Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD
Accepting New Patients

Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD

  • Women's Cardiovascular Disease|
  • Cardiology
Average rating: 4.9
 
Westwood Specialty Care |

About

Dr. Karol Watson is an attending cardiologist and a Professor of Medicine/Cardiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She is Director of the UCLA Women’s Cardiovascular Health Center, the UCLA-Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Health Program, Co-Director of the UCLA Program in Preventive Cardiology, and Director of the UCLA Fellowship Program in Cardiovascular Diseases. Dr. Watson is a principal investigator for several large National Institutes of Health research studies including the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study and the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. She is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Heart Association. She is also a Board member of the American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate, and Chairperson of the Scientific Advisory Board for Womenheart, the largest national organization for women survivors of heart disease.

Languages

English, Spanish

Education

Medical Board Certification

Cardiovascular Disease, American Board of Internal Medicine, 2004

Fellowship

Cardiology, UCLA School of Medicine, 1997

Residency

Internal Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, 1992

Internship

Internal Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, 1991

Degrees

PhD, UCLA School of Medicine Dept of Physiology, 1998
MD, Harvard Medical School, 1989

Hospital Affiliations

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

Videos

Love Your Heart. Everyday Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy and Strong

In the News

Queen Latifah Puts Heart Failure Center Stage - U.S. News, Sep 2016

Note: News website links may expire without notice.

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield of California
  • Centivo
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Health Net of California
  • Interplan (part of HealthSmart)
  • Medicare Advantage
  • MultiPlan
  • UFCM Health System
  • Prime Health Services
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealthcare

The list of health care plans above may not be comprehensive and could change. 
Please contact your benefits coordinator or health insurance company directly to verify coverage.

Visit our health insurance information page for more details.

Recognitions

  • Super Doctors® Southern California, 2024, 2025

Reviews

Overall Rating:
4.9
94 total ratings | 45 reviews
5.0
October 28, 2025
I was a “walk in” patient who stopped by after hospital discharge to make a follow up appointment with cardiology. Dr Watson was still in the office and about ready to leave. She nevertheless stayed, did the exam and ordered neccessary follow ups. I so much appreciated this kind gesture. It is her expertise, kindness and thoughtful approach that sets her apart
5.0
October 17, 2025
Dr Watson is wonderful. She knows me and my history. She noticed a change in the BP and immediately made a change to my medication. Beyond being an excellent doctor, she is very personable, patient and kind. I have the utmost confidence in her.
5.0
October 13, 2025
Excellent doctor! Didn’t rush me.
5.0
October 13, 2025
Dr. Karol Watson has been my cardiologist for many, many years. She’s probably the major reason why I’m still here, walking the earth. She’s the best. Plain and simply put: the best.
5.0
October 6, 2025
I was so comfortable with her knowledge and approach. I was at ease the second I met her & the staff