Abigail Vanlaningham

Brooks College of Health Professions
Assistant Professor
B.S. Health Science / M.P.A.S. - Butler University
260.702.8008 | vanlaninghama@trine.edu

I grew up in a rural community near Warsaw, Indiana, about an hour west of Fort Wayne. For those of you who are familiar with the area, medicine is a huge part of the community as several orthopedic manufacturing companies are headquartered here. My exposure to the medical field started early, as my father worked at one of these companies and my sister was born with an orthopedic disability that required several surgeries early in her life.

I went to Butler University in Indianapolis for both undergraduate and PA school, graduating with a Master in Physician Assistant Studies in 2016. After my surgery rotation, I knew that the OR was the place for me. Following graduation, I started working at Fort Wayne Orthopedics as part of their spine surgery team, where I have been ever since. During this time, I assisted in surgery, made rounds, performed consults and saw patients in the office. In July 2026, after 10 years in spine surgery, I decided to make the transition to education. I have always enjoyed the patient education piece of the profession, and am excited to now start educating future professionals.

Currently, I live in Fort Wayne with my husband and young daughter. We were married for nine years before she was born, and spent our free time doing some creative projects, traveling and finding all ways to be outside. We still enjoy similar pastimes but have amended some of our activities — instead of backpacking, we now go car camping, and my cut flower garden has a few more weeds these days. Slowing down and sharing life with our daughter has been such a joy and we continue to learn more from her at every stage!