Many DFPM researchers, students, faculty, and staff are spending their free time volunteering toward COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Volunteer efforts are essential for the smooth distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine as we work collectively toward herd immunity. Jennifer Coombs, PhD, MPAS, PA-C of the Utah Physician Assistant Program (UPAP) shares her experience in volunteering:
“I have been doing a lot of volunteer Covid vaccine clinics. I’ve been taking the Friday morning shift over at clinic F13 at the University of Utah Hospital. We have been running a pretty efficient show over there from check-in to shot to the 15 minute waiting area. The shot is as nearly painless and absolutely safe as possible. There are many volunteers, not just vaccinators like myself, but greeters, and check in people, and people movers, and clinicians watching the area where people are waiting 15 minutes. All of them have been incredible. There are lots of high emotions as people are scared, then relieved, and some cry because they are so overcome with emotion/relief. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in medicine.
Here is a picture of me and fellow PA-C (and UPAP graduate) adjunct faculty Melissa Briley, PA-C, MPAS.”