Dr. Larissa Lurken, DNP

What I DoPrimary care has a significant role in children's overall health and well-being. As a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner, I care for children using a patient and family-centered approach, taking the time to listen and build meaningful relationships. I value communication and teamwork when developing treatment plans that are effective and sustainable for children and families.My clinical interests include all aspects of primary care including well-child checks, sick visits, and particularly orthopedic issues due to my previous experience as an orthopedic surgical nurse.Why I Love My WorkI enjoy seeing smiles on children's faces and watching them grow to be the best version of themselves.Getting to Know MeMy motivation to pursue a career in health care was my Mom. She has been a pediatric nurse for almost 30 years, and I've witnessed the impact of her career. I also chose pediatrics because of the unmatched resiliency of children and their zest for life. Children hold a …special place in my heart, and it gives me joy to make a difference in their lives.My personal interests include spending time with family and friends, traveling on cruises, and staying fit by eating healthy and working out. I played Division 1 basketball during my four undergraduate years at Kent State, where we went from a losing program to conference champions my senior year. My favorite memories are playing against the University of Minnesota and scoring my 1,000th point when playing against Baylor University.