Kirsten Barnard, PA-C, provides care with the Springfield Clinic Trauma & Acute Care Surgery team and sees patients at HSHS St. John's Hospital.

Kirsten earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kan. She has worked in health care since 2017 serving as a CNA, ER tech and medical scribe prior to getting her MPAS.

"Prior to going to PA school, I worked in an emergency department for three years," says Kirsten. "I loved those small, yet meaningful connections I was able to make with patients while they endured less than optimal circumstances."

Kirsten chose trauma surgery as her specialty because of the unique experience it provides in witnessing the full circle of patient care.

Originally from Beecher City, Kirsten recently moved to Waverly with her husband and enjoys the connections she has made living in a small town. "Through an organization like Springfield Clinic, you reap the benefits of connecting with your coworkers who feel like family, while being a part of something so much greater than yourself."

In her free time, Kirsten enjoys serving the Lord, studying the Bible, spending time with her husband and family, trying new recipes, cooking, hosting get-togethers, hiking, as well as hunting and fishing with her husband. She also volunteers in her church's youth ministry.