Say Hello to our

Physicians and Staff

You may become a patient by making an appointment yourself or through a physician’s referral. We also welcome the opportunity to provide second opinions.

Our Doctors

At Midnight Sun Oncology, we provide excellent, personalized care for people with cancer and blood disorders who live in the Mat-Su Valley. As Mat-Su Valley residents, our doctors know and work closely with your referring doctors. We are right here in the Mat-Su Valley for you.

Dr. Larry Lawson, MD

Board Certified Oncologist

Dr. Lawson earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the University of California, San Diego and his MD from Ross University School of Medicine. He did his Internal Medicine Residency at the Cleveland Clinic Florida and his Medical Oncology fellowship at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. He passed his board certifications in 2003 and 2005 respectively. He established Midnight Sun Oncology after moving to Alaska in 2005. He and his wife live in Big Lake. They are both avid photographers and love to travel.

Dr. Colleen Kersgard, MD

Board Certified Hematologist/Oncologist

Dr. Kersgard earned her Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and her Medical degree from the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, MD. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. She recently retired from the United States Air Force after 25 years of service. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology. She loves to exercise, read, bake and adventure with her husband, Jason, and her labradoodle, Gunner.

Our Nursing Staff

We want every patient and caregiver to feel welcomed and know that when they come to MSO for care we become a part of the support system.

Jessica Tuomi, RN, OCN

RN Infusion Nurse

Jessica was born and raised here in Palmer. After graduating from high school, she moved to South Dakota on a soccer scholarship and attended nursing school. She has worked with oncology patients since 2009 and obtained the national certifications. She enjoys activities with her daughter and spending time with family and friends.

Teri Tynan, RN, OCN

RN Infusion Nurse

Teri was raised in Anchorage, Alaska and moved to the Valley in 2003. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in nursing from UAA in 2009, Teri worked as an inpatient bedside nurse until 2012 when she joined the team at Midnight Sun Oncology. She has been a nationally certified oncology nurse since 2015 and finds her work with oncology patients very fulfilling. Teri has two rambunctious boys that keep her busy between sports, school and general mayhem. They enjoy getting outside, camping, bonfires, and spending time with life long friends.

Jenni Nelson, RN, BSN

RN Infusion Nurse

Jenni was raised in Alaska before moving overseas and graduating high school in Nairobi, Kenya. She attended Nursing school in Texas and graduated in 2013. She has worked at both inpatient and outpatient oncology units, as well as palliative care and hospice, both in Missouri and as a volunteer nurse on a hospital ship in West Africa. Jenni joined Midnight Sun Oncology in 2020. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, hiking, cross country skiing and learning to knit. Jenni also enjoys traveling and is an avid stamp collector… in her passport.

Genista James, Lab Manager/MA

Lab Manager/MA

Genista runs the lab at Midnight Sun Oncology.  Alaska has been her home for over 15 years and she plans on being here for many more.  She has a wonderful husband and three beautiful daughters, all born and raised in Alaska.   She loves what she does at Midnight Sun because of the wonderful people that we care for, their families, and her coworkers.

Melissa Morgan, NCMA

Certified Medical Assistant

Melissa has worked at Midnight Sun Oncology since 2015.  She and her husband are raising 3 wonderful kids in the Mat-Su Valley.  She loves working at Midnight Sun Oncology with her outstanding co-workers.  The highlight of her job is getting to care for & interact with our patients and their families.

Our Administration Staff

We want every patient and caregiver to feel welcomed and know that when they come to MSO for care we become a part of the support system.

Karen Torres

Office Manager

Karen joined Midnight Sun Oncology in 2019. She lives in the Matanuska Valley with her husband and son. Karen has worked in medicine since 2002 in both Oregon and Alaska. She returned to Alaska in 2008 after graduating from Portland State University with a B.S. in Micro/Molecular Biology. Karen loves all aspects of medicine but truly enjoys the face to face interaction with patients and their families. She wants every patient and caregiver to feel welcomed and know that when they come to MSO for care we become a part of the support system. When not at work she enjoys gardening and spending time with her family. 

Corinne Zehnder

Scribe

Corinne has worked as a medical transcriptionist for many years at her home office until becoming the office Scribe at Midnight Sun Oncology.  What she loves most about working in this position is interacting with and getting to know patients.  In her free time, she and her husband Rob enjoy spending time fishing, boating, camping, four-wheeling, and snowmachining with their five kids.  Summertime hiking and relaxing by a campfire are her all-time favorite activities.

Midnight Sun Oncology

 

 

Monday – Thursday 8 am – 5pm  | Friday – 8am – 4pm

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Plaza I – 2490 S. Woodworth Loop #499 Palmer, AK 99645

Make an Appointment at (907) 746-7771

Fax: (907) 746-7798