Facing Forward: LSU Kinesiology Student Kaitlyn Bartolutti’s Path from Patient to Future Surgeon

What encouraged you to apply for the NASM scholarship? How do you plan to use your personal training certification? 

I was encouraged to apply for the NASM scholarship because of my deep connection to fitness and physical health. Growing up, I was frequently in and out of hospitals due to various conditions and injuries, and I was often told that I wouldn’t be able to achieve any future within physical training or athletics. Because of that, I don’t take my physical ability for granted, and I’ve made it a priority in my life to prove to myself that I can do things I previously thought I couldn't.  
 
As a former competitive athlete and volleyball coach, I found the gym to be both a physical and a mental outlet. Earning my personal training certification allows me to continue expanding my knowledge while helping others feel confident in their own fitness journeys. Through both training and sharing my experiences online, I hope to make fitness more approachable and emphasize the importance of safe, sustainable health habits. 

What drives your passion to raise awareness around craniofacial conditions? What has FACE Forward accomplished so far, and what do you hope the future holds for the organization? 

I was born with a complete unilateral cleft lip, along with many other conditions, which makes my passion for this work deeply personal. My experiences growing up shaped my perspective and inspired me to create a space where others can feel seen and supported. That led me to create FACE Forward at LSU, an organization focused on raising awareness and educating others about craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip and palate. Although the condition is rather common, few people have the knowledge or awareness of the lifelong structural effects caused.  
 
Since launching, we’ve built a strong presence on campus through outreach, events and educational programming. Raising funds through events and giving back to the community through hands-on volunteer work have helped us gain significant support for this cause.  
 
Looking ahead, I have huge plans and expectations to expand FACE Forward beyond LSU and grow it into a larger platform, with plans to expand to other schools in the area and, hopefully, across the country. I am currently working with the Vice President of my club to form my own nonprofit, Every FACE Project. Currently, there is almost no treatment exposure to cleft patients after adulthood. Through this nonprofit, we would expand care for teens and adults by funding injectors and professionals to become certified to properly treat cleft lip and other craniofacial conditions. Also, we would create a fund that enables qualifying patients to receive this treatment at no cost to make it much more accessible to all.  
 
Your face and smile are the first things people see and judge when they walk into a room, so they mean so much more than just a cosmetic change! A face is something that stays with you forever, and confidence can change people's lives. This nonprofit will help show people that there are treatments and other options beyond just surgery. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine/surgery? How do you feel majoring in kinesiology has prepared you for medical school?

My interest in medicine stems from my own experiences as a patient. Growing up, I spent significant time in and out of hospitals and long-term care facilities, which made me comfortable in environments that many find intimidating. I developed great respect early on for nurses, doctors and surgeons, who worked so hard yet remained so kind to ensure I would live the best life possible.

I especially became drawn to surgery because of its precision and the direct impact it can have on a patient’s life. My interest only grew when I was able to join Dr. Ovaitt in her operating room on multiple occasions as she performed numerous outstanding procedures. My goal is to combine my personal understanding of the patient experience with clinical skill and mastery to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Why LSU?

I chose LSU because I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and experience a larger environment that would challenge me to grow. As an only child who had never left Northern Virginia, I was looking for new opportunities to grow as a person and gain independence. LSU has provided exactly that. Specifically, the kinesiology program at LSU has given me a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience, while also allowing me to take on leadership roles and create meaningful impact through FACE Forward. I am also extremely appreciative of and moved by Dr. Lisanne McCuller, who has been such a source of support in everything I have been able to accomplish so far during my time here at LSU. As a whole, the professors in the School of Kinesiology have so much passion and care for what they teach and for their students' success, which is so inspiring. This school has shaped both my personal and professional growth for the better and coming here was one of the best decisions I have ever made.