Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant
University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC)
Kansas City, MO
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry
Sterling College
Sterling, KS
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
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Jennifer Dutton, PA-C, is a hospitalist on the inpatient care team and an acute care provider on the primary care team of Amberwell Atchison. Jennifer has an extensive background in public health and is passionate about preventive medicine. Having grown up in a small Kansas community, Jennifer enjoys the close-knit, hometown feel of Atchison.
Jennifer chose Amberwell Health because it serves smaller rural communities, and she wanted to serve in a community like the one in which she grew up. In addition, she wanted to work in an environment that fosters teamwork and education among colleagues, while being mentored by seasoned practitioners who are invested in her professional development. “After meeting members of Amberwell’s medical staff, I got a sense of collaboration and growth within Amberwell,” said Jennifer. “I could tell there was a genuine interest in helping providers to grow in their careers and develop their personal interests. I was impressed and knew this is where I wanted to be.”
Jennifer’s inspiration to become a healthcare provider came from her childhood physician, Dr. Nelson. “When I was very young, my siblings and I had a lot of ear infections, so we’d go and see Dr. Nelson,” said Jennifer. “He had a model of the ear on his desk, and I would ask him all about how the ear works. He would take the time to answer my questions. He explained how the ear took sound and turned it into signals processed by the brain, and I became fascinated with anatomy and physiology. I was also in awe of the gentle kindness and care he gave to not just my family, but all the children in town. I knew then I wanted to do what he did, and today I only hope I can make patients feel as cared for as he did.”
“I take a patient-centered approach and view working with patients as a team concept, with the patient having the final say in their healthcare choices,” explained Jennifer. “Careful listening is a vital first step in patient care, and I strive to assess each patient’s personal needs and preferences, to then offer a menu of options so that ultimately the patient and I can make informed healthcare decisions together.”
Having spent ten years working in public health, Jennifer is passionate about community service, especially when it provides that “ounce of prevention that’s worth a pound of cure.” Two of her favorite community service projects have been a diabetes self-management program and the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys being outside hiking, running, and camping, as well as playing tennis. She enjoys local history and points of interest, and especially enjoys road trips around Kansas with frequent stops for roadside historical markers. She also likes to read both fiction and nonfiction, with a particular interest in medical history.
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