About Ms. Cunningham
Jennifer Cunningham, PA, grew up in the St. Charles area. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Northern Illinois University in 1994, then attended Midwestern University in Downers Grove where she graduated Cum Laude in 1998 with a Bachelor of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
Special Areas of Interest
Women’s Health & Cosmetic Procedures
Certification
Board Certified: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Memberships
American Academy of Physician Assistants
The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
Practice Philosophy
To act as an extension of the dermatologist to provide exceptional care of all our patients’ dermatology and skin care needs.
Past Experience
Jennifer attended NIU & received her B.S. degree in biology in 1994, followed by a bachelor’s degree in medical science in physician assistant studies from Midwestern University in 1998. She worked as a physician assistant in family practice from 1998-2006 prior to joining Clear Skin Dermatology.
Jennifer is able to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and perform office procedures. She has taken advanced cosmetic courses in Botox and facial sculpting and specializes in cosmetic procedures such as Botox®, Xeomin®, Radiesse®, Juvederm®, Vollure®, and Volbella®.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Physician Assistants:
1. Is she a doctor? No, she is what is referred to as a mid-level practitioner, similar to a nurse practitioner. She is able to see patients, write prescriptions, and order tests.
2. Will she be a doctor? No, she has completed her formal training and passed national certification boards for physician assistants. She is not an intern or studying to be a doctor.
3. How much/what type of experience does she have? She has 20 years of experience and has worked with both family practice doctors and plastic surgeons in the past, with an emphasis in cosmetic procedures. She has also been formally trained in dermatology by Dr. Jazayerli.
4. Is she a nurse or medical assistant? No. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in biology, and completed post-graduate training in a physician assistant program. She is board-certified as a physician assistant.
5. What is the difference between a physician and a physician assistant?
The main difference between a physician and physician assistant is the amount of time spent in training. Physicians spend more time in school and also have to go through internships and residencies. Physicians can practice independently while PAs work with physicians and are ultimately under the physician’s supervision.
6. What does PA-C mean? It means physician assistant-certified. It means the person has graduated from an accredited program and has passed testing by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
7. Can she prescribe medications? Yes. She is able to write and prescribe prescriptions.
8. How long have PAs been around? Since the 1960’s, physician assistants have helped to expand the delivery of quality medical care.