Katherine H. Saunders, M.D.
Internal Medicine

About
Personal Statement
By employing the most cutting-edge treatments, I have been successful in helping thousands of patients lose weight and maintain weight loss. An integral part of my practice is providing compassionate and empathetic care to my patients. During my training as one of the first Obesity Medicine fellows in the country, I developed a specialized foundation in the complexities of obesity. Not only do I explain the pathophysiology of obesity as a disease, but I also review the latest research in different treatment modalities to develop a comprehensive, individualized management plan. As weight maintenance can be more challenging than initial weight loss, a close relationship with long-term follow up is a crucial component of my practice. I am fortunate to work in a collaborative environment where we perform innovative research, provide evidence-based care, and educate the next generation of clinicians.
Specialties and Expertise
Expertise
- Obesity
- Obesity Medicine
- Weight Management
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Insulin Resistance
- Education About Prediabetes
- Nutritional Counseling
- Exercise Counseling
- Pharmacologic Therapy
Biography
Katherine H. Saunders, MD, DABOM is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and an Assistant Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Saunders specializes in the care of patients with obesity and weight-related medical complications. Her areas of expertise include advanced medical approaches to obesity and strategies to counteract medication-induced weight gain.
Dr. Saunders received her undergraduate degree Phi Beta Kappa/Summa Cum Laude from Dartmouth College with a BA in Religion and Engineering. She then spent two years doing research at Rockefeller University.
Dr. Saunders received her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College, where she became a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her internship and residency training in Internal Medicine (Primary Care) at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College. She served as Ambulatory Chief Resident of Weill Cornell Internal Medicine Associates during her third year.
Dr. Saunders was the first Clinical Fellow in Obesity Medicine at the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, and she was one of the first Obesity Medicine fellows in the country.
Dr. Saunders is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is a member of The Obesity Society and an item writer for the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She frequently gives lectures and publishes peer-reviewed articles on Obesity Medicine and weight management.
Research
Honors and Awards
Honors and Awards
Alpha Omega Alpha, 2011
Henry Adelman Memorial Award for Excellence in Geriatric Medicine, 2011
Barbara Slifka International Fellowship, 2011
Phi Beta Kappa, 2004
Summa Cum Laude, 2004
Credentials
Board Certifications
- American Board of Internal Medicine
Education and Training
- M.D., Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, 2011
- B.A., Dartmouth College, 2004
Insurance
Insurance Plans Accepted
The following represents most of the managed care plans accepted by this doctor. If your insurance carrier does not appear here please contact the doctor’s office as they may have individual contracts not included on this site.
* indicates this doctor is no longer accepting new patients with this insurance plan.
- AETNA - HMO
- AETNA - Medicare
- AETNA - PPO
- Aetna - Weill Cornell - POS
- Aetna-NYP - EPO/POS
- CIGNA
- Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - EPO
- Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - HMO
- Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - Mediblue (Senior)
- Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield - PPO
- GHI - CBP
- Medicare
- Oxford Health Plans - Freedom
- Oxford Health Plans - Liberty
- Oxford Health Plans - Medicare Advantage
- Oxford Health Plans - Metro/Core/Charter
- Rockefeller University - Trustmark
- United Empire
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare - Medicare
- United Healthcare Compass
- VNSNY CHOICE - HMO
- VNSNY CHOICE - Medicare
Locations and Appointments
External Relationships
External Relationships
Relationships and collaborations with for-profit and not-for profit organizations are of vital importance to our faculty because these exchanges of scientific information foster innovation. As experts in their fields, WCM physicians and scientists are sought after by many organizations to consult and educate. WCM and its faculty make this information available to the public, thus creating a transparent environment.