Kristin E. Carriker, PA-C
Special Interests
- Acute brain and spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) · Stroke · Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)
- Spinal fractures · Spinal cord injury
- Patient-centered, collaborative care
Certifications
Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Biography
Kristin E. Carriker, PA-C, joins CNSA as a dedicated physician assistant with a strong clinical focus on acute brain and spine injuries. She is passionate about caring for patients during some of their most critical moments, helping them navigate complex conditions with clarity, confidence, and support.
Kristin’s path into healthcare began in an unexpected place. While working as a whitewater raft guide, she frequently found herself assisting in first aid situations, which sparked her interest in emergency medicine. Encouraged by colleagues, she pursued a career in EMS and went on to spend 15 years as a paramedic in Mecklenburg County. This experience shaped her calm, capable approach to high-acuity care and deepened her commitment to serving patients in urgent and complex situations.
She later earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Wingate University, where she also completed a clinical rotation with Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates. That experience left a lasting impression and ultimately led her to return to CNSA as a provider, where she continues to grow her clinical skills alongside a team she deeply respects.
In practice, Kristin takes a collaborative, goal-oriented approach to care. She believes that understanding where each patient is coming from and where they want to go is essential to building a strong patient-provider relationship. By working together and aligning care with each patient’s goals, she helps create a clear and supportive path forward. She encourages her patients to be open, engaged, and patient with the process, knowing that the best outcomes come from trust and partnership.
Outside of work, Kristin enjoys staying active and spending time with her family. She loves hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, yoga, and gardening. She also enjoys reading each night and crocheting gifts for friends and family. She lives with her spouse, their son, and their three cats.
Education
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), Wingate University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Spanish
Languages
English
Conversational Spanish
