Alumni Spotlight: Nathan Haynes, M.S.P.A. ’01

March 14, 2024

Portland, Maine

Nathan Hayes, M.S.P.A. '01, is a physician assistant at Maine Medical Partners Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

"I really like diagnostic problem-solving and figuring out what's going on with my patients," said Nathan Haynes, M.S.P.A. '01. "That's what drew me to this profession."

Originally from Yarmouth, Maine, Haynes completed his undergraduate degree in sports medicine at Marietta College in Ohio. Since he was interested in helping patients recover quickly after accidents rather than focusing on long-term rehabilitation, he made it his goal to become a physician assistant (PA).

To gain important hands-on medical experience, Haynes returned to Maine to work as an athletic trainer. He then worked as an athletic trainer at St. Lawrence University for two years, where he also earned his master's degree in leadership.

In the summer of 1999, he came back to Maine to start at UNE's new Master of Science Physician Assistant program - which remains the only physician assistant program in Maine. From the beginning, Haynes fell in love with UNE's philosophy for taking care of one another.

"That philosophy still holds true today, as it is a crucial part of providing compassionate health care," he said.

Haynes now works as a physician assistant at Maine Medical Partners Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in the Division of Trauma and Fracture Care - a level one trauma center to which patients from all over New England travel to receive care.

"We see people at their most vulnerable after an accident," he said. "It feels good to be able to put them at ease by educating them and leading them through recovery so they can resume their lives."

In addition to his busy job, Haynes makes time to share his experience with current PA students, a practice that began when he was on campus. As a second-year student, he and his fellow students hosted prospective PA students the night before their interviews to get to know them and offer advice.

"It was really enjoyable and fulfilling to share my experiences and knowledge with incoming students," Haynes shared. "That's a large part of why I've continued to give back and help out."

After graduating from UNE, Haynes has assisted in prospective student interviews and has even had the opportunity to lecture. He thoroughly enjoyed the process of preparing interactive lessons for current students. His involvement with the program has continued to evolve over the years, and he doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.

"Health care is a tough job," he remarked. "Getting reconnected with the students is refreshing. It reminds me of when I was a student at UNE - a student who was excited and eager to help others."

Over the years, Haynes has seen UNE's PA program undergo great growth. He is excited to see how the program continues to develop as the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences becomes a regional hub for health sciences education and practice.

"We all have a role to play in health care, and I love how UNE fosters interprofessional health care education," he said. "I'm excited to see more collaborative health care where professionals contribute their expertise to problem-solving."

Read this story on UNE Connect.