October 7, 2021

Lauren Krieter, Physician Assistant

Central, Life@Work

I grew up in Little Falls with three sisters, and I think my mom influenced all of us to pursue careers in healthcare. My mom is a nurse and she continues to inspire me – as a mother, as a female and as a healthcare provider. Growing up, I saw how fulfilled she was through her work and it lit a fire inside me. I saw how much she cared about people she didn’t even know. Her work struck me as so important because she got to help people. I remember thinking it probably seemed normal to her, but it seemed profound to me that she got to touch people’s lives every day – sometimes in their darkest hour.

I knew I wanted to do something science or healthcare related, but I wasn’t sure what. So I got my Bachelor’s of science degree in biomedical science, and then went to work for 3M in the Twin Cities. I had a good job, but I didn’t love it. So I went back to Physician Assistant (PA) school. Now I work as a PA in general surgery and it’s awesome. To put your hands inside somebody else’s body to help them is somewhat of a spiritual experience. To be part of a team where you can really be reverent and cure a person of their cancer, or their life-threatening illness is just amazing.

My work makes me feel connected to my purpose, which I see as creating more good. Whether it’s through my children or assisting in the operating room so patients can get back out there and see all the good in the world, it feels great to help people.