Celebrating Dr. Frank Garner

Dr. Frank Garner, our Chief Medical Officer at Comprehensive Healthcare, will retire at the end of this year after eleven years of service. Reflecting on the profound impact Dr. Garner has had over the years, and we are so grateful for everything he has given to this organization and the people around him.

Dr. Garner graduated from medical school 50 years ago. At the beginning of his medical school journey, he intended to practice pediatric medicine. While studying various fields of medicine, however, he discovered a love for psychiatry and quickly changed courses. “And in the course of time, I’ve pretty much done everything there is to do in psychiatry,” Dr. Garner shared.

“Medicine, of course, has changed enormously over that time,” Dr. Garner reflected, referring to his career in the field. “The process of medicine is one of just continuous learning.” These words genuinely illustrate Dr. Garner’s lifelong commitment to adapting and growing, which has influenced his practice and the culture of learning he instilled here.

Dr. Garner initially joined Comprehensive Healthcare after being recruited to help with adolescent psychiatry, a field in which he already had extensive experience. What started as a “nice retirement job” grew into a role that touched nearly every part of our organization. When asked why he stayed, he explained, “This is such a delightful agency, and I have such wonderful people to work with. It’s been a great joy all the way through.”

With humility and kindness, Dr. Garner frequently redirected praise to his colleagues and team, highlighting their warmth, support, and shared passion for patient care. He described the culture here as “social, not hierarchical,” noting, “By far, it’s the people here who have made me want to stay,” Dr. Garner shared, with tears in his eyes. “If someone needs something, everybody else drops what they’re doing. Everyone is so helpful, so willing, and coachable. All of those people will always be a part of me.” Dr. Garner’s leadership has been defined by a spirit of kindness and respect, values that have set a lasting example for all.

As Dr. Garner transitions into retirement, he has no intention of slowing down. “I like to be challenged,” he said with a smile. He plans to spend more time with his four grandchildren in Portland, reconnect with extended family, and explore new learning pursuits unrelated to medicine. “There are so many things to discover, and if I don’t find them, well, I’ll be back to work,” he laughed.

Dr. Garner’s warmth, empathy, and humor have left an indelible mark on all who’ve had the pleasure of working with him. His legacy will continue to shape and inspire our work for years to come.

In honor of Dr. Garner’s retirement and to capture just a fraction of the impact he has made here, we collected a few quotes from some of the people who have worked with him:

Working with Dr. Frank Garner over the past 6 ½ years has been a great pleasure. His presentations and conversations with the board have been stimulating, thought-provoking, and rewarding. His natural and respectful curiosity encourage the same with his audience, which normally leads to a fuller understanding of the topic presented/discussed. As rewarding as it has been to work and converse with Dr. Garner, I wish that his retirement is even more rewarding for him. Enjoy your retirement and next chapter of your life, Dr. Garner.

-Jeff Scott, Board Chair

As our retiring Chief Medical Officer prepares to leave, I want to express my deep appreciation for his guidance, support, and friendship over the past eight years. From the challenges of navigating through the complexities of COVID-19 to the many hurdles of working in a community-based mental health agency, he has been a steady, compassionate presence. A true Renaissance man, his love for fine wine, art, travel, and music added a unique and enriching layer to our collaboration. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside him and will deeply miss both his leadership and the warmth he brought to our organization. However, I know that we will stay connected and am grateful to have him in my life.

-Jodi Daly, PhD, CEO

Simple thanks feel inadequate for the support, education, strength, and friendship you have shown me. You have been the greatest professional mentor I have ever had. You have shown care, compassion, understanding, and support at all times.

Thank you for being so wonderful.  Thank you for being a leader who listens and cares.  Thank you for being an example of what it means to practice medicine, treat others, and help others in their lives.

You will not be forgotten.  Personally, your inspiration and guidance has changed my life.  Thank you.

-Alan Kearns

Dr. Garner is a fount of knowledge, and I have been lucky enough to be supervised by him. Also, he was nice enough never to ask me to work in the outpatient setting 😊 I think his wisdom and spirit will always be at Comprehensive.

-Mitchell Chung

Dr. Garner has been one of the kindest and most compassionate leaders I have had the pleasure of working with in my nursing career. His leadership, mentoring, and expertise have been invaluable to me in starting my career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner over 3 years ago. He took a “chance” on placing a new graduate ARNP in the Pasco Clinic, a very busy, complex clinic. For him to take that risk, I am very grateful! He has been instrumental in helping me build a solid foundation in psychiatric care! He is gracious in giving each provider an hour of weekly supervision. I know he’s impacted so many lives over his career, probably too many to count! On a personal note, Dr. Garner was very supportive and empathetic during a very difficult time for me, the passing of my father. His kind words and compassion helped me navigate a difficult journey!  I am so happy he gets to retire and do things he’s wanted to do and enjoy his family and grandchildren! Well deserved! He is truly one of the best and will be greatly missed!  I personally thank you, Dr. Garner, for what you have done for me and my family over the last 3 years!

-Tammy Iverson

Dr. Garner, your smile can light up a room and make my day. I also love your gentle kindness. We’ve been through some tough situations together and going through those with someone who is so kind and thoughtful has been incredibly valuable. Thank you, and I will miss you!

-Edie Dibble

Dr. Garner, thank you for everything. You’ll always be a part of the Comprehensive Healthcare family, and we look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you’ll continue to achieve in this next chapter.