Residency

Medical School

Education

In the Department of Internal Medicine

In the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Kuhlenschmidt provides comprehensive primary care for patients 18 years and older with an emphasis on wellness and preventative care.

Why I Chose Healthcare

I earned my Bachelor’s in Engineering from the University of Illinois with the intent of becoming a practicing engineer but something was missing. I’d spent my teens and twenties working as a lifeguard for the Champaign Park District and went through EMT training because I liked making a direct difference in people’s health and well-being. My best friend (who is now my wife) encouraged me to combine the problem-solving aspects of engineering with the health and wellness aspects of first responder training by going to medical school. I took her advice, and as soon as I started my medical training, I knew I’d found my passion.

Personal

Languages Spoken

English

As an engineer by training, I believe in evidence-based treatment. I invest time in reading and understanding the latest medical treatments and recommendations, and then translating those into realistic care plans for my patients. However, I also believe that successful medicine is a partnership between physician and patient, and that any given treatment is only as successful as the patient or physician in that partnership will allow. I want to provide care that is evidence-based and modern, and also fits seamlessly into my patients’ real, everyday lives. When patients are in my care, I want them to feel safe and respected first and foremost. I also hope to empower my patients to ask questions about their conditions or treatments, ask “why” as much as they’d like, and act as true partners in shaping their care plans.