Dr. Leigh Kalaman began her nursing career while she was in high school. She attended a trade school where she concurrently achieved her high school diploma while studying to become an LPN/LVN. After obtaining her LPN, she worked in long-term care while pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and certificate in Public Health. As an RN, Leigh has worked in a variety of settings, including being an elementary school nurse, acute-rehabs, and step-down units. Much of her RN career has been focused on caring for adult and pediatric trauma patients in Level 1 Trauma Centers across the country. Leigh has been a critical care nurse for over 12 years working in adult/pediatric Trauma/Surgical ICUs, Burn ICUs, and Medical ICUs. During her time working in critical care, Leigh obtained her Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification (CCRN), showcasing her knowledge and dedication to critical care nursing. She also served as a charge nurse, nurse preceptor, and nurse mentor.

During her time caring for patients in acute care settings, Leigh continued to see the downstream effects of conditions that highlighted a lack of preventative primary care. This inspired her to obtain her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a focus as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her doctoral project focused on expanding gender-affirming care while researching the role of patient navigators.
Leigh is passionate about bodily rights and making an impact by changing the healthcare system. She enjoys mentoring future nurses and creating a welcoming environment to new nurses. She is the current Vice President of the School of Nursing Alumni Network at her alma mater, the University of Washington.