Jennifer M. Coombs

Jennifer M. Coombs, PhD, PA-C, MPAS

Languages spoken: English

Board Certification

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Physician Assistant | Educator | Researcher | Advocate for Rural and Underserved Healthcare

Jennifer Coombs has been a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA) for over 30 years, making significant contributions to patient care, education, and research.

Education & Training

Dr. Coombs began her medical journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Colorado College before becoming a Licensed Midwife (LM) in New Mexico. She later pursued her passion for medicine, graduating from the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program (UPAP) in 1991.

Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to obtain a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) in 2001 and a PhD in Public Health from the University of Utah in 2011.

Clinical Practice & Humanitarian Work

Dr. Coombs started her PA career in family medicine at Northwest Community Health Centers (now Steven D. Ratcliffe Clinic), where she practiced for over 14 years. She specialized in working with Vietnamese and Laotian refugees, reflecting her dedication to underserved communities.

Her humanitarian efforts have been widely recognized, earning her the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (UAPA) in both 1992 and 2006.

Leadership & Contributions to the PA Profession

Dr. Coombs is a respected leader in the PA profession, serving on national committees and actively contributing to professional discourse. She has written extensively for several national blogs, including the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Networker, where she has provided guidance on:

  • Publishing dissertations in scholarly journals
  • The teacher evaluation process
  • Overcoming writer’s block
  • Preparing for doctoral dissertation defense

She has also played a pivotal role as a reviewer and executive board member of the Journal of the American Academy of PAs (JAAPA), where she has authored articles on rural healthcare, international healthcare, and health services research.

Research & Global Medical Outreach

Dr. Coombs’ research focuses on rural and underserved healthcare both in Utah and internationally. She has been actively involved in medical outreach programs in:

  • India
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Nepal
  • Guatemala

Teaching & Academic Involvement

As a dedicated educator, Dr. Coombs teaches courses in:

  • Women’s Health
  • Pelvic & Breast Exams
  • Evidence-Based Practice and Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Research Statement

As a Professor in the Division of Physician Assistant Education and Sciences, I have dedicated over three decades to advancing primary care, rural health workforce development, and healthcare access for underserved communities. Holding a PhD in Public Health, my work centers on qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies, particularly in tracking PA graduate retention in medically underserved communities (MUCs) and Health Profession Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

My expertise in program evaluation and data analysis has been instrumental in assessing the impact of HRSA-funded initiatives. As Principal Investigator (PI) for the PCTE-PARB Rural Mental Health Program, I lead efforts to enhance rural primary care training with an integrated behavioral health curriculum, support student placement in rural underserved areas, and track workforce outcomes post-graduation. My role also includes developing longitudinal tracking systems for scholarship recipients, identifying barriers to employment in primary care, and optimizing student support mechanisms to improve graduation and employment rates in underserved settings.

This initiative aligns with my longstanding commitment to health equity, behavioral health integration, and workforce expansion for disadvantaged student populations.

Education History

Undergraduate Colorado College
 BA
Professional Other University of Utah
 PA
Graduate Training University of Utah
 MPAS
Doctoral Training University of Utah
 PhD

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Coombs, J.M., Moreland, J.C. (2000). Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding. Am Fam Physician, 2093-2103.
  2. Coombs, J., Hooker, R.S., Brunisholz, K. (2013). Physician assistants and their intent to retire. Am J Manag Care, 19(7), e256-62.
  3. Coombs, J.M., Hooker, R.S., Brunisholz, K.D. (2013). What do we know about retired physician assistants? A preliminary study. JAAPA, 26(3), 44-8.
  4. Hooker, R.S., Robie, S.P., Coombs, J.M., Cawley, J.F. (2013). The changing physician assistant profession: a gender shift. JAAPA, 26(9), 36-44.
  5. Hooker, R.S., Cawley, J.F., Coombs, J. (2014). Commentaries on health services research. JAAPA, 27(4), 1-2.
  6. Dehn, R.W., Cawley, J.F., Coombs, J.M. (2016). Commentaries on health services research. JAAPA, 29(9), 1-2.
  7. Coombs, J.M., Thomas, E., Kim, J., Hyde, M. (February 14, 2013). A survey of fellow members of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. JAAPA, 26(2), 56-57.
  8. Hooker, R.S., Cawley, J.F., Coombs, J.M. (2013). Commentaries on Health Services Research. JAAPA, 26(10), 1-2.
  9. Coombs, J.M. (April 2, 2014). Commentaries on Health Services Research. JAAPA, 27(4), 1-2.
  10. Coombs, J.M. (October 2, 2014). Commentaries on Health Services Research. JAAPA, 27(10), 1-2.
  11. Coombs, J.M., Cawley, J.F., Mandel, E.D. (December 2, 2015). Commentaries on Health Services Research. JAAPA, 28(12).
  12. Doran, T., Quella, A., Coombs, J.M. (10/01/2018). Commentaries on health services research. JAAPA, 31(4), 1-2.
  13. Shami, S., Coombs, J. (2021). Cervical cancer screening guidelines: An update. JAAPA, 34(9), 21-24.
  14. Bruza-Augatis, M., Hooker, R.S., Coombs, J.M. (2021). Financial analysis of PA lifetime earnings and debt.(Epub ahead of print). JAAPA.
  15. Mirly, A.K., Domenech Rodriguez, M.M., Coombs, J.M. (2017). Board Review Course as Intervention: Impact on PANCE Performance. J Physician Assist Educ, 28(2), 80-85.
  16. Coombs, J.M., Pedersen, D.M. (2017). Crafting a Profession: Moving From Innovative Model Programs to a Successful National Profession. J Physician Assist Educ, 28 Suppl 1, S7-S13.
  17. Coombs, J.M. (2017). From Coursework to Dissertation: Lessons Learned on the Long Road to the PhD. J Physician Assist Educ, 28(4), 226-228.
  18. Ruback, T., Coombs, J., Keck, M., McDaniel, J., Barwick, T.A. (2007). Central Application Service for Physician Assistants: Five-Year Report. J Physician Assist Educ, 18(3), 52-59.
  19. Coombs, J.M., Valentin, V. (4/22/2014). Is There a Glass Ceiling Over Female Physician Assistant Educators? J Physician Assist Educ, 25(1).
  20. Coombs, J.M., Valentin, V. (10/01/2014). Salary Differences of Male and Female PA Educators. J Physician Assist Educ, 25(3), 9-14.
  21. Buchs, S.R., Baginski, R., Coombs, J.M., Duffy, D., Garbas, B., Honda, T., Moloney-Johns, A., Mazur, Z., Murfin, M., Statler, M., Thurnes, T. (2019). PAEA End of Rotation¿ Exams Accurately Identify Students at Risk of Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam Failure. J Physician Assist Educ, 30(4), 192-199.
  22. Coombs, J. (2011). NP& PA trends and google correlate. Adv NPs PAs, 2(9), 66.
  23. Coombs, J.M., Morgan, P., Pedersen, D.M., Koduri, S., Alder, S.C. (2011). Factors associated with physician assistant practice in rural and primary care in utah. Int J Family Med, 2011, 879036.
  24. Coombs J (2000). The Conversion to a Master's Degree and Its Impact on the Application Pool at the University of Utah. 11, 40-42.
  25. Thomas E, Coombs JM, Kim J, Hyde (2014). Professional Development. Physician Assistants in Dermatology: A survey of fellows of teh SDPA. 8(3), 47-50.
  26. Coombs J (2011). NP and PA Trends and Google Correlate Selected for a compendium of published columns called ¿Murmurs and Gallops¿.
  27. Furlow (2013). Explaining gender pay disparities in NP and PA professions.
  28. Dieter PM, Coombs J (2022). Considerations When There Is Need for an Interim Program Director. The journal of physician assistant education, 33(1), 72-73.
  29. Bruza-Augatis M, Hooker RS, Coombs J (2021). Financial analysis of PA lifetime earnings and debt. JAAPA, 34(11), 1-9.
  30. Barber M, Chappell M, Henriksen L, Whippen J, Elrod L, Coombs (2022). Breast cancer screening rates of uninsured patients at South Main Clinic. JAAPA, 35(12), 1.
  31. Catherine C, Henderson S, Oldroyd M, Sanyer C, Elrod L, Handy R, Coombs (2022). Chronic care management at South Main Clinic: A retrospective comparison. JAAPA, 35(12), 1.
  32. Kennel B, Kubiak K, Suresh S, Tieu E, Sunada G, Douville D, Coombs (2022). Colonoscopy completion following positive FIT results in uninsured patients. JAAPA, 35(12), 1.
  33. Spruit L, Bell D, Brown T, O'Flanherty K, Lombardi D, Handy R, Coombs (2022). COVID-19 severity in people living with HIV: A pilot study in the Rocky Mountain West. JAAPA, 35(12), 1.
  34. Wyatt W, Duarte T, Falcon D, Harkin C, Coombs (2022). Analysis of the Utah Department of Health's Living Well with Chronic Pain program. JAAPA, 35(12), 1.
  35. Barry C, Coombs J, Buchs S, Kim S, Grant T, Henry T, Parente J, Spackman (2022). Do professional behavior violations in PA school predict board disciplinary actions?. JAAPA, 35(12), 1.
  36. Kennel B, Kubiak K, Suresh S, Tieu E, Sunada G, Douville D, Coombs (2022). Colonoscopy completion following positive FIT results in uninsured patients. JAAPA, 35(12), 1.
  37. Loder R, Coombs J, Najmabadi S, Henry T, Ryujin D, Valentin (2023). Gender Disparities in Physician Assistant Educator Promotion and Compensation: A Mixed Methods Approach. The journal of physician assistant education, 34(1), 3-8.
  38. Coombs J, Valentin (2014). Salary differences of male and female physician assistant educators. The journal of physician assistant education, 25(3), 9-14.
  39. Draper A, Schwartz M, Coombs JM, Gindoff A, Spackman J, Pedersen D (2023). Impact of Integrated Pharmacology Instruction by Principal Faculty Pharmacists in Two Physician Assistant Programs: A Retrospective Study. The journal of physician assistant education, 35(1), 27-31.
  40. Barry CL, Coombs J, Buchs S, Kim S, Grant T, Henry T, Parente J, Spackman (2023). Professionalism in Physician Assistant Education as a Predictor of Future Licensing Board Disciplinary Actions. The journal of physician assistant education,
  41. Ryujin D, Coombs J, Sturges D, Najmabadi S, Rodríguez JE, Maldonado M, Loder R, Yole-Lobe M, Bradley-Guidry (2023). Academic Rank Disparities in Minoritized and Racialized Physician Assistant Educators. The journal of physician assistant education, 35(1), 32-39.
  42. Fasig K, Tyan K, Mason W, Zdziarski-Horodyski L, Baker A, Coombs (2023). Antibiotic prescribing practices for treating uncomplicated UTIs at a hospital ED. JAAPA, 36(12), 1.
  43. Ryujin D, Coombs J, Sturges D, Najmabadi S, Rodríguez JE, Maldonado M, Loder R, Yole-Lobe M, Bradley-Guidry (2024). Academic Rank Disparities in Minoritized and Racialized Physician Assistant Educators. The journal of physician assistant education, 35(1), 32-39.
  44. Draper A, Schwartz M, Coombs JM, Gindoff A, Spackman J, Pedersen D (2024). Impact of Integrated Pharmacology Instruction by Principal Faculty Pharmacists in Two Physician Assistant Programs: A Retrospective Study. The journal of physician assistant education, 35(1), 27-31.
  45. Ditoro R, Buchs SR, Coombs J, Hunton R, Poole GL, Potter D, Turley M, VanderMeulen SP, Scholting P (2025). Physician Assistant Education Association End of Curriculum Exam as a Predictor for Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Performance. The journal of physician assistant education,
  46. Gutierrez Chavez M, Johnson K, Coombs J, Fortenberry K (2025). Psychology-Led Integration of Psychosocial Skills Groups Into Physician Assistant Student Family Medicine Training. The journal of physician assistant education, 36(3), e299-e303.
  47. Arkoh AA, Coombs J, Talboys (2025). PAs in Ghana: A rich tradition with a hopeful future. JAAPA, 38(4), e6-e9.
  48. Ditoro R, Buchs SR, Coombs J, Hunton R, Poole GL, Potter D, Turley M, VanderMeulen SP, Scholting P (2025). Physician Assistant Education Association End of Curriculum Exam as a Predictor for Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Performance. The journal of physician assistant education,

Review

  1. Moreland J, Coombs (2000). Promoting and supporting breast-feeding. American family physician, 61(7), 2093-100, 2103-4.

Editorial

  1. Coombs, J.M. (08/18/2014). The good, the bad, and the ugly: Electronic medical records and students in the clinical setting. JAAPA,
  2. Coombs, J.M. (09/30/2013). More questions than answers: the rural family physician assistant. JAAPA,
  3. Coombs, J.M. (January 28, 2013). A health care reading list for 2013. JAAPA,
  4. Coombs J (2013). Medical Missions: Short-term paths to long-term solutions.
  5. Coombs J (2011). Female PAs make less than their male counterparts. Now what are we going to do about it? Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog.
  6. Coombs J (2012). Health care reform and American politics: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog.
  7. Coombs J (2011). Blogging on the pay raise issue. Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog.
  8. Coombs J (2011). Do you like your job? Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog.
  9. Coombs (2017). Past Perfection.
  10. Coombs J (2012). A health care reading list for the new year. Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog.
  11. Coombs J (2014). Are PAs ready to fill the gaps in rural healthcare in America?.
  12. Coombs J (2014). Showdown at the OK Corral: Medicaid expansion.
  13. Coombs J (2014). Population-based health principles in medical and public health practice.
  14. Coombs J (2016). Looking at the Evidence.
  15. Coombs, (2024). Coombs, J. (2024, September 1). Physician assistants, nurse practitioners help fill the gaps in healthcare. The Salt Lake Tribune.

Letter

  1. Mittman D, Coombs J (2023). Thoughts on the PA doctorate. JAAPA, 36(4), 1-2.

Abstract

  1. Coombs, J.M., Hooker, R.S. (11/07/2012). Did you retire too late, too early or just right? [Abstract]. J Physician Assist Educ.
  2. Coombs, (2024). AAPA 2024 Poster Abstracts. JAAPA 37(8):p 1-12, August 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000000000000063 . 37(8), 1-12.

Other

  1. Coombs J (2011). New patterns of practice of utah physician assistants. (The University of Utah).

Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast

  1. Coombs J (2015). InfoFair2014 Poster 3 Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Report.
  2. Coombs J (2014). Filling the Primary Care Gap: Opportunities and Challenges Facing Rural Physician Assistants-Webinar.
  3. KS (2013). Interview on KSL.com TV on the Gender Pay Gap.
  4. Coombs J (2016). Publishing Your Dissertation In A Scholarly Journal.
  5. Coombs J (2016). Is She Brilliant? Is He Pretty? How Student Evaluations of Male and Female Professors Differ.
  6. Coombs J (2015). Getting Unstuck from Writing Your Dissertation.
  7. Coombs J (2015). Primary Care Progress and PAs.
  8. Coombs J (2015). DIY Community-Based Initiatives.
  9. Coombs (2017). Scope Radio Interview The Future Role of Physician Assistants.
  10. Coombs (2017). Scope Radio Interview: Health Minute: What Can a PA do for You?.
  11. Rachel Ditoro, EdD, MSPAS, PA-C; Shalon R. Buchs, EdD, PA-C; and Jennifer Coombs, PhD, PA-C, MPA Coombs JM. Predicting PANCE Success: What EOC Exams Can Tell PA Educators. Invited guest, JPAE Podcast, Association Briefings, January 13, 2026. Discussion of research examining the predictive value of PAEA End-of-Curriculum (EOC) examinations for Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) performance and implications for early identification of at-risk students.