Meet Jacob McDougall, a certified Physician Assistant who joined OnSite Health in May 2024. With nearly a decade of experience in patient care, Jacob brings a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to medicine. His background spans urgent care, primary care, and hospital-based vascular surgery, making him a valuable asset to both his patients and the OnSite team. Learn more about his day-to-day work and what inspires him in healthcare.
What is your educational and career background?
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Utah. I then went on to Methodist University in North Carolina, where I received a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Since then, I’ve dedicated over nine years to providing high-quality care to patients.
Seven of those years were spent in urgent care, where I honed my skills in diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries. I also gained experience in primary care, preventive services, and sports medicine. For the past two years, I’ve worked in vascular surgery hospital medicine, expanding my clinical knowledge and deepening my approach to comprehensive patient care.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant?
I was inspired by a desire to ease pain and suffering, especially after seeing loved ones struggle with various health issues. My early career was in biomedical research and development, as well as pharmaceutical and medical research. That scientific foundation fueled my passion for medicine and healing.
What is your role at OnSite Health?
I serve as a certified Physician Assistant at one of our clinics, where I manage and operate a primary care practice that also provides urgent care and occupational health services. I diagnose and treat a variety of conditions and handle all aspects of patient care, from consultations to referrals and lab work.
Why did you choose to work for OnSite Health? What drew you to the company?
A friend referred me to the position, and I was drawn to the autonomy the role offers. I appreciate being able to care for patients in both primary care and urgent care settings, along with managing occupational health. I also enjoy the administrative side of clinic management, including ordering medications and maintaining inventory.
As a Physician Assistant at the clinic, what does an average day look like for you?
My day typically starts by responding to calls, emails, appointment requests, and reviewing lab results. I then begin seeing scheduled patients, diagnosing and treating conditions, writing prescriptions, coordinating referrals, and ordering or interpreting lab work as needed.
What benefits have you seen since working for OnSite Health—for both employers and employees?
One of the greatest benefits is being able to follow up with my patients and provide care without worrying about insurance limitations. Because the clinic is covered by the patient’s employer, I can focus on delivering the highest quality of care without administrative barriers.
What is your favorite aspect of the healthcare industry?
The most rewarding part is seeing patients recover or prevent disease altogether. Helping people feel better, healthier, and more in control of their well-being is deeply satisfying.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When I’m not at the clinic, I prioritize a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, nutrition, and exploring the beauty of the outdoors. I also enjoy traveling, visiting family and friends, and immersing myself in music and art. My interest in aesthetics extends to the medical field. I strive to consider my patients’ health as a whole, including their physical, emotional, mental, cultural, and social components when providing care.
