
Languages Spoken: English
Joanne Rolls, MPAS, PA-C, is a Certified Physician Assistant and an Associate Professor (Clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Physician Assistant Studies. She is a Family Medicine PA who serves University of Utah students and patients as a PA educator and Family Medicine PA.
Ms. Rolls has been with the University of Utah PA program since 2012. She is highly involved with teaching first-year PA students, primarily history taking and physical exam skills. She is an active faculty advisor and also precepts second-year PA students during their Family Medicine clinical rotations. She has authored book chapters in the 2016 edition of Procedures for the Primary Care Provider (Edmunds), had a peer-reviewed original research article published in the Journal of Physician Assistant Education in September 2016, in Academic Medicine in 2019, and is a peer-reviewer for the Journal of Nurse Practitioners, Transgender Health and LGBT Health. She has a background in emergency medicine, pre-hospital care, and wilderness medicine and is a Fellow in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine and University of Utah Academy of Health Science Educators. She lectures regionally and nationally on wilderness medicine topics as well as LGBTQI healthcare issues. At a national level, Ms. Rolls serves the Physician Assistant Education Association as a Facilitator for faculty skills development.
As a didactic educator, Ms. Rolls has a special interest in teaching reproductive and sexual health, quality improvement principles, and excellent history taking and physical exam skills. Additionally, her academic interests include promoting adult learning principles in graduate medical educations, addressing diversity in healthcare and healthcare education. In order to advance her skills, she completed a Master's of Education for Health Professionals at Johns Hopkins University, in 2019.
Ms. Rolls grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and was a competitive rower at Boston University, where she received her Bachelor's of Arts. She spent many years in Colorado working in pre-hospital care and volunteering with a mountain search and rescue team prior to moving to Salt Lake City to pursue her PA training at the University of Utah PA program.
She is currently not taking new patients
Clinical Locations
801-581-2000
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Family & Preventive Medicine
-
Associate Professor (Clinical) Community Physician Group - Affiliated Midlevel Family & Preventive Medicine - Advanced Practice Clinician |
Academic Divisions | Midlevels Physician Assistant Program |
Board Certification | National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
5.0/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.9/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
5.0/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.4/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.9/ 5

Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
March 18, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr Rolls is an amazing, knowledgeable and compassionate provider. I am thankful she is my primary care provider.
UofU Patient
March 12, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joanne Rolls, PA-C, verbally reflected back to me exactly how I was feeling when I was discussing with her my concerns about my depression.
UofU Patient
February 13, 2022
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I recommend Joanne Rolls all the time to everybody because she is just down to earth and a very caring funny doctor which makes the visits with her that much more comfortable.
UofU Patient
December 28, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Extremely receptive to my input on where I'd like to go with my meds, very kind and personable.
UofU Patient
December 19, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I adore Jo so very much she is so patient and non judgmental and tries to get to the root of her patients issues. Because it's not always about being incomplient sometimes you have other factors that are in the way of what needs to be done and Jo fully understands that.
UofU Patient
November 06, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Always really helpful with lots of info and support, as well as professional recommendations.
UofU Patient
October 11, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joanna Rolls is amazing. She is kind, knowledgeable and understanding. She made my daughter feel better in a tough situation. She gave my daughter the decision in her own care. She showed true concern.
UofU Patient
September 11, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joanne is the best Dr. Out there hands down! She is caring and understanding and really takes time to listen!
UofU Patient
September 11, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I live Jo so much she has a quality of care for her patients that is unmatched anywhere I love her bedside manner you may have to wait a bit to be seen by her but it's so worth it she never makes you feel rushed.
UofU Patient
August 23, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I came with a list of questions and my PA established a great rapport and walked me through each question I had. I felt like I was in great hands.
UofU Patient
July 29, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joanne Rolls is amazing she is my favorite PA ever. My only complaint is the blood test results came back but I still haven't heard from anyone in regards to the findings. But perhaps she is out of the office which is fine I am very patient.
UofU Patient
July 24, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo is the best general practitioner I've ever seen. She makes me feel seen and heard and she takes the time to ask questions to really understand what's going on.
UofU Patient
July 21, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joanne Rolls is an EXCELLENT care provider! She is personable, listens attentively, and genuinely cares. My husband and I appreciate the care she provides and the sense of trust we have in her. She's THE BEST!
UofU Patient
July 19, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr Rolls is the best....
UofU Patient
June 21, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo is the very best pa. She is always so helpful.
UofU Patient
June 15, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jonis incredibly patient and shows sincere interest in her patients. The student whom was with her was really nice I don't usually allow students in but I am glad I did this time.
UofU Patient
June 07, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joanne is a wonderful care taker and practitioner. She is always thorough with her explanations and in keeping me, as the patient, included in the care plan.
UofU Patient
June 05, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joann Rolls is the best practitioner I have ever had
UofU Patient
April 11, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo is phenomenal. She pays attention, remembers important details and makes me feel that I am a priority to her.
UofU Patient
March 23, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
PA Rolls was very friendly and concerned about my issue. Despite ordering labs and imaging we haven't yet figured out the source of the problem but knowing she cared still made a big difference. I would see her again if needed (this was a work in when my regular provider wasn't available) and I would recommend her to others.
UofU Patient
March 20, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo Rolls is simply the best provider I have ever had. She listens attentively and provides excellent feedback. She is everything I could hope for in a care provider and I feel so lucky to have her.
UofU Patient
March 15, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joan Rolls is the best! Really exceptional. I always feel grateful when I leave to have been able to work with her regarding my health and medical care.
UofU Patient
March 13, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joannes the very best!
UofU Patient
March 03, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Rolls was fantastic. She listened to my concerns and walked me through all of my options, and was understanding when I requested to try a different method before trying medication.
UofU Patient
February 20, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo is one of the most compassionate, empathic providers that I have had the pleasure to work with. I am grateful to have her be my PCP
UofU Patient
February 16, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joann Rolls is amazing!
UofU Patient
February 01, 2021
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I absolutely adore Dr. Rolls! She is so kind and considerate.
UofU Patient
December 15, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo is fantastic- I recommend her to everyone I know!
UofU Patient
December 07, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Rolls is the most amazing doctor I could ask for! She is compassionate, intelligent, and kind. She has helped me through some really hard times in my life and I am so thankful for her.
UofU Patient
November 29, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo is the greatest pa ever.
UofU Patient
November 21, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
JoAnn is amazing and she listens!
UofU Patient
November 17, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo takes her time with my care, did not rush through visit even though it was late on the day.
UofU Patient
November 08, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Dr. Rolls is the best. She genuinely cares and gives a very individualized experience.
UofU Patient
November 02, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
She is the best doctor! I wouldn't see anyone else! She is so compassionate and helpful
UofU Patient
October 04, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
My experience with Jo is she takes her time with her patients which to me is valuable yes you may have to wait a little while but she is worth the wait rather virtually or in office.
UofU Patient
September 15, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
extremely caring, wonderful, knowledgeable
UofU Patient
August 14, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
She was great! Listened to me, really helped me with my problems, and understood the stuff I'm going through without blowing it out of proportion (very empathetic, down-to-earth human).
UofU Patient
August 09, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Jo is very mindful of her patients in my opinion she doesn't push me to do things that could trigger me. She lets me move at my own pace and supports my input. I love this PA I refer her all the time. I am so grateful to have found her.
UofU Patient
August 04, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
good
UofU Patient
July 14, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
Joanne took her time with me, giving us the opportunity to thoroughly discuss my concerns.
UofU Patient
July 12, 2020
SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER
I loved Joanne she was very nice and discussed all my concerns. very knowledgeable and I would definitely go back to her. she was very nice and kind. she seemed to really care about my concerns. one of the best providers I've seen.
Joanne Rolls, MPAS, PA-C, is a Certified Physician Assistant and an Associate Professor (Clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine, Division of Physician Assistant Studies. She is a Family Medicine PA who serves University of Utah students and patients as a PA educator and Family Medicine PA.
Ms. Rolls has been with the University of Utah PA program since 2012. She is highly involved with teaching first-year PA students, primarily history taking and physical exam skills. She is an active faculty advisor and also precepts second-year PA students during their Family Medicine clinical rotations. She has authored book chapters in the 2016 edition of Procedures for the Primary Care Provider (Edmunds), had a peer-reviewed original research article published in the Journal of Physician Assistant Education in September 2016, in Academic Medicine in 2019, and is a peer-reviewer for the Journal of Nurse Practitioners, Transgender Health and LGBT Health. She has a background in emergency medicine, pre-hospital care, and wilderness medicine and is a Fellow in the Academy of Wilderness Medicine and University of Utah Academy of Health Science Educators. She lectures regionally and nationally on wilderness medicine topics as well as LGBTQI healthcare issues. At a national level, Ms. Rolls serves the Physician Assistant Education Association as a Facilitator for faculty skills development.
As a didactic educator, Ms. Rolls has a special interest in teaching reproductive and sexual health, quality improvement principles, and excellent history taking and physical exam skills. Additionally, her academic interests include promoting adult learning principles in graduate medical educations, addressing diversity in healthcare and healthcare education. In order to advance her skills, she completed a Master's of Education for Health Professionals at Johns Hopkins University, in 2019.
Ms. Rolls grew up in Toledo, Ohio, and was a competitive rower at Boston University, where she received her Bachelor's of Arts. She spent many years in Colorado working in pre-hospital care and volunteering with a mountain search and rescue team prior to moving to Salt Lake City to pursue her PA training at the University of Utah PA program.
She is currently not taking new patients
Academic Locations
801-587-3355
Research Statement
Joanne Rolls, MPAS, PA-C has a strong interest in both education and clinical research. Ms. Rolls is currently pursuing a Master's in Education for Health Professionals at Johns Hopkins University in a research track. Her research thus far has focused on the impact that one-time federal funding grants can have on expanding physician assistant training, student wellness, and curricular innovation. She is the principal investigator on three current studies. She is also a sub-investigator on a clinical trial investigating medication overuse headaches.
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Family & Preventive Medicine
-
Associate Professor (Clinical) Community Physician Group - Affiliated Midlevel Family & Preventive Medicine - Advanced Practice Clinician |
Academic Divisions | Midlevels Physician Assistant Program |
Board Certification | National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants |
Education History
Graduate Training | Johns Hopkins University Master of Education for the Health Professional MEHP, 2019 |
Graduate Training | University of Utah Master's of Physician Assistant Studies M.P.A.S., 2012 |
Undergraduate | Boston University B.A., 2001 |
Selected Publications - Journal Articles
Journal Article
- Rolls J, Smith T, Keahey D, Lessard D (2021). Outcomes of HRSA-funded expansion of PA training grants 2011-2016. JAAPA, 34(12), 1.
- Rolls J, Lessard D, Smith T, Keahey D (2021). Outcomes of HRSA-Funded Expansion of Physician Assistant Training Grants 2011-2016. J Physician Assist Educ, 32(3), 143-149.
- Handy R, Spackman J, Moloney-Johns A, Loder R, Curran S, Valentin V, Rolls J, Schaefer C (2021). Administering a Physician Assistant Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Physician Assist Educ, 32(2), 119-122.
- Rolls J, Davis J, Backman R, Wood T, Honda T (2020). Curricular Approaches to Transgender Health in Physician Assistant Education. Acad Med, 95(10), 1563-1569.
- Rolls J (2019). Be Human. Be Kind. Acad Med, 94(6), 770.
- Rolls J, Keahey D (2016). Durability of Expanded Physician Assistant Training Positions Following the End of Health Resources and Services Administration Expansion of Physician Assistant Training Funding. J Physician Assist Educ, 27(3), 101-4.
Review
Book Chapter
- Diane M Bruessow and Joanne Rolls (2021). Pharmacotherapy Related to Transgender Care. In Luu, B. Kayingo, G. Hass, V. (Eds.), Advanced Pharmacology for Prescribers (pp. 453-471). Danvers, MA: Springer Publishing Company.
- Marilyn Edmunds et al (2016). Chapter 4: HEENT Procedures. In Edmunds et al (Ed.), Procedures for the Primary Care Provider (Third). Elsevier.
- Marilyn Edmunds et al (2016). Chapter 7: Gastrointestional Procedures. In Edmunds et al (Ed.), Procedures for the Primary Care Provider (Third). Elsevier.
- Jordan K, Macri T et al (2016). Gender-Specific Considerations. In PSIA-AASI Freestyle Technical Manual. American Snowsports Education Association, Inc.
Other
- Hobson-Rohrer W, Rolls J, Wilson R (2022). Hobson-Rohrer W, Rolls J, Wilson R. How to Master Education in the Health Professions. Accelerate Learning Community. Feb 7, 2022.
- Joanne Rolls (Summer 2014). Inter-professional Student-Run Clinic Improves Access for Uninsured. Illuminations - The Magazine of The School of Medicine Alumni Association.
Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast
- Rolls J (2019). Be Human. Be Kind. [Podcast]. Academic Medicine Podcast Series. Available: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/academic-medicine-podcast/id1112697692?mt=2.
- Cobb, Nadia, et al (03/01/2018). Clinical Prevention & Population Health Curriculum Framework: Social Determinants of Health Case Studies [Web]. Washington, DC: Association for Prevention Teaching and Research. Available: https://www.teachpopulationhealth.org/geriatricsdohcases.html.
- Rolls, Joanne Gunning, Karen (02/26/18). How an Excellent Clinician Becomes an Excellent Teacher [Web]. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Health, Accelerate. Available: https://uofuhealth.utah.edu/accelerate/blog/2018/02/karen-gunning-joanne-rolls-share-how-an-excellent-clinician-becomes-an-excellent-teacher.php?utm_source=email&utm_medium=constant-contact&utm_campaign=Changemakers&utm_content=1B-gunningrolls.
- Joanne Rolls, MPAS, PA-C (01/16/18). "Bad News:" Any information which adversely and seriously affects and individual's view of his or her future. [Web]. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Family Medicine Division. Available: https://fammedvitalsigns.com/2018/01/16/bad-news-any-information-which-adversely-and-seriously-affects-an-individuals-view-of-his-or-her-future/.