foundation exists to support the mission of Scottish Rite for Children. It interacts with the various stakeholders and communities with which the organization interfaces to tell our story and garner support.
Not only does Scottish Rite for Children turn 100 this year, but 2021 also kicks off our first-ever capital campaign – the Boundless Centennial Campaign. Can you tell us more about this?
The Boundless Centennial Campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness of the groundbreaking work we have accomplished over the last 100 years and financial support for our next 100!
What are the goals for the Boundless Centennial Campaign?
We aim to raise $100 million. We have had 100% participation from our administrative and medical staff and Board of Trustees. I think it would be cool – and send an incredible message to our community – if we had 100% of ALL staff participate at some level!
How can people stay involved and connected?
We communicate monthly on upcoming events, news and ways to give, and this year, we will highlight many of our achievements over the past 100 years. Click here to sign up to receive this monthly email.
What is special about the place you grew up?
I was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – but moved to Dallas when I was in grade school. Dr. Herring’s daughter and I had the same high school swimming coach – who now volunteers (with his wife) at Scottish Rite. My children grew up with 22 first cousins, who all lived within a mile, so Dallas is a big city that feels like a small town!
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Being outdoors with family and friends.