Jennifer M. Coombs

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

Languages spoken: English

Board Certification

  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Research Interests

  • Physician Assistants
  • Public Health

Jennifer Coombs has been a board-certified physician assistant (PA) for 30 years. She graduated from the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program (UPAP) in 1991. Before PA school she received a BA from Colorado College in psychology and became a Licensed Midwife (LM) in the state of New Mexico. She obtained her Master in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) in 2001 and her PhD in Public Health from the University of Utah in 2011.

She began practicing as a Physician Assistant in family practice at Northwest Community Health Centers (now Steven D. Ratcliffe). She practiced there for over 14 years with a special emphasis in Vietnamese and Laotian Refugees. She received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants (UAPA) in 1992 and 2006.

She has been involved nationally in the PA profession, serving on committees and as a frequent contributor to several national blogs, including a series in the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) networker on publishing dissertations in scholarly journals, the teacher evaluation process, getting unstuck from blocked writing, and tips on the doctoral dissertation defense. She has been a reviewer and on the executive board of the Journal of the American Academy of PAs—where she has written about rural health care, international health care, and commentaries on health services research. Currently she serves on the Executive Board of the School of Medicine Alumni Association and Chair of the Communication Committee that publishes quarterly the SOM Alumni magazine called Utah Med.

Her research interests include rural and underserved health care both in Utah and internationally. She has been involved in medical outreach to India, Papua New Guinea, Nepal and Guatemala. Her teaching includes women’s health, the Pelvic and Breast Exams and Evidenced Based Practice courses.

Research Statement

Jennifer Coombs, PA-C, PhD researches rural and underserved healthcare. Dr. Coombs dissertation assessed the workforce capacity of physician assistants in Utah. This was collaborative work with the Utah Medical Education Council (UMEC) and the Physician Assistant Workforce Advisory Committee who was involved in the collection and analysis of the PA workforce data. Dr. Coombs received the only research scholarship award from the Physician Assistant Foundation, Breitman-Dorn Endowed Research Fellowship. The Breitman-Dorn Endowed Research Fellowship was established to provide financial assistance to doctoral candidates who are making a contribution to research on the influence of PAs in medical care. She received the Article of the Year award and Researcher of the Year award from the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).

Education History

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

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Fasig K, Tyan K, Mason W, Zdziarski-Horodyski L, Baker A, Coombs J (2023). Antibiotic prescribing practices for treating uncomplicated UTIs at a hospital ED. JAAPA, 36(12), 1. (Read full article)
  2. Ryujin D, Coombs J, Sturges D, Najmabadi S, Rodrguez JE, Maldonado M, Loder R, Yole-Lobe M, Bradley-Guidry C (2023). Academic Rank Disparities in Minoritized and Racialized Physician Assistant Educators. J Physician Assist Educ, 35(1), 32-39. (Read full article)
  3. Draper A, Schwartz M, Coombs JM, Gindoff A, Spackman J, Pedersen DM (2023). Impact of Integrated Pharmacology Instruction by Principal Faculty Pharmacists in Two Physician Assistant Programs: A Retrospective Study. J Physician Assist Educ. (Read full article)
  4. Barry CL, Coombs J, Buchs S, Kim S, Grant T, Henry T, Parente J, Spackman J (2023). Professionalism in Physician Assistant Education as a Predictor of Future Licensing Board Disciplinary Actions. J Physician Assist Educ. (Read full article)
  5. Loder R, Coombs J, Najmabadi S, Henry T, Ryujin D, Valentin V (2023). Gender Disparities in Physician Assistant Educator Promotion and Compensation: A Mixed Methods Approach. J Physician Assist Educ, 34(1), 3-8. (Read full article)
  6. Barber M, Chappell M, Henriksen L, Whippen J, Elrod L, Coombs J (2022). Breast cancer screening rates of uninsured patients at South Main Clinic. JAAPA, 35(12), 1. (Read full article)
  7. Barry C, Coombs J, Buchs S, Kim S, Grant T, Henry T, Parente J, Spackman J (2022). Do professional behavior violations in PA school predict board disciplinary actions? JAAPA, 35(12), 1. (Read full article)
  8. Catherine C, Henderson S, Oldroyd M, Sanyer C, Elrod L, Handy R, Coombs J (2022). Chronic care management at South Main Clinic: A retrospective comparison. JAAPA, 35(12), 1. (Read full article)
  9. Kennel B, Kubiak K, Suresh S, Tieu E, Sunada G, Douville D, Coombs J (2022). Colonoscopy completion following positive FIT results in uninsured patients. JAAPA, 35(12), 1. (Read full article)
  10. Spruit L, Bell D, Brown T, OFlanherty K, Lombardi D, Handy R, Coombs J (2022). COVID-19 severity in people living with HIV: A pilot study in the Rocky Mountain West. JAAPA, 35(12), 1. (Read full article)
  11. Wyatt W, Duarte T, Falcon D, Harkin C, Coombs J (2022). Analysis of the Utah Department of Health's Living Well with Chronic Pain program. JAAPA, 35(12), 1. (Read full article)
  12. Dieter PM, Coombs JM (2022). Considerations When There Is Need for an Interim Program Director. J Physician Assist Educ, 33(1), 72-73. (Read full article)
  13. Bruza-Augatis M, Hooker RS, Coombs JM (2021). Financial analysis of PA lifetime earnings and debt. JAAPA, 34(11), 1-9. (Read full article)
  14. Bruza-Augatis M, Hooker RS, Coombs JM (2021). Financial analysis of PA lifetime earnings and debt. JAAPA. (Read full article)
  15. Shami S, Coombs J (2021). Cervical cancer screening guidelines: An update. JAAPA, 34(9), 21-24. (Read full article)
  16. Buchs SR, Baginski R, Coombs JM, 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. (Read full article)
  17. Doran T, Quella A, Coombs JM (10/01/2018). Commentaries on health services research. JAAPA, 31(4), 1-2.
  18. Coombs JM (2017). From Coursework to Dissertation: Lessons Learned on the Long Road to the PhD. J Physician Assist Educ, 28(4), 226-228. (Read full article)
  19. Coombs JM, Pedersen DM (2017). Crafting a Profession: Moving From Innovative Model Programs to a Successful National Profession. J Physician Assist Educ, 28 Suppl 1, S7-S13. (Read full article)
  20. Mirly AK, Domenech Rodriguez MM, Coombs JM (2017). Board Review Course as Intervention: Impact on PANCE Performance. J Physician Assist Educ, 28(2), 80-85. (Read full article)
  21. Dehn RW, Cawley JF, Coombs JM (2016). Commentaries on health services research. JAAPA, 29(9), 1-2. (Read full article)
  22. Coombs JM, Cawley JF, Mandel ED (December 2, 2015). Commentaries on Health Services Research. JAAPA, 28(12).
  23. Coombs JM (October 2, 2014). Commentaries on Health Services Research. JAAPA, 27(10), 1-2.
  24. Coombs JM, Valentin V (10/01/2014). Salary Differences of Male and Female PA Educators. J Physician Assist Educ, 25(3), 9-14.
  25. Thomas E, Coombs JM, Kim J, Hyde M (08/01/14). Professional Development. Physician Assistants in Dermatology: A survey of fellows of teh SDPA. 8(3), 47-50.
  26. Coombs JM, Valentin V (4/22/2014). Is There a Glass Ceiling Over Female Physician Assistant Educators? J Physician Assist Educ, 25(1).
  27. Coombs JM (April 2, 2014). Commentaries on Health Services Research. JAAPA, 27(4), 1-2.
  28. Hooker RS, Cawley JF, Coombs J (2014). Commentaries on health services research. JAAPA, 27(4), 1-2. (Read full article)
  29. Coombs J, Valentin V (2015). Salary differences of male and female physician assistant educators. J Physician Assist Educ, 25(3), 9-14. (Read full article)
  30. Hooker RS, Robie SP, Coombs JM, Cawley JF (2013). The changing physician assistant profession: a gender shift. JAAPA, 26(9), 36-44. (Read full article)
  31. Coombs J, Hooker RS, Brunisholz K (2013). Physician assistants and their intent to retire. Am J Manag Care, 19(7), e256-62. (Read full article)
  32. Hooker RS, Cawley JF, Coombs JM (2013). Commentaries on Health Services Research. JAAPA, 26(10), 1-2.
  33. Coombs JM, Hooker RS, Brunisholz KD (2013). What do we know about retired physician assistants? A preliminary study. JAAPA, 26(3), 44-8. (Read full article)
  34. Coombs JM, 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.
  35. Furlow B (01/02/1013). Explaining gender pay disparities in NP and PA professions.
  36. Coombs J (2011). NP& PA trends and google correlate. Adv NPs PAs, 2(9), 66. (Read full article)
  37. Coombs JM (September 2011). NP and PA Trends and Google Correlate Selected for a compendium of published columns called “Murmurs and Gallops”.
  38. Coombs JM, Morgan P, Pedersen DM, Koduri S, Alder SC (2011). Factors associated with physician assistant practice in rural and primary care in utah. Int J Family Med, 2011, 879036. (Read full article)
  39. Ruback T, Coombs J, Keck M, McDaniel J, Barwick TA (2007). Central Application Service for Physician Assistants: Five-Year Report. J Physician Assist Educ, 18(3), 52-59.
  40. Coombs JM (2000). The Conversion to a Master’s Degree and Its Impact on the Application Pool at the University of Utah. 11, 40-42.
  41. Coombs JM, Moreland JC (2000). Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding. Am Fam Physician, 2093-2103.

Review

  1. Moreland J, Coombs J (2000). Promoting and supporting breast-feeding. [Review]. Am Fam Physician, 61(7), 2093-100, 2103-4. (Read full article)

Editorial

  1. Coombs J (June 12, 2017). Past Perfection. Journal of the American Academy of PAs, JAAPA Musings Blog.
  2. Coombs JM (August 12, 2016). Looking at the Evidence. JAAPA Musings Blog http://journals.lww.com/jaapa/blog/musings/pages/post.aspx?PostID=114.
  3. Coombs JM (11/11/2015). Are PAs ready to fill the gaps in rural healthcare in America? Journal of the American Academy of PAs.
  4. Coombs JM (08/18/2014). The good, the bad, and the ugly: Electronic medical records and students in the clinical setting. JAAPA.
  5. Coombs JM (05/26/2014). Population-based health principles in medical and public health practice. Journal of the American Academy of PAs.
  6. Coombs JM (March 3, 2014). Showdown at the OK Corral: Medicaid expansion. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (JAAPA).
  7. Coombs JM (09/30/2013). More questions than answers: the rural family physician assistant. JAAPA.
  8. Coombs JM (July 1, 2013). Medical Missions: Short-term paths to long-term solutions. JAAPA Musings Blog http://journals.lww.com/jaapa/blog/musings/pages/post.aspx?PostID=9.
  9. Coombs JM (January 28, 2013). A health care reading list for 2013. JAAPA.
  10. Coombs JM (June 12, 2012). Health care reform and American politics: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog. JAAPA : Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
  11. Coombs JM (January 10, 2012). A health care reading list for the new year. Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog. JAAPA : Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
  12. Coombs JM (October 6, 2011). Do you like your job? Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog. JAAPA : Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
  13. Coombs JM (August 22, 2011). Blogging on the pay raise issue. Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog. JAAPA : Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
  14. Coombs JM (June 30, 2011). Female PAs make less than their male counterparts. Now what are we going to do about it? Musings: The JAAPA Editorial Board Blog. JAAPA : Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Letter

  1. Mittman D, Coombs JM (2023). Thoughts on the PA doctorate. [Letter to the editor]. JAAPA, 36(4), 1-2. (Read full article)

Abstract

  1. Coombs JM, Hooker RS (11/07/2012). Did you retire too late, too early or just right? [Abstract]. Journal of Physician Assistant Education.

Other

  1. Coombs JM (2011). New patterns of practice of utah physician assistants. (The University of Utah). Published Theses and Dissertations. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast

  1. Coombs J (October 11, 2017). Scope Radio Interview: Health Minute: What Can a PA do for You? [Web]. Salt Lake City: Scope Radio. Available: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_46qxn0mm.
  2. Coombs J (October 6, 2017). Scope Radio Interview The Future Role of Physician Assistants [Web]. Salt Lake City: Scope Radio. Available: https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_8eylzd3s.
  3. Coombs JM (April 12, 2016). Is She Brilliant? Is He Pretty? How Student Evaluations of Male and Female Professors Differ [Web]. Alexandria, VA: PAEAonline.org. Available: http://paeaonline.org/is-she-brilliant-is-he-pretty-how-student-evaluations-of-male-and-female-professors-differ/.
  4. Coombs JM (2016). Publishing Your Dissertation In A Scholarly Journal [Web]. Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). Available: http://paeaonline.org/publishing-your-dissertation-in-a-scholarly-journal/.
  5. Coombs JM (December 15, 2015). Getting Unstuck from Writing Your Dissertation [Web]. Alexandria, VA: PAEAonline.org. Available: http://paeaonline.org/getting-unstuck-from-writing-your-dissertation/.
  6. Coombs JM (September 8, 2015). Primary Care Progress and PAs [Web]. JAAPA. Available: http://journals.lww.com/jaapa/blog/musings/pages/post.aspx?PostID=94.
  7. Coombs JM (March 9, 2015). DIY Community-Based Initiatives [Web]. JAAPA. Available: http://journals.lww.com/jaapa/blog/musings/pages/post.aspx?PostID=84.
  8. Coombs JM (02/12/2015). InfoFair2014 Poster 3 Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Annual Report [Web]. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Eccles Health Sciences Library. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFudOt5Z35o.
  9. Coombs JM (10/28/2015). Filling the Primary Care Gap: Opportunities and Challenges Facing Rural Physician Assistants-Webinar [Web]. Vanderbilt University. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4-H38M3HBQ.
  10. KSL (06/18/2013). Interview on KSL.com TV on the Gender Pay Gap [Video]. Available: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=1194&sid=25648310.