Education & Credentials
Howard David Klein holds four degrees from three colleges between 1996 and 2000. Biomedical research and clinical experience are his transdisciplinary specialities.
| Degree | Field | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc | Biology | Rutgers University | 1990* |
| MSc | Neuroscience | Rutgers University | 1992* |
| PhD | Cell & Developmental Biology | UMDNJ Robert Wood Johnson | 1996 |
| MD | Medicine | Thomas Jefferson University | 2000 |
BSc and MSc years predicted based on usual academic advancement.
His dual board qualifications show precision and creativity:
- Otolaryngology – Ear, nose and throat surgery.
- Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – Advanced reconstructive techniques.
Career Milestones
Dr. Kern’s career spans clinical practice, academia, policy, and entrepreneurship. Major roles from 2000 to the present are listed below.
| Period | Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2000–2006 | Residency & Fellowship in Otolaryngology and Facial Reconstructive Surgery | VCU Medical Center |
| 2006–2012 | Private Practice Surgeon & Faculty | Thomas Jefferson University |
| 2012–2016 | Chief Medical Officer | StartUp Health |
| 2016–Present | Senior Director, Health Policy & Innovation | Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Jefferson Health |
| 2017–2019 | Board Member | Biden Cancer Initiative |
| 2020 | Unofficial COVID-19 Advisor | Biden Presidential Campaign |
From surgical work to national health policy formulation, each function builds on the previous, culminating in executive leadership.
Family & Personal Life
Personal and professional connections are equally important for Howard Krein. Married since 2012, he balances demanding surgery with family gatherings.
| Relation | Name | Notability | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wife | Ashley Blazer Biden | Social worker, fashion entrepreneur | 2012 (m.) |
| Father | Stanley Krein | Insurance executive | N/A |
| Mother | Brenda “Bunny” Lipner Krein | Physician assistant in cardiology | N/A |
| Brother | Steven Krein | CEO of StartUp Health | N/A |
| Brother-in-law | Hunter Biden | Businessman, author | N/A |
| Parents-in-law | Joe & Jill Biden | President & First Lady of the United States | N/A |
A priest and rabbi officiated the uncommon Catholic–Jewish wedding, underlining his interfaith family ties.
Financial Overview
Dr. Kreuz’s net worth is unknown, however estimations are based on surgeon wages, academic pay, and C-suite remuneration.
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Income | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice & Surgery | $300,000–$400,000 | High‑volume facial reconstructive cases |
| Academic Appointment | $150,000 | Full professor pay scale |
| CMO at StartUp Health (2012–2016) | $200,000–$300,000 | Equity stakes unclear |
| Policy & Advisory Roles | $50,000–$100,000 | Honoraria and board stipends |
| Total Estimated Annual Income | $700,000–$950,000 | Approximate range |
Speculative net worth: $5 million–$10 million, assuming conservative savings, investments, and home equity. The wide range reflects the private nature of physician‑executive finances.
Recent Developments & News (2024–2025)
Dr. Klein resurfaced in high-profile settings in mid-2024 after a quiet period.
| Date | Event | Context |
|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | Seen in Oval Office during Democratic National Convention | Family appearance, low political profile |
| March 2025 | Guest speaker at national health innovation summit | Discussed telehealth and equity |
| May 2025 | Published panel interview on reconstructive surgery advances | Featured in medical industry journal |
His public presence declined between 2021 and 2024, however his LinkedIn still displays StartUp Health as a partner. Industry analysts saw a “strategic retreat” from corporate titles to academic and charitable work.
Family Network & Influences
The Krein-Biden collaboration places Howard Krein at the intersection of politics, charity, and healthcare innovation.
| Individual | Relationship | Sphere of Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Biden | Wife | Social services, design |
| Joe & Jill Biden | Parents-in-law | National politics |
| Hunter Biden | Brother-in-law | Private sector, media |
| Steven Krein | Brother | Health tech entrepreneurship |
| Stanley & Brenda Krein | Parents | Insurance & clinical support |
This network underpins many of his opportunities and raises concerns about conflicts of interest, especially early in the Biden administration.
FAQ
Who is Howard David Krein?
Dr. Knein is a board-certified otolaryngologist and facial reconstructive surgeon, as well as a professor and health-tech executive.
What are his main professional roles?
Previously CMO of StartUp Health, he is a Thomas Jefferson University professor and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Centre policy innovator.
He married into the Bidens when?
In a mixed Catholic-Jewish ceremony in Wilmington, Delaware, he married Ashley Blazer Biden on June 3, 2012.
Does he have published research?
He earned a PhD in cell and development biology in 1996 and has written numerous peer-reviewed studies on reconstructive surgery.
What is his estimated net worth?
Estimates of surgeon income, academic salaries, and executive remuneration range from $5-10 million, but official statistics are unavailable.
Was he a political advisor?
He provided informal COVID-19 strategy advice to the Biden 2020 campaign and participated on the Biden Cancer Initiative board from 2017 to 2019.
What humanitarian causes does he support?
He provides reconstructive surgery for Belizean children, domestic violence survivors, and veterans in medical missions.
His corporate title was deleted from StartUp Health. Why?
Although his LinkedIn still shows involvement, his official website no longer includes him post-2021, indicating a shift towards academia and policy.
