Extensive medical experience around the world

Brian A. Lapp

Trine University - Brooks College of Health Professions
DMSc – University of Lynchburg
MS – Physician Assistant, Western Michigan University
MS – Exercise and Health Studies, Miami University
BA – Physical Education, Wittenberg University
260.702.8066 | email

I joined Trine University’s Physician Assistant program in May 2020. I developed and currently teach the Clinical Anatomy, Clinical Skills (II, III, and IV), and Musculoskeletal curriculum. I am also a co-instructor of the Clinical Applied and Reflection Experience (C.A.R.E) course. In addition, I have designed and taught the PA Professional Practice curriculum and served as chair of the Student Success Committee.

I earned my Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg, Virginia) in 2023. I published a paper in the Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science entitled, “Exercise-Induced Gut Microbiota Changes: Is There a Therapy Connection for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?”

I received a Master of Science in medicine as a physician assistant from Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, Michigan) in 2007. After practicing emergency medicine and family medicine for a couple of years, I entered the Navy as a Medical Officer (Lieutenant) stationed at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. I developed the heat casualty protocol that became the standard of care at other medical clinics. In addition, I completed an eight-month deployment at the Expeditionary Medical Facility in Kuwait. Functioning as a primary care provider, I treated over 2,700 soldiers with conditions ranging from common colds to pneumonia to dermatological issues to musculoskeletal problems. I received the Navy Achievement Medal for my strong performance.

In 2012, I accepted a position at the Virginia Brain and Spine Center Pain Management Department in Winchester, Virginia. During my 6½ years, I built a thriving medical practice focused on patient education and multidisciplinary treatment options. I also opened an OsteoStrong® franchise center to offer an option for increasing bone density, reducing fracture risk, increasing athletic performance, and improving pain without medication.

Before my career as a physician assistant, I served as director of fitness for Honda of America. During my nine-year employment, I played an instrumental role in the design of their corporate fitness facility and was responsible for staff training. I also instructed and supervised interns from Bluffton University and Morehead State University. Based on the positive feedback from the interns, Bluffton University contacted me to teach their Exercise Physiology course.

While attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as a graduate assistant in Exercise Science, I was responsible for teaching several health education classes and supervising the Faculty and Staff Health Enhancement Program. I developed an in-house internship program that allowed 25 students, both undergraduate and graduate, the ability to gain practical experience in exercise leadership and fitness assessment. I also researched a fall prevention strategy in older adults that later was published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.

I live with my wife Lisa, son AJ, and golden retriever (Gunner) in southwest Fort Wayne. I love the one-on-one interaction with students and watching their eyes light up when I can explain a difficult topic. I enjoy watching movies about people who overcome difficult situations and spend much of my time studying nutrition and physical performance.