Lauren Buell, PA-C, is a physician assistant specializing in cardiothoracic surgery with a care philosophy rooted in compassion, education and empowerment. She believes meaningful care begins with listening and taking the time to understand each patient’s values, questions and goals. Lauren is committed to making sure her patients feel informed and supported, and she works to build trust through clear communication and shared decision-making. She finds purpose in guiding patients through complex care with clarity and confidence, helping them take ownership of their health every step of the way.

Lauren earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Austin, Texas, where she was inducted into Pi Alpha, the national honor society for physician assistants. During PA school, she served as chief student ambassador and was part of the inaugural cohort at her campus, giving her the opportunity to help shape the student experience and support prospective students. She also holds a Master of Science in medical physiology and pharmacology and a graduate certificate in medical physiology from the University of Florida. Her academic path began with a Bachelor of Arts in zoology from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.

Her path to medicine started with a desire to help others and grew into a deep interest in the human body and surgical care. Lauren has a strong passion for cardiac surgery, especially coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures, where she assists with conduit harvesting and anastomosis. She values the technical precision and life-changing impact of this work.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking trails with her husband and their dog, Hudson, and exploring small towns to discover local gems. A lifelong soccer fan, she’s looking forward to attending KC Current matches.