Kristen (Scislow) Budahn, Class of 2008, graduated with a major in Biology from Bethany Lutheran College. She now serves as a family practice physician in a rural hospital and clinic in Minnesota, providing full-spectrum medical care to patients from birth through older adulthood, including obstetric care, inpatient services, nursing home care, and performing deliveries and office-based procedures.

Kristen is inspired daily by the depth and variety in her work. She shares: “I see patients from birth until death … Being the first person to see and hold a newborn is without doubt one of the most amazing experiences ever! I love working in a small town where I get to see my patients not only in the clinic but out in the community as well.”

Her vision continues to expand through ongoing professional growth and community-focused medicine. She aims to enhance her current practice, broaden her medical skills, and contribute to improving the health outcomes of her community and region.

Reflecting on her time at Bethany, Kristen emphasizes the meaningful preparation she received—both academically and spiritually. She recalls how courses like gross anatomy and rigorous math and science classes gave her strong medical school readiness. Her study abroad and Spanish coursework provided the ability to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking patients in clinical settings. Daily chapel, athletics, study abroad to Ecuador, and art history travel trips nurtured her faith, cultural understanding, and sense of community.

Kristen’s journey—from Biology major to rural family physician—exemplifies how Bethany Lutheran College equips graduates for careers defined by professional excellence, community impact, compassionate service, and deep-rooted character.