Prof. Pestka has worked for Pacific University’s School of PA studies since 2016. She is currently Didactic Faculty in the School of PA Studies, and previously held positions as Clinical Faculty and Academic Coordinator. She teaches in Derm/EENT, GI, Genitourinary/Sexual Health, and the Graduate Project. 

Prof. Pestka has over 10 years of experience as a PA across different areas in clinical medicine including travel medicine, urgent care, occupational health and internal medicine. Her areas of research include student professionalism, Global Health, justice, diversity, equity and inclusion in PA Education and Practice. Professionally, Prof. Pestka is passionate about education, and she has worked with the Oregon Society of Physician Assistants for several years on their Continuing Medical Education (CME) Committee, both as a Co-Chair and member of the committee. In her free time, she can often be found hanging out with her family and two doodle-dogs, as well as traveling both domestically and internationally.
 

Educational History

Faculty Development Workshop – Integrating Experiential Learning into Global and Public Health Programs and Courses - Consortium of Universities for Global Health, Allegheny College/Child Family Health International (CFHI), 2019

Online and Blended Learning Retreat – CETCI, 2007

MSPAS – Pacific University School of Physician Assistant Studies, 2012

BA History – St. Lawrence University, 2008

Practice/Research Interests

Prof. Pestka practices in a local Emergency Department/Urgent Care about once a month. Her research interests include student professionalism, Global Health, justice, diversity, equity and inclusion in PA Education and Practice.

Outside the Classroom

Prof. Pestka enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs – Sawyer and Ollie. She also is passionate about traveling, both domestically and internationally.