Deborah L. Jacobson
Rating: 4.6 of 5
( out of 84 reviews )

Deborah L. Jacobson, MD, MS

Languages spoken: Spanish, English

Clinical Locations

Primary Location

Primary Children's Hospital

Pediatric Urology
100 N Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City , UT 84113
801-662-5555
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Idaho Falls Community Hospital

Pediatric Specialty Center
2330 Desoto St.
Idaho Falls , ID 83404
801-662-5555
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Layton Parkway Clinic

Layton Parkway Clinic
201 W Layton Pkwy
Layton , UT 84041
801-662-5555
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  • Deborah Jacobson, MD, MS, FACS, is a board-certified pediatric urologist and Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Urology at University of Utah Health, specializing in comprehensive urologic care for children. Her clinical focus includes advanced surgical treatment for a wide range of pediatric urologic conditions, including inguinal hernia repair, orchiopexy, pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplantation, hypospadias repair, pediatric circumcision, cystoscopy, reconstructive urologic procedures, and pediatric stone disease management.

    Dr. Jacobson’s surgical expertise and compassionate care make her a trusted provider for families seeking high-quality pediatric urology services in Utah and the surrounding Mountain West region. She also helped launch the robotic surgery program at Primary Children’s Hospital, expanding minimally invasive options for children undergoing urologic procedures.

    Education and Training

    Dr. Jacobson completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University before earning her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She went on to complete general surgery training and a urology residency at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She further specialized with a fellowship in Pediatric Urology at Northwestern University’s Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, where she also earned a Master of Science in Health Services and Outcomes Research.

    She joined the University of Utah Health in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to further strengthen her leadership in academic and clinical medicine.

    Leadership and Academic Roles

    Dr. Jacobson serves as the Associate Program Director for the Urology Residency Program at the University of Utah. She completed the ASE Surgical Education and Leadership Fellowship.. Her commitment to surgical education, mentorship, and innovation continues to shape the next generation of urologists.

    Research Interests

    Dr. Jacobson is actively involved in clinical and translational research, with interests in:

    • Health services and outcomes research in pediatric urology
    • Hypospadias outcomes and surgical techniques
    • Management of testicular torsion
    • Treatment of undescended testes (cryptorchidism)

    Her work contributes to advancing evidence-based care and improving long-term outcomes for children with urologic conditions.

    Outside the OR

    Outside of her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Jacobson enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, running, rock climbing, and both downhill and cross-country skiing in the beautiful mountains of Utah.

    Specialties

    Board Certification

    American Board of Urology
    American Board of Urology (Sub: Pediatric Urology)

    Patient Rating

    Rating: 4.6 out of 5
    4.6 /5
    ( out of 84 reviews )

    The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers.

    The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

    Patient Comments

    Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

    October 22, 2025
    PRIMARY CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    So kind and patient

    September 30, 2025
    PRIMARY CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    Excellent professional. We admire, respect, and appreciate everything she does for our Angel. [TRANSLATED]

    August 28, 2025
    EXTERNAL SITE
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    Extremely professional and caring doctor.

    August 27, 2025
    EXTERNAL SITE
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    Dr. Jacobson was very helpful and explained things in a way that was easy to understand.

    August 17, 2025
    PRIMARY CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    Dr. Jacobsen is very thorough and kind, she takes the time to explain things to you. We loved her!

    August 11, 2025
    PRIMARY CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    Dr. Jacobson is an amazing doctor! She helped us understand exactly what we were dealing with when it came to our child.

    August 10, 2025
    PRIMARY CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    Very good specialist, very attentive with us and above all very patient, she is an excellent doctor. [TRANSLATED]

    August 09, 2025
    PRIMARY CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    She was very thorough with the options for my son. Told us her opinion and his doctors opinion but ultimately left the decision to us.

    June 28, 2025
    PRIMARY CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER
    Rating: 5 out of 5

    Dr. Jacobson will help bring confidence and hope to any issue you need care for. She listens and answers all questions, as many times as you need. She makes our son feel comfortable even as a young toddler.

  • Deborah Jacobson, MD, MS, FACS, is a board-certified pediatric urologist and Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Urology at University of Utah Health, specializing in comprehensive urologic care for children. Her clinical focus includes advanced surgical treatment for a wide range of pediatric urologic conditions, including inguinal hernia repair, orchiopexy, pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplantation, hypospadias repair, pediatric circumcision, cystoscopy, reconstructive urologic procedures, and pediatric stone disease management.

    Dr. Jacobson’s surgical expertise and compassionate care make her a trusted provider for families seeking high-quality pediatric urology services in Utah and the surrounding Mountain West region. She also helped launch the robotic surgery program at Primary Children’s Hospital, expanding minimally invasive options for children undergoing urologic procedures.

    Education and Training

    Dr. Jacobson completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University before earning her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She went on to complete general surgery training and a urology residency at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She further specialized with a fellowship in Pediatric Urology at Northwestern University’s Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, where she also earned a Master of Science in Health Services and Outcomes Research.

    She joined the University of Utah Health in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to further strengthen her leadership in academic and clinical medicine.

    Leadership and Academic Roles

    Dr. Jacobson serves as the Associate Program Director for the Urology Residency Program at the University of Utah. She completed the ASE Surgical Education and Leadership Fellowship.. Her commitment to surgical education, mentorship, and innovation continues to shape the next generation of urologists.

    Research Interests

    Dr. Jacobson is actively involved in clinical and translational research, with interests in:

    • Health services and outcomes research in pediatric urology
    • Hypospadias outcomes and surgical techniques
    • Management of testicular torsion
    • Treatment of undescended testes (cryptorchidism)

    Her work contributes to advancing evidence-based care and improving long-term outcomes for children with urologic conditions.

    Outside the OR

    Outside of her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Jacobson enjoys exploring the outdoors with her family. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, running, rock climbing, and both downhill and cross-country skiing in the beautiful mountains of Utah.

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Surgery -Assistant Professor (Clinical)
    Academic Divisions Urology
    Board Certification
    American Board of Urology
    American Board of Urology (Sub: Pediatric Urology)

    Education history

    Fellowship Pediatric Urology - Northwestern University Fellow
    Graduate Training Health Services and Outcomes Research - Northwestern University M.S.
    Residency Urology - Vanderbilt University Resident
    Professional Medical Medicine - University of Pittsburgh M.D.
    Graduate Training Education - Fordham University M.S.
    Undergraduate Religion - Princeton University A.B.

    Selected Publications

    Journal Article

    1. Flink CC, Hobohm RE, Zhang B, Jacobson DL, England EB (2024). Effects of night-float shifts on cognitive function among radiology residents. Emerg Radiol, 31(5), 725-731. (Read full publication)
    2. Swallow MS, Sharadin CA, Schaeffer AJ, Jacobson DL, Lau GA (2024). Anterior deflected urinary stream in female children: description of a unique clinical entity and surgical management. Front Pediatr, 12, 1434021. (Read full publication)
    3. Cull JN, Jacobson DL, Lau GA, Cartwright PC, Wallis MC, Skarda D, Swendiman R, Schaeffer AJ (2023). Internal hernia with volvulus after major abdominal reconstructions in pediatric urology - An infrequently reported and potentially devastating complication. J Pediatr Urol, 19(4), 402.e1-402.e7. (Read full publication)
    4. Cull JN, Jacobson DL, Schaeffer AJ (2023). Spontaneous and rapid transcanalicular translocation of a previously retractile testicle into the abdomen of a post-pubertal, teenage male. Urol Case Rep, 48, 102397. (Read full publication)
    5. Matta R, Horns JJ, Jacobson DL, Schaeffer AJ, Wallis MC, Lau GA (2022). National trends and outcomes in the use of intravesical botulinum toxin and enterocystoplasty among patients with myelomeningocele. Urology, 166, 289-296. (Read full publication)
    6. Lynch KA Jr, Brown RF, Steinhagen E, Jacobson DL, Malhotra N, Hendershot K, Brownson KE, Bialowas C, Abdou H, Smith BK, Miller M (2021). Transition from trainee to educator in the operating room: A needs assessment and framework to support junior faculty. Am J Surg, 223, 1112-1119. (Read full publication)
    7. Jacobson DL, Balmert LC, Holl JL, Rosoklija I, Davis MM, Johnson EK (2020). Nationwide Circumcision Trends: 2003 to 2016. J Urol, 205(1), 257-263. (Read full publication)
    8. Zambrano Navia M, Jacobson DL, Balmert LC, Rosoklija I, Holl JL, Davis MM, Johnson EK (2020). State-Level Public Insurance Coverage and Neonatal Circumcision Rates. Pediatrics, 146(5). (Read full publication)
    9. DOro A, Rosoklija I, Jacobson DL, Finlayson C, Chen D, Tu DD, Austin PF, Karaviti LP, Gunn SK, Nahata L, Kapa HM, Kokorowski PJ, Kim MS, Messina AC, Kolon TF, Yerkes EB, Cheng EY, Johnson EK (2020). Patient and Caregiver Attitudes toward Disorders of Sex Development Nomenclature. J Urol, 204(4), 835-842. (Read full publication)
    10. Johnson EK, Jacobson DL, Finlayson C, Yerkes EB, Goetsch AL, Leeth EA, Cheng EY (2020). Proximal Hypospadias-Isolated Genital Condition or Marker of More? J Urol, 204(2), 345-352. (Read full publication)
    11. Johnson EK, Jacobson DL, Finlayson C, Yerkes EB, Goetsch AL, Leeth EA, Cheng EY (2020). Reply by Authors. J Urol, 204(2), 352. (Read full publication)
    12. Jacobson DL, Johnson EK (2019). AUTHOR REPLY. Urology, 140, 149. (Read full publication)
    13. Jacobson DL, DOro A, Abdullah F, Barsness KA, Liu DB, Maizels M, Rosoklija I, Johnson EK (2020). Caregiver Reported Reasons for Delay of Neonatal Circumcision. Urology, 140, 143-149. (Read full publication)
    14. Shannon R, Jacobson D, Gong E, Lindgren BW (2020). Robot-assisted laparoscopic pyelotomy and ileal ureter substitution: video demonstration. J Pediatr Urol, 16(2), 255. (Read full publication)
    15. Jacobson DL, Shannon R, Johnson EK, Gong EM, Liu DB, Flink CC, Meyer T, Cheng EY, Lindgren BW (2018). Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Reoperative Repair for Failed Pyeloplasty in Children: An Updated Series. J Urol, 201(5), 1005-1011. (Read full publication)
    16. Jacobson DL, Shannon R, Cheng EY, Green JR, Rigsby CK, Schroeder SK, Malhotra NR, Rosoklija I, Holl JL, Johnson EK (2019). Adherence to the 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics Urinary Tract Infection Guidelines for Voiding Cystourethrogram Ordering by Clinician Specialty. Urology, 126, 180-186. (Read full publication)
    17. Jacobson DL, Johnson EK (2019). Author Reply. Urology, 126, 186. (Read full publication)
    18. Jacobson DL, Flink CC, Johnson EK, Maizels M, Yerkes EB, Lindgren BW, Liu DB, Rosoklija I, Cheng EY, Gong EM (2018). The Correlation between Serial Ultrasound and Diuretic Renography in Children with Severe Unilateral Hydronephrosis. J Urol, 200(2), 440-447. (Read full publication)
    19. Jacobson DL, Johnson EK (2017). Varicoceles in the pediatric and adolescent population: threat to future fertility? Fertil Steril, 108(3), 370-377.
    20. Johnson EK, Malhotra NR, Shannon R, Jacobson DL, Green J, Rigsby CK, Holl JL, Cheng EY (2017). Urinary tract infection after voiding cystourethrogram. J Pediatr Urol, 13(4), 384.e1-384.e7.
    21. Jacobson DL, Thomas JC, Pope J 4th, Tanaka ST, Clayton DB, Brock JW 3rd, Adams MC (2017). Update on Continent Catheterizable Channels and the Timing of their Complications. J Urol, 197(3 Pt 2), 871-876. (Read full publication)
    22. Jacobson DL, Johnson EK (2016). Editorial Comment. J Urol, 197(3 Pt 2), 917. (Read full publication)
    23. Dovey S, McIntyre K, Jacobson D, Catov J, Wakim A (2011). Is a premature rise in luteinizing hormone in the absence of increased progesterone levels detrimental to pregnancy outcome in GnRH antagonist in vitro fertilization cycles. Fertil Steril, 96(3), 585-9.
    24. Prevedello DM, Barges-Coll J, Fernandez-Miranda JC, Morera V, Jacobson D, Madhok R, dos Santos MC, Zanation A, Snyderman CH, Gardner P, Kassam AB, Carrau R (2009). Middle turbinate flap for skull base reconstruction: cadaveric feasibility study. Laryngoscope, 119(11), 2094-8.

    Review

    1. Jacobson DL, Lau GA (2023). Outcomes of Current Bladder Outlet Techniques for Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction. [Review]. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep, 18(4), 333-345. (Read full publication)

    Book Chapter

    1. Jacobson DL, Cheng EY, Lindgren BW (2019). Secondary UPJ Management and Reoperative Pyeloplasty. In Mohan S. Gundeti (Ed.), Surgical Techniques in Pediatric and Adolescent Urology (1st). New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers.
    2. Jacobson DL, Yerkes EB (In Press). Ambiguous Genitalia. In Kevin C. Chung (Ed.), Operative Techniques in Plastic Surgery (1). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

    Editorial

    1. Bogdana Schmidt, Deborah L Jacobson (2024). Starting a robotics practice in urology: Transition from open to robotic.