Kristine Jennings Burgess, MS, PA-C, CLC

Kristine Burgess received her Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. After PA school she practiced family medicine with a focus on women’s health, pediatrics, dermatology, and acute care. She joined the faculty of the Rosalind Franklin University PA Program in February 2014 and assumed the role of Director of Didactic Education later that same year. Her academic focus includes Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dermatology, Hematology, Clinical Laboratory, and Physical Assessment. Kristine’s recent research projects include topics in breastfeeding medicine, spinal changes in pregnancy, running-related projects, and team-based learning research. She has presented her research on team-based learning at the Physician Assistant Education Association Forum. In addition to her work as a PA educator, she is a certified lactation consultant and a certified running coach through USA Track & Field and has previously coached cross country and track at the collegiate level. She trains and competes locally and nationally in races ranging from the mile through the marathon.

Kristine is a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, the Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education, the International Lactation Consultant Association, the Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is a member of the Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics & Gynecology Education Committee. At Rosalind Franklin University, Kristine serves as the chair of the College of Health Professions Awards Committee, co-chair of the Women in Science and Healthcare Symposium and she is a faculty senator and a member of the University Faculty Awards Committee.

Academic Appointments

• Director of Didactic Education, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, PA Program; 2014 to present
• Assistant Professor, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, PA Program; 2018 to present
• Instructor, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, PA Program; 2015 to 2018
• Lecturer, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, PA Program; 2014
• Clinical Preceptor – Family Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, PA Program; 2011 to 2013

Education

• Certified Lactation Counselor, The Healthy Children Project from the Center for Breastfeeding, ALPP Certification Exam- June 2018, Recertification through June 2025
• MS Physician Assistant Practice, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, June 2010
• BS Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Illinois, Champaign- Urbana, IL, May 2007

Professional Affiliations

• American Association of Physician Assistants
  • Fellow Member, 2010 to Present
  • Student Member, 2008 to 2010
• Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants
  • IAPA Board Member, Rosalind Franklin University Representative, 2015 to 2017
  • Spring CME Program & Student Challenge Bowl Planning, Co-director, 2015
  • Student Professional Development & Challenge Bowl Planning, Director, 2016 to 2018
  • Fellow Member, Starting 2010
  • PA Student Member, 2008 to 2010
  • Pre-PA Student Member, 2006 to 2007
• Physician Assistant Education Association
  • Institutional Colleague Member, 2014 to Present
• Physician Assistant Education Association Pi Alpha National Honors Society
  • Member, inducted May 2017
• Association of Physician Assistants in Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Fellow Member, 2019 to Present
  • Education Committee Member, 2021 to Present
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • Educational Affiliate Member, 2019 to Present
• Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education
  • Breastfeeding Educator Member, 2020 to Present
• International Lactation Consultant Association
  • Clinical Professional Member, 2021
• Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
  • Affiliate Member, 2021

Awards

• College of Health Professions Outstanding Faculty Teacher Awards - April 2015
• National Physician Assistant Foundation Scholarship Recipient - May 2009

Presentations and Publications

• PRIME (Parent Resources in Medical Education) Newsletter Expert Q&A regarding Human Milk Expression
  January 2022
• University of Toledo Physician Assistant Program
  Guest Lecturer, September 2020 & 2021, “Breast Anatomy, Benign Breast Disease, Breast Cancer Screening & Diagnostics, Breast Cancer Non-Surgical Treatment, and Lactation & Breastfeeding”
• University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Molecular & Cellular Biology Mentorship Program 2019 Homecoming Dinner & Research Poster Presentations
  Invited Speaker, October 2019, “The Role in Allied Health in the Future of Medicine”
• Burgess, K., Carlson, J., Fischer, A.; Katz, J.; Locascio, J., & Najarian, C.
  “Does Participation in a team-based learning (TBL) course focused on clinical laboratory medicine impact knowledge in similar topic area among first year physician assistant (PA) students at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science?”
  Poster presentation at Physician Assistant Education Association Forum 2018