RISING STAR

BIOGRAPHY

Kristen became interested in the field of Orthotics and Prosthetics during the summer after her freshman year of college at Walla Walla University. She felt intrigued by the ability to find and create unique solutions by partnering with patients and various health professionals.

Before starting at Loma Linda, Kristen spent a year as a Student Missionary. She taught elementary classes in an underserved area of Zaragoza, Spain. While there, Kristen learned the finer points of communication, friendship, and the importance of an attitude of service to the community. She returned ready to begin her education in this engaging discipline.

Kristen is a third-generation graduate of Loma Linda University, and she takes great pride in continuing that legacy. Serving the community and recruiting others to join became a cornerstone of her education and complemented the rigorous academic curriculum. Working with Team PossAbilities, an LLU community outreach program for people with permanent physical disabilities, sparked Kristen’s inspiration for a research project studying the forces involved in cycling with emphasis on mechanical advantage in people with amputations.

Each experience prepared Kristen for a fulfilling career. Kristen graduated in 2018, Summa Cum Laude and began a residency at Evergreen Prosthetics and Orthotics in Vancouver, Washington. After completing board certification in both orthotics and prosthetics, Kristen transferred to the Spokane branch to be with her husband and fellow LLU graduate, Christian Robins, MD. No other discipline quite as well fulfills the mission of Loma Linda University, “to make man whole” and Kristen is proud to be a part of this institution and this profession.

The Orthotics and Prosthetics department is honored to present the 2021 Rising Star Award to Kristen Smith.