Helping others through medicine and medical education

Lauren Edwardslauren edwards

Trine University - College of Health Professions
B.S., Indiana State University;MMS, Lincoln Memorial University

260.800.8108 | email

I was born and raised in Indiana as a proud resident of the Hoosier state. I am originally from a small town in Southeast Indiana, where I resided until I graduated from high school. Even when I was young, I knew it was a life goal of mine to be in the medical field. I remember while growing up I would play with my fake medical kit and “heal” my little sisters’ baby dolls.

Once I graduated high school, I attended Indiana State University, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree with honors in biology and minors in chemistry and Spanish. I was involved in many extracurricular activities while attending ISU, including the Rural Health Program, which helped prepare me for a future in practicing medicine.

After graduation from Indiana State University, I attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, for my physician assistant education to obtain my goal of becoming a medical provider. During my time in PA school, I was a part of the Student Society as the Outreach Chair and served as a student ambassador. I graduated with a Master of Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies.

Once I graduated and obtained my national certification, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, and began practicing as a physician assistant in psychiatry. I worked in both an outpatient and an inpatient setting. Working in this field allowed me to continue to grow as an advocate for proper mental health care, which has turned into a passion of mine. I also served as a clinical preceptor for a local PA program while working in the clinic, which gave me my first exposure to PA education. I then decided to make the full-time transition into education and join Trine University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program as the clinical coordinator.

Some of my hobbies include spending time outdoors, sports and reading. I played multiple sports growing up and have now transferred to being a full-time fan. All throughout the year you can see me rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Reds or Carolina Hurricanes. I also love spending quality time with my family, which is partly what led me back to Indiana. Another passion of mine is being a part of the community, including giving back, which I am excited to get to do here in Fort Wayne.