University of New England

Students and alumni of the University of New England's Physician Assistant Program like the program's caring faculty, the thorough academic preparation they receive during their first year, and the variety and quality of their second-year clinicals.

Below are some links to profiles of some of our students and alumni, who share their experiences as students in the Physician Assistant Program:


Cheryl DeGrandpre ‘02 M.S., PA-C - "I did clinical rotations all over the state of Maine, in Cambridge, Mass., and in New Hampshire. I lived with people in the community when not near enough to commute from my home. The housing situation was easy as UNE partners with AHEC to help place students in clinical rotations and housing in the rural areas." Profile.

Michele Korthas '05: "During the clinical year, students are given flexibility in arranging their own clinical rotations, allowing them the experiences to grow academically, personally and professionally." Profile.

Sarah McCarthy '08: "There is one word that I, and my fellow orientation leaders, like to use when describing UNE - GENUINE.  ... There are few people I pass on campus and don't get a smile and hello from, there is no professor who isn't willing to go the extra mile to help you if you are struggling, there are administrators who block off an entire morning to listen to your concerns. " Profile. 

Greg Schimmack '07: " I especially appreciated the systems approach.  For example, for every organ system we had lectures by clinicians, anatomy/ physiology professors, and pharmacologists concurrently.  Combining perspectives allows one to truly grasp the complexities of the human body and the health management of patients." Profile

Susan Trafton '05 "I see first-hand the effort and vision of excellence that our program directors and faculty put forth. I feel that they see me, connect with me, and really care about how I develop as a health-care provider and a human being." Profile.

Melissa L. Tsomides '04  "In my role as a new general surgery PA, making hospital rounds, first-assisting in the operating room, and seeing patients in the office, there is no question that my rigorous didactic year and hands-on clinical year in UNE’s Physician Assistant Program thoroughly prepared me." Profile.