Introducing Dr. Brianna Krafcik: 2026 Wylie Scholar Award Recipient

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Brianna Krafcik, MD, has been named the 2026 Wylie Scholar Award recipient. Dr. Krafcik is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Vascular Surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Her innovative research will focus on improving shared decision making for patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Dr. Krafcik’s project, “Enhancing Shared Decision Making for Patients with Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis,” addresses a critical challenge for patients with severe carotid artery narrowing who have not yet experienced symptoms. Choosing the right treatment can be particularly challenging, as patients may choose medications and lifestyle changes alone or undergo one of several procedures to improve blood flow, each with different risks, benefits, and recovery considerations. Despite the complexity of this decision, there is currently no widely available decision tool that clearly presents all contemporary treatment options.

Dr. Krafcik’s project will test a new patient decision aid developed specifically for people with asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Created with input from patients and clinicians, the tool is designed to translate complex medical evidence into understandable information and help patients and their healthcare providers choose a treatment that reflects each patient’s goals, preferences, and values. She will evaluate the decision aid with both patients and clinicians, assessing whether it improves understanding and satisfaction, reduces uncertainty and regret surrounding treatment decisions, and can be readily incorporated into clinical practice.

This research has the potential to transform how patients with carotid disease participate in decisions about their care. By giving patients the information and support they need to make informed, individualized choices, this work could improve the quality and patient-centeredness of vascular care. The study will also provide the foundation for a planned multicenter randomized trial, with the ultimate goal of developing a validated decision aid that can be used broadly in clinical practice.

To learn more about her work and the Wylie Scholar Award, visit the Wylie Scholar page.