Meet Christopher P. Forest, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA: Tenured Professor and Dedicated Clinical Physician Assistant
Championing Healthcare Excellence and Empowering Communities Through Decades of Service
Christopher P. Forest, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, a licensed primary care physician assistant at Doctors on Duty – Urgent Care in Salinas, California, is a beacon of hope and dedication in the healthcare community. With 40 years of patient-care experience, Christopher’s focus has consistently been on addressing the healthcare needs of underserved populations, making him an invaluable asset to the medical field. Beyond his clinical practice, he is a full professor in the Master of Science in PA Studies Program at the Dominican University of California, where he finds fulfillment in mentoring and inspiring the next generation of healthcare providers.
Christopher’s journey began in a low-income Latino household in Los Angeles, where he learned the value of community service and cultural respect from his parents. Graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1977, he continued his education at the University of Southern California, earning his PA certification in 1983. His commitment to lifelong learning culminated in a Doctoral Degree in Health Science from Nova Southeastern University in 2019.
“What made me successful is my dedication to making a difference in this world,” Christopher states. “I am deeply committed to providing medical care to those in need and empowering others to do the same. Our clinic welcomes patients from all economic backgrounds, ensuring everyone receives high-quality care regardless of their circumstances.” His philosophy of care emphasizes continuous learning and the importance of forming genuine connections with patients, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Throughout his esteemed career, Christopher has embraced a team-based approach to medicine. He is licensed to conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medication, and perform surgical procedures. His extensive experience spans primary care, pediatrics, internal medicine, urology, and urgent care, all while maintaining a focus on equitable healthcare access.
In 2007, Christopher transitioned to academia to share his knowledge and experiences with future healthcare providers. He joined the USC PA program as a full-time faculty member and later became the founding program director of the California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) PA program. Designed with a vision to train students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the program emphasized culturally competent care tailored to the Latino and underserved populations in the Salinas Valley. In 2024, he accepted an appointment as a tenured professor at the Dominican University of California, a minority-serving institution, training the next generation of physician assistants.
His contributions to the profession, extensive patient care, research, and teaching experience earned him national recognition and the title, of Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates (DFAAPA). Christopher is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Physician Associate Education Association, the California Academy of Physician Associates, the Physician Associates for Latino Health, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. His influence extends beyond the classroom and clinic; he is a respected speaker and educator on medical topics at both state and national levels.
Christopher has contributed significantly to medical literature, with 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters in prominent medical textbooks. His work not only informs but inspires healthcare professionals across the country.
Despite his busy schedule, Christopher remains dedicated to patient care and mentoring future healthcare providers. “Teaching holds a special place in my heart because it multiplies my impact,” he explains. “It’s not just about sharing medical knowledge, but about inspiring future healthcare providers to form genuine connections with their patients.”
Outside of his professional life, Christopher enjoys vacationing in Mexico and Central America, engaging in family activities with his wife, playing acoustic guitar, and exploring photography. His favorite professional publications include JAMA, JABFM, JPAE, and JAAPA, which reflect his commitment to staying informed and connected to the latest advancements in the medical field.
Christopher P. Forest’s remarkable journey is a testament to the impact one individual can make in the lives of many. His unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence and community empowerment continues to inspire those around him, shaping the future of healthcare one patient and one student at a time.
Learn More About Christopher P. Forest:
Through his findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/81815779-Christopher-Forest-Physician-Assistant
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