Jessica Garner

Jessica Garner, DMS, MMS, PA-C, is a Clinical Instructor in the Physician Assistant Program at Pacific University’s School of Health Sciences, where she has been a founding faculty member since 2015. She also continues to practice part-time in integrative oncology, bringing real-world clinical insight into the classroom.

Education

• Doctor of Medical Science (DMS), University of Lynchburg, 2020
• Master of Medical Science (MMS), Saint Francis University, 2012
• Physician Assistant Certificate, San Joaquin Valley College
• Prior career as a special-education teacher before entering the PA profession

Research & Scholarly Interests

Dr. Garner’s scholarly focus centers on cancer epigenetics and translational medicine, with an emphasis on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based, integrative oncology approaches. She is particularly interested in how epigenetic modifications drive tumor progression and how targeted therapies can be translated into community oncology practice. A second major strand of her work explores innovative pedagogies in physician-assistant education, ensuring that future PAs are trained in compassionate, patient-centered care.

Honors & Awards

• School of Health Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award (2023)

Teaching & Clinical Practice

Since 2014 Dr. Garner has combined classroom instruction with active clinical practice. At Pacific she designs and delivers curriculum components that integrate oncology and family-medicine content, mentors students during clinical rotations, and maintains a part-time clinical role in integrative oncology, thereby ensuring that teaching remains grounded in contemporary practice.