Faculty

Christian Hermansen, MD, MBA

Regional Medical Director, LGHP Academic Region
Managing Physician, Family Medicine Downtown
Ambulatory Clinical Director, LGHP Family Medicine Residency Program
Physician Champion, LGHP TeleRetina Program

Dr. "Herm" graduated from Jefferson Medical College and was introduced to Lancaster shortly thereafter. He graduated from the Lancaster General Health Family Medicine Residency Program and was honored with the Society for Teachers in Family Medicine Resident of the Year award. After two wonderful years in Christian-based private practice in New Jersey, he was called to Lancaster to combine private and academic family medicine. He also serves as Managing Physician of Downtown Family Medicine and oversees the LGHP Academic Practices as Regional Medical Director. Dr. Hermansen enjoys family life with his wife, Heather, and his three boys, Timothy, Benjamin and Nathaniel and coach baseball in the community.

John W. Kitchens, MD, Retina Specialist

Ophthalmologist, Vitreoretinal Surgeon & Partner​
Retina Associates of Kentucky/Eye Care Partners

Dr. John Kitchens is a nationally and internationally recognized vitreoretinal surgeon based in Lexington, Kentucky. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Iowa and went on to complete a prestigious vitreoretinal fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, where he also served as Chief Resident. Since joining Retina Associates of Kentucky in 2005, Dr. Kitchens has been at the forefront of advancements in retinal surgery, developing innovative surgical techniques and contributing extensively to research in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vascular diseases. His dedication to the field has earned him numerous accolades, including repeated recognition as one of America’s Top Ophthalmologists and inclusion in the Best Doctors in America list.

A prolific educator and speaker, Dr. Kitchens is frequently invited to present at major national and international ophthalmology conferences. He has played a vital role in shaping the future of retinal surgery through his involvement in various advisory boards, including the Bayer Global Retinal Advisory Board and the Surgical Care Affiliates Medical Executive Board. As a co-founding member of the Digital Ophthalmology Society, he has helped lead the integration of digital technology into modern ophthalmic practice. Dr. Kitchens has also served as a faculty member for the Alcon Fellows Retina Institute, where he helps train the next generation of vitreoretinal specialists.

Beyond his clinical and academic pursuits, Dr. Kitchens has a deep passion for photography and videography. He has been honored three times with the Rhett Buckler Award from the American Society of Retina Specialists for his exceptional surgical video contributions. His expertise and engaging teaching style have made him a sought-after mentor in the field of retina. Dr. Kitchens resides in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife Sarah and their children, enjoying an active lifestyle that blends his professional excellence with a love for technology and creativity.