Kimberly Holst
Papers
1
Total Citations
20
H-Index
1
About
Kimberly Holst is a cardiovascular surgeon whose research illuminates the critical intersection of surgical practice, patient outcomes, and public health. Her work focuses on understanding the drivers of postoperative care, particularly the opioid epidemic’s roots in surgical prescribing patterns. In her landmark study, “What Drives Opioid Prescriptions After Cardiac Surgery: Practice or Patient?” (2020, 20 citations), Holst systematically dissected whether surgeon habits or patient-specific factors dictate opioid use after cardiac procedures. This work has been pivotal in reshaping perioperative pain management protocols, directly challenging long-standing prescribing norms and advocating for evidence-based, patient-centered approaches. By quantifying the influence of provider practice over patient need, her research provides actionable insights for reducing unnecessary opioid exposure without compromising pain control. Holst’s contributions are especially significant in the context of the national opioid crisis, offering a surgical lens to a problem often viewed through primary care. Her findings have informed clinical guidelines and sparked broader conversations about accountability in surgical prescribing. For students and researchers, Holst’s work exemplifies how rigorous clinical investigation can drive meaningful change in both individual patient care and population health.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1What Drives Opioid Prescriptions After Cardiac Surgery: Practice or Patient?20 citations · 2020