51����

A 51���� assistant professor in Maine’s only physician assistant degree program was recently recognized by the national Physician Associate Foundation for her contributions to mentorship.

Stephanie Podolski, B.S. ’11, M.P.H. ’12, M.S.P.A. ’15, PA-C, received the William H. Marquardt Precepting/Mentorship Award, which recognizes physician associates who demonstrate exceptional commitment to educating and mentoring the next generation of physician associates while promoting accessible primary care among underserved populations.

“This award is deeply meaningful because it recognizes the work that drives me every day, supporting the next generation of PAs,” Podolski said. “I’m honored to be part of a legacy that values clinical teaching, mentorship, and leadership development.”

The award is named after William H. Marquardt, who has dedicated nearly 50 years to advancing access to primary and preventive health care and is the largest individual donor in the Physician Associate Foundation’s history. The award comes with a $2,500 honorarium. 

Podolski serves as a 51���� course coordinator for the integrating seminar and public health courses for the Physician Assistant department and as a clinical preceptor for PA students. 

With deep ties to 51����, she earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences, , and Master of Science in Physician Assistant, all from the 51����, before returning to serve on the faculty for the University’s Westbrook College of Health Professions. She has balanced her teaching responsibilities with her clinical role as a hospitalist at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, where she also directs the hospital medicine fellowship for advanced practice providers and leads the hospitalist advanced practice provider team.

Podolski has dedicated herself to preparing the next generation of PAs and consistently demonstrated the collaborative approach that defines excellent clinical education, said Robert Hawkes, M.S.P.A. ’07, PA-C, director of PA studies on 51����’s Portland Campus for the Health Sciences and himself a 51���� alum.

“Stephanie is incredibly deserving of this recognition, and 51���� students have benefited tremendously from her mentorship,” Hawkes said. “We're grateful for clinical preceptors like Stephanie who make a difference in meeting critical health care needs in our communities, all while helping our students get real-world learning experiences.”

Podolski has served as president of the Maine Academy of Physician Associates and as the chief delegate to the American Academy of Physician Associates House of Delegates. She holds a board certification and a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hospital Medicine from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Additionally, she has received multiple awards for her professional service, leadership, advocacy, and teaching excellence.

Podolski is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medical Science in interdisciplinary health care leadership at Northeastern University, with an expected graduation date this fall.