Remembering Dr. Kristin Abbott

Dr. Kristin Abbott, medical director for Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service, died on Sunday, Jan. 21. She was 41.

As a leader and physician, Abbott profoundly and positively impacted the health and well-being of thousands of Northwestern students.

She served for eight years as a staff member in the Division of Student Affairs before the transition of the Student Health Service to Northwestern Medicine in 2021. Abbott continued to serve as a bridge between Student Affairs and Northwestern Medicine to ensure students had a seamless experience. She also held a faculty position at the Feinberg School of Medicine, serving as assistant professor of family and community medicine.

“Dr. Abbott was an incredibly kind and responsive physician,” said Mona Dugo, assistant vice president for wellness and dean of students, Northwestern Student Affairs. “Those of us who had the honor of working with her throughout her Northwestern tenure came to rely on her ability to lead with compassion. We saw her take care of students when they were facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and we always knew they were in good hands.”

A lifelong love of synchronized team skating, Abbott volunteered with the United States Figure Skating Association. She also worked to elevate the sport of synchronized team skating toward inclusion in the Olympic Games. A physician in the national network for Team USA figure skaters, she served as the physician for Team USA figure skaters at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, China.

She is survived by husband, Kevin Pansky, children Declan and Teagan, as well as many family members and friends.