Kelsey Nehrig ’18

Alumna appreciates integration of faith into GWU Department of Physician Assistant Studies

“One of my favorite things about Gardner-Webb was the integration of faith into the program. The faculty and staff are beyond amazing. I felt I could really focus on why God had me there—to become a Christ-led medical professional.”

Accepted into the Gardner-Webb University Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program in August 2015, Kelsey Nehrig and her husband moved to Boiling Springs, N.C., from Huntington Beach, Calif. She was impressed with the GWU program’s mission and values, and that clinical rotations included international missions’ opportunities.

“I had interviewed at about eight programs across the U.S. GWU’s interviews were personal, welcoming and uplifting,” she shared. “My husband and I were a little unsure about moving, but we prayed about it and felt the Lord calling us to Boiling Springs.”

To prepare for the rigorous academic requirements of the Gardner-Webb PA program, Nehrig obtained her undergraduate degree in kinesiology with a pre-health concentration. She also completed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training.  

“I’ve always loved healthcare and have worked in it since I was 18 years old,” Nehrig asserted. “I believe the Lord has given me this passion for a reason. I hope to be a light to people who may be in dark places, specifically with their health. Nobody wants to be in a hospital or at the doctor’s office, but I hope to bring comfort and the joy of the Lord to these situations. My hope is that people can see the Lord’s love for them and how he’s caring for them through me.”  

Nehrig graduated in 2018 and moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she is working in vascular surgery for the University of Kansas Health System. “I am part of an amazing team of six surgeons and three Nurse Practitioners,” she related. “We travel between five community hospitals in the Kansas City area. I first assist in surgery, round on post-op patients and see consults. I really enjoy surgery and comforting patients through what can be a very intimidating process.”

During her time at GWU, she did have a chance to participate in a clinical rotation to Zambia, Africa. The experience confirmed to Nehrig that God does want to use her and her husband on the mission field in the future. “One of my favorite things about Gardner-Webb was the integration of faith into the program,” she observed. “The faculty and staff are beyond amazing. They prepare you for the real world with professionalism and patient-centered care classes. I felt I could really focus on why God had me there—to become a Christ-led medical professional.”