Paula Garcia Pittinger, FNP

About Paula Garcia Pittinger, FNP

Gastroenterology

Paula is a board-certified nurse practitioner with more than 16 years of nursing experience in acute, chronic and preventive care. She earned her bachelor’s in nursing from Chamberlain University in Illinois before completing her master’s at ECPI University in Virginia Beach. She is a member of the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau international nursing honor society and is fluent in Spanish.

Before joining Riverside’s gastroenterology practice as a family nurse practitioner, Paula cared for local emergency room patients as an RN — most recently at Riverside Regional Medical Center. Her skill and dedication earned her two peer-nominated Champion of Caring Awards, in 2019 and 2021.

After helping patients and families navigate a wide range of conditions as an emergency department nurse, Paula decided to transition to gastroenterology for the opportunity to help patients struggling with GI-related concerns. She has a particular interest in helping those suffering from acid reflux and gastroparesis, and finds it rewarding to help patients manage conditions that are otherwise debilitating.

Paula is committed to Riverside’s mission to “treat others as we treat those we love,” and believes in the importance of making meaningful connections with patients, encouraging them to participate in their treatment and making evidence-based decisions to optimize care and healing.

Originally from Colombia, Paula grew up in Bogota and moved to the U.S. at age 15. She has two young children, a son and a daughter, and a rescue puppy named “Cali” after the city of her birth. In their free time, when they’re not at the kids’ soccer practice or games, Paula and her family enjoy baking, visiting the beach and watching movies.

Education

Board Certifications

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