Name: Amanda Lee McFall

Hometown: Middletown, Del.

Graduate Program: Physician Assistant Studies

Undergraduate Details: B.S. in medical diagnostics with a concentration in pre-physician assistant and a minor in forensic science, from the University of Delaware

Why did you choose Arcadia?

I chose Arcadia University because of its strong academic foundation, supportive learning environment, and dedication to preparing competent and compassionate physician assistants. I was particularly drawn to the program’s commitment to maintaining Arcadia’s global goals and global perspective in healthcare. As someone who values understanding healthcare from a broader perspective, I appreciated being part of a program that encourages students to think beyond local communities and recognize healthcare challenges on a global scale.

What have you gained during your time here?

During my time at Arcadia University, I have gained an irreplaceable support system. Through the PA program, I have met some of the most genuine individuals who have become truly cherished friends. Sharing the same challenges, milestones, and experiences over the past two years has created a bond that I know will last well beyond the program. I am also incredibly grateful for the faculty who have supported me from the very beginning, guiding me through both my challenges and accomplishments.

What is your proudest accomplishment to date?

My proudest accomplishment to date was traveling to Peru in April 2025 for a medical service trip with MEDLIFE. It was my first time traveling long distance and my first time outside of the United States, making it a significant leap outside of my comfort zone. The experience was both eye-opening and transformative. It not only broadened my perspective on global health and access to care, but also deepened my appreciation for the skills and knowledge I have gained throughout my time in PA school.

What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome to get to this point?

One of the greatest challenges in reaching this point has been navigating my academic journey as a first-generation college student. Without a roadmap for pursuing higher education or graduate training, I often had to learn through experience and trust my own judgment along the way. It was also very challenging to navigate the demanding nature of PA school while continuing to grow both academically and personally. The intensity of the program pushed me outside of my comfort zone and required a great deal of discipline. Through these challenges, I grew tremendously and learned the importance of both perseverance and self-advocacy.

What do you do when you’re not in class?

When I’m not in class or at clinical rotations, I enjoy reading and playing the guitar. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and recently I’ve been reading several novels by Kristin Hannah. I’ve played guitar since I was seven years old, and it has remained an important creative outlet for me over the years. My Jackson Dinky is my guitar of choice, and I’m looking forward to having more time to play after graduation.

What are your post-grad plans?

I am extremely excited to be joining Penn Medicine’s Inpatient Liquid Oncology team this fall. Working in hematology/oncology has been a dream of mine since the start of my pre-PA journey, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to begin my career alongside such a talented and compassionate team of healthcare providers.

At the 2026 Honors Convocation, McFall received the A. Richard Polis Award, which is given each year to a student in a full-time program who is on the Graduate Dean’s Distinguished Honor List and whose service to the University and to their academic program distinguishes them from others in the cohort. Her professors noted in the nomination that McFall “is statistically elite, having completed the didactic year of the PA program with a 4.0–an achievement reached by only 1-2% of students each year.”