Junior Faculty Feature: Lisa Kuehn

Lisa Kuehn
Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences – Physician Assistant Program

What if a talented journalism and communications major discovered she had a unique, yet hidden skill that could potentially make a big difference in the lives of others? Diversification might be an understatement for what Lisa Kuehn originally set out for in college. With an initial vision of becoming a world-renowned journalist, Kuehn found her strengths were more tailored to the fields of math and science and began looking into alternative career paths. She eventually became focused on Physician Assistant Studies. 
 
After earning her bachelor’s degree at Pennsylvania State University in Biobehavioral Health, she was accepted to the newly developed Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program at Salus University in 2010. At the time, this innovative program was minuscule – a mere fraction of the class size she was used to at State College, which is the main reason why she chose this specific program. “I realized that I was looking to make a different impact on the world and help those in need, which couldn’t be accomplished if I continued to pursue the path of a journalist,” said Kuehn. After graduation, she worked full-time at an urgent care facility for three years prior to joining Salus as a course director. Currently she serves as an assistant professor in the University’s PA program while continuing to work part time at a local urgent care. 
 
Kuehn presently instructs the Physical Diagnosis lab, specifically designed to prepare PA students for obtaining a complete medical history and physical examination on future patients. When asked about her teaching philosophy, she replied “hands-on!” Her instruction style is one that is interactive, group focused, and practical. “My goal is to provide students with functional knowledge in order for them to apply what they learn after graduating from the program,” she remarked. “It’s key that students are completely involved, offer opinions and ask questions – this is crucial in both learning and absorbing information.”
 
At an early age Lisa Kuehn found herself suited to a career dealing in hard facts and tangible evidence. Physician Assistant studies became her passion, permitting her to carry out her ultimate dream of serving those in need, right within her local community.