Lauren Deal

Lauren was born in Ketchikan, Alaska, raised on different islands around the Gulf of Alaska, and now resides in the state’s biggest city, Anchorage. She earned a Bachelor of Science in 2021 in Natural Sciences with a focus in both Biology and Chemistry and had been a medical assistant in orthopedic surgery for over three years before attending the program. Lauren's health challenges, including a major spinal fusion surgery and subsequent complications, have deeply influenced her career path. Her goal of providing comprehensive care to Alaskans stems from her own experiences navigating the healthcare system. She aims to be the supportive and understanding healthcare provider she wished for during her own medical journey. Outside of her professional pursuits, Lauren finds joy when in the great Alaskan outdoors. In her free time, you will likely find her fishing, hiking, camping, and exploring everything nature has to offer. As she progresses in her career as a PA, she is determined to create meaningful connections with her patients. She believes in treating each patient as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms, and is dedicated to ensuring that they feel heard and understood. She serves as the class of 2026 Treasurer. In her role as the Treasurer for the class of 2026, Lauren plays a vital role in managing the finances of her cohort and overseeing charitable initiatives. She is very excited about this next step working towards her dream career.