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Lisa M. Trujillo, DHSc, RRT

Lisa Trujillo portrait
Department Chair, Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science

Clinical Associate Professor, Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science

ltrujillo3@kumc.edu

Professional Background

Lisa M. Trujillo, DHSc, RRT, joined the School of Health Professions faculty in summer 2018 after a long tenure in higher education and clinical service in Utah. She earned a doctorate in health science with emphasis in global health from Nova Southeastern University in 2013 and a master’s degree in respiratory care leadership from Northeastern University in 2009 after receiving her undergraduate degrees from Weber State University’s respiratory care program.

In June 2023, Trujillo was appointed chair of the Department of Respiratory Care and Diagnostic Science, after service as vice chair since 2022.

Professional experience
Prior to arriving at KU, Trujillo served as graduate program director and associate professor in the master’s degree program in respiratory therapy at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. From 2002-2017, she held the position of director of clinical education where her responsibilities included development and integration of simulation in addition to teaching courses at all levels.

Trujillo worked in clinical practice as a registered respiratory therapist for a decade at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. She handled work in all areas of the hospital including the intensive care units for shock/trauma, medical/surgical, neonatal, and respiratory care.

She is heavily involved in professional positions at the state and national levels, including serving on the board of directors for the American Association for Respiratory Care, the Coalition on Baccalaureate and Graduate Respiratory Therapy Education, and the Utah Association for Respiratory Care. In addition, she has served in multiple training positions for the American Heart Association such as advanced cardiac life support and a neonatal respiratory program.

Pursuing unique opportunities abroad continues to be a major focus and area of interest for Trujillo. She discusses respiratory therapy care and many other health-related topics in regular presentations to staff and students at colleges and health care institutions in Ghana. Her travels have also taken her to Tanzania, Ethiopia, and China among others.

In addition, she presents extensively to domestic audiences on international health care and education, humanitarian efforts, and other topics of increasing importance to health around the world.