After graduation from Ramapo College, Dr. Karcnik attended graduate school in Basic Medical Sciences at New York Medical College where she developed an interest in spinal cord injury research. However, rather than pursue a career in lab research, she realized she would rather work with people. 

This experience led her to a natural interest in the emphasis taken on the neuromusculoskeletal system as well as the “whole patient” approach intrinsic to the field of osteopathic medicine. After graduating from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Karcnik did her internship at Saddle Brook Hospital and residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at New York Medical College-affiliated hospitals including Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx and Metropolitan Hospital in Manhattan, where she was chief resident in her final year.

After completing residency, Dr. Karcnik earned her Board Certification in PM&R by both the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and American Osteopathic Board of Rehabilitation Medicine. She worked in acute rehabilitation, subacute rehabilitation, and private practice while remaining active in the osteopathic profession and raising three sons. Dr. Karcnik is currently the Director of Rehabilitation Medicine at JDT Villa Subacute Care in Lincoln Park, NJ. 

Dr. Karcnik has served as an NJ delegate to the American Osteopathic Association House of Delegates, Morris County delegate to the New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons House of Delegates, and President of the Morris County Osteopathic Society. She also has served as a Clinical Adjunct Professor in the primary care department of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Middletown NY, where she gladly set an example to up-and-coming osteopathic physicians of “the difference a D.O. makes.” For relaxation, Dr. Karcnik enjoys travel, reading, and swimming, but most enjoy conversing and dining with family and dear friends.