Lea Barker, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant with The Christ Hospital Health Network who specializes in surgical oncology. She provides inpatient and outpatient care and sees patients at the Montgomery and Mt. Auburn locations.
A career in medicine was a natural choice for Lea, thanks to a lifelong love of science, and physiology in particular. Her fascination deepened during her undergraduate studies when she had the opportunity to learn more about the human body and its complexities. “I spent time shadowing different medical fields and I saw firsthand the impact that compassionate care can have on patients during difficult times,” she says. “That solidified my desire to find a way to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Lea takes a patient-centered approach to providing care with a focus on empathy and open communication. “I value building long-term relationships with my patients and making sure they feel comfortable, educated, informed and heard,” she says. She also empowers her patients through education about the importance of prioritizing their own health and wellbeing. “Simple steps like eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, and being physically active can go a long way toward helping you feel your best,” she says.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies at the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Kettering College. She is certified by the National Board on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Lea is a proud native of Cincinnati, and in her free time she likes to experience everything the city has to offer from exploring new restaurants to cheering on the Bengals. She also enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors with her husband. She stays active through exercise and participating in sports. She especially enjoys her newest sport – pickleball.