Portrait of Brendan Mercier and a Physician Assistant professor

Brendan Mercier ’26

Physician Assistant (M.S.P.A.)

Why UNE

I grew up in Maine and joined the military [after high school]. When it came time for me to pursue my interests, I knew that I was interested in medicine. As a military medic, I was exposed to a lot of physician assistants [PAs], and that’s what drew me toward becoming one. It just so happened that the school I always wanted to go to growing up has one of the best PA programs, so that’s why I chose UNE.

The PA profession is typically someone’s second career, so I was also around other veterans and adult students. The Portland Campus for Health Sciences was nice; I felt respected, and it’s a completely different vibe from an undergraduate campus. You’re learning amongst other adults and professionals. Every resource on the Portland Campus is geared for the success of students — it’s part of the whole package [of UNE].

I’ve created long-lasting friendships through the PA program at UNE. I studied with the same three people for the entire program, and I still talk to them everyday.

Exceptional Teaching and Learning

One of the biggest strengths of UNE’s PA program is the amount the PA faculty cares about their students. The professors want you to succeed; they’ll help you find resources, and they’re always approachable. For me, if you’re going to spend so much time with people, it matters who you’re spending it with. The quality of people at UNE is really high — there are a lot of people in your corner.

I also really loved the hands-on skills [at UNE]. Going into the Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center [ISIC] throughout my first year was a big pro. I loved running the codes and doing patient experiences; I was learning a lot, identifying weaknesses, and connecting dots. I also got to work in the Interdisciplinary Geriatric Education Program [IGEP] with OT and Pharmacy students. That was a really cool experience that was instrumental.

All of my clinical rotations were through the MaineGeneral Health system. I was in the MaineGeneral Pod. I did three or four inpatient rotations: two in family med and in the ER. You can also have some elective [rotations]. My professors saw what my interests were and found preceptors in those areas. I was able to do a pulmonary critical care rotation and a cardiology rotation, which were both interests of mine. I got a ton of experience and had great preceptors who were very smart and willing to teach. I had several preceptors that were also UNE graduates. The UNE network is huge in Maine.

Career Preparation

Through my time at UNE, I was able to build a sense of resiliency. Resilience has always been, to me, the ability to bend without breaking. All PA programs have high workloads, and this program allowed me to build a stronger sense of resiliency that I use daily. The PA program also helped build my confidence. My professors, preceptors, and classmates were all so supportive, and that really helps build confidence in yourself.

Now I’m a PA in a Marine Unit in a mix of family practice and urgent care. I was in a scholarship program with the Navy, so as soon as I graduated and passed my boards, I relocated to North Carolina. When I was 18 and in bootcamp, I always dreamed of becoming a military officer. By going to UNE, I was able to fulfill that dream of mine.