Seasoned leaders tapped to lead PA education into new chapter

The MGH Institute of Health Profession’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program is embarking on a new chapter with the appointment of new leaders with extensive academic, clinical, and research expertise and broad knowledge of PA education. 

Starting January 1, 2025, Dr. Jenna Comeau will take over as director of the PA program following service as interim program director.  At the same time, Dr. Deanna Denault will take over as interim department chair of PA Studies, guiding the PA faculty and staff as well as growing the department’s research and scholarship. Denault will replace Provost Reamer Bushardt who has been serving as acting chair since June 1. These leadership appointments follow a period of strategic planning and future visioning with PA faculty, staff, student leaders, and institutional administrators. 

“Jenna and Deanna complement each other really well and are a great team,” said School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Laura Plummer. “I have tremendous confidence in the continued growth of the PA program under their leadership. I want to thank Provost Bushardt for his work and leadership as acting chair.” 

Comeau has been serving as interim program director since May. She attended Northeastern University for undergraduate studies and then The George Washington University PA program where she received a Master of Science degree. Comeau earned her Doctor of Science at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) and has practiced clinically for over 10 years.

“We've appreciated Jenna stepping into the interim director role last Spring and the leadership she brought to the program,” said Plummer. “I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Comeau. Her experience in PA education, clinical practice, and administration will continue to drive the department’s excellence in PA education and reach new heights under her leadership.”

The PA program, which is part of the Department of PA Studies in the Institute’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, emphasizes team-based, person-centered care in its curriculum while supporting students’ professional development as healthcare leaders. 

The PA profession began in the mid-1960s in the United States to improve and expand access to healthcare.  PAs now practice in every medical specialty as well as extensively across the Mass General Brigham health system.  The national PA professional organization, the American Academy of PAs, recently renamed the profession to physician associate to better reflect the work PAs do. 

Comeau’s clinical background includes oncology, urgent care and emergency medicine. She has worked as an expert witness and consulted with medical device companies in utilization review. Comeau’s scholarship has focused on antibiotics and patient’s attitudes and perceptions about the prescribing of these drugs in the outpatient urgent care setting. 

“I’m honored to be leading the PA program,” said Comeau. “My colleagues are world-class, and that makes the student experience all the more enriching and educational. I look forward to helping raise the PA program to the next level.” 

Denault holds a Ph.D. in Physiology from Dartmouth College, a Master of Arts in Physiology from Boston University, and a Master of Education from Springfield College. She brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education to her new leadership role. 

“I'm excited to work with Deanna,” said Plummer. “She has a great vision for the department, and brings expertise in quality improvement, strategic thinking, teaching, and development of faculty.” 

Provost Bushardt added, “I cannot think of two more capable, caring leaders than Jenna and Deanna to lead the PA program and department forward. I am confident they will shape a culture of inclusion and excellence, while driving innovation in PA education. They are also exceptional role models as character-driven leaders for our students and future PAs.”     

Denault is currently the program’s associate chair and brings a wealth of experience to her new leadership role. With more than 35 years’ experience in higher education, including 13 years focused on PA education, she has established herself as a master teacher and distinguished scholar.  She has taught pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to PA students at Clarkson University and Franklin Pierce University. 

“It is a true honor to serve as the interim chair of the Department of PA Studies, and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work alongside our talented and dedicated faculty,” said Denault. “This is an exciting time for PA education, with great potential for our dedicated and diverse student body as they prepare for rewarding careers in the PA profession.”

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