Our Providers

Dr. Karen Zemel has been a primary care pediatrician on the South Shore for over 23 years.

She grew up in Rochester, NY and then moved to Massachusetts to attend college at Brandeis University. While initially a psychology major, working as an EMT at a North Shore ambulance company resulted in a major shift in her plans. She went on to study at Tufts University School of Medicine and then moved to Rhode Island to attend the Hasbro Children’s Hospital residency program.

Moving back to Massachusetts, Dr Zemel worked at a small office on the North Shore while moonlighting at local hospitals’ nurseries and emergency rooms.  Soon after, she met her husband, moved to the South Shore for work and had three children over the ensuing several years.

In her free time, Dr Zemel enjoys spending time with friends and family, singing, theater, baking, traveling, writing (has 2 as-yet unpublished young children’s books), and recalling her old competitive tennis-playing days.

During the pandemic she studied with a rabbi and became a certified Mohelet, able to perform a religious Bris ceremony and circumcision.  Prior to starting her business, however, another opportunity came along.

Beacon Pediatrics is a labor of love, brought into existence by the doctors’ mutual respect and admiration for each others skills and love of pediatric medicine.  Dr Zemel is thrilled to be a part of this exciting and fulfilling venture!