After 27 years with SHP, Lori Palfreyman, director of the Physician Assistant Program, is retiring from Rutgers.

She first joined the program as a guest lecturer in women’s health, bringing her expertise as a practicing clinician, and later became a full-time faculty member, admissions director and program director.

Now, she leaves as the program celebrates its 50th anniversary — a milestone year marked by its highest-ever national ranking: third in the country according to U.S. News and World Report.

Lori Palfreyman, director, Physician Assistant Program

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have had managers who encouraged me to contribute to the program’s growth,” she said. “I think I’m leaving at a really good time, and the program is only going to continue to thrive.”

Palfreyman made an impact as admissions director, helping shift the selection process to value life experiences alongside academic achievements.

“We believe strongly that a diverse workforce leads to better patient care,” she said. “People are more than just a GPA, and we’ve seen the proof of that over and over again.”

The program’s efforts to broaden access and opportunity have been recognized nationally. In 2018, it received the Excellence in Diversity Award from the Physician Assistant Education Association, which has made diversifying the profession a top priority.

She also helped make the program more physically accessible. After the admission of a student who used a wheelchair, she convened a task force to improve accessibility at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and SHP facilities. Among the changes: installation of automatic doors connecting the medical school to the SHP annex building in Piscataway.

“Whenever I hit the button to open that door, I think of the student who inspired the upgrade,” she said.

“During her many years of service, Dr. Palfreyman has been a driving force behind the success of the Rutgers PA Program. Her steadfast dedication, visionary leadership, and remarkable organizational talents have shaped the experiences of countless students, faculty, and staff. Lori’s impact will be felt for years to come, and her legacy of excellence will continue to guide our program’s future,” said Matthew McQuillan, department chair.

Today, the program draws top candidates from a wide range of backgrounds — including an Olympic Trials long jumper, a former stand-up comedian, and a musician turned healthcare provider — and maintains a 99% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

“I’m proud that our graduates leave as confident, smart and compassionate providers,” Palfreyman said.