Debra Palmer Ph.D.

About Debra Palmer: With four decades of distinguished experience as a nurse practitioner and nursing professor, Dr. Palmer has dedicated her career to advancing healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes. Her groundbreaking collaboration with the medical community significantly contributed to pioneering the role of orthopedic nurse practitioners, helping to establish new standards of orthopedic care that continue to benefit patients today. This exceptional work earned her recognition from her peers through the California Association for Nurse Practitioners’ prestigious Bridging Healthcare Needs Award. Her employer further honored her contributions with both The Everyday Hero Award and a Community Service Award. Dr. Palmer earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica and completed both her master’s degree and dual doctorate degrees, a DNP and PhD in Nursing, from the University of San Diego. A transplant from the Midwest, Dr. Palmer now resides in Northern California with her husband, near their adult children and grandchildren. When she’s not working in her new Wellness business or writing, she finds restoration through hiking in nature and tending her garden.