Christopher F. Mercier, M.S.P.A., PA-C

Christopher F. Mercier, PA-C, is a faculty member in the University of New England PA Program. He is a nationally-certified Physician Associate with broad experience in patient-centered care, including more than a decade in clinical practice spanning the fields of inpatient and outpatient internal medicine, primary care, infectious disease, HIV treatment, LGBTQIA+ healthcare, addiction medicine, and urgent care. He was the founder and principal provider of an independent PA-led healthcare practice. In addition to his clinical and educational roles, he has extensive experience in clinical trials and research. He has functioned as an investigator on multiple Phase II and Phase III clinical drug trials evaluating novel HIV therapeutics across several institutions and has served in additional research roles on studies of emerging hepatitis C treatments and immunotherapeutic agents at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

Prior to joining the PA program as a full-time faculty member, Christopher served since 2014 as adjunct faculty, professional tutor, lecturer, and lead clinical rotation preceptor in adult inpatient medicine at Northern Light Mercy Hospital. In this role, he has provided extensive hands-on medical education and mentorship to PA students, contributing hundreds of hours annually to bedside teaching and clinical skills development. 

Clinically, Christopher continues to practice hospital medicine at Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine. His interests include complex disease management, challenging cases, infectious disease and HIV care, LGBTQIA+ health issues, helping those with addiction illness, educational development, and the practical application of evidence-based medicine to clinical decision-making. 

Christopher earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of New England. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Psychology from the University of Connecticut, graduating magna cum laude as an Honors Scholar. His clinical, research, and academic endeavors inform his medical reasoning, conscientious and equitable approach to medicine, and his teaching philosophy. He is bilingual in English and Spanish. 

In recognition of his contributions to patient care and the profession, Christopher has received multiple honors, including the Maine Association of Physician Assistants Outstanding Health Professional Award and the Catherine McAuley Award for Exemplary Patient Care. He remains actively involved in PA education through lecturing, course direction, interprofessional development, and clinical precepting. 

Outside of his professional work, Christopher enjoys spending time with his partner and their two children, exploring Maine’s beautiful trails with their two dogs, and making a mess in the kitchen while cooking for friends and family.