Karen S. Alderete Herrera, PharmD
Karen S. Alderete Herrera, PharmD
MTM Pharmacist
Karen S. Alderete Herrera, PharmD, BA, is an MTM Pharmacist at Western Wisconsin Health. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology with honors from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN, before completing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree with a Leadership emphasis and graduating with honors from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities.
Karen’s inspiration to pursue a career in pharmacy comes from her grandparents and her Hispanic community. As a first-generation immigrant, she often served as a translator and healthcare manager for her family, navigating a complex system in a new language. Those experiences motivated her to become the type of provider who could serve as an advocate, educator, and trusted resource for patients who may feel unheard or overwhelmed. She is passionate about empowering patients by helping them understand their medications in clear and meaningful ways, so they feel confident advocating for their own health.
Her career began at Hennepin Healthcare, where she advanced from pharmacy technician to pharmacy intern, lead outpatient intern, and MTM intern. She went on to gain PGY1 residency experience in ambulatory care (MTM), with diverse clinical training in women’s health, diabetes and endocrinology, primary care, and other chronic conditions. Karen is especially dedicated to providing culturally competent, equitable care in both English and Spanish, with a strong commitment to underserved and rural populations.
Outside of pharmacy, Karen enjoys weightlifting, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
