John Giacona

John Giacona, Ph.D., PA-C, is an Assistant Professor in the Applied Clinical Research Department at UT Southwestern Medical Center, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Internal Medicine - Division of Cardiology. A board-certified Physician Assistant and certified Hypertension Specialist, he practices at the Clinical Heart and Vascular Center within the Division of Cardiology's Hypertension Section. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, followed by a Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Ph.D. from UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Education:

• B.Sc. in Biology, University of Texas at Austin
• Master of Physician Assistant Studies, UT Southwestern School of Health Professions
• Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dr. Giacona's research focuses on nutrition and exercise's impact on autonomic blood pressure control, HDL metabolism, and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function. He also teaches cardiovascular and endocrinology clinical medicine sections at UT Southwestern. His recent publications highlight expertise in hypertension, mitochondrial physiology, and cardiometabolic research.

Awards & Affiliations:

• Chair, Preventive Cardiology at Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology
• Board Member, American Heart Association's Hypertension Committee
• Member, American Academy of Physician Assistants
• Member, American College of Cardiology
• Member, Texas Academy of Physician Assistants