March 9, 2020

The College of Nursing and Health Professions has one of the best physician assistant programs in the country. Of course we think that, but so do a lot of other people. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked our program number 10 in their list of Best Grad Schools for 2020. 

Here's an opportunity to get to know two current outstanding students.

Alec Proctor

Where were you born?

Port Townsend, Washington

Where did you do your undergraduate work?

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Why did you choose the PA profession?

I always knew that I wanted to work in medicine but was unsure of how exactly to do that. When I heard about the physician assistant profession it just clicked. As a PA, the ability to practice medicine at a high level is exactly what I was looking for while still having the opportunity to grow and explore new specialties.

Why did you choose Drexel University PA program?

I had never heard of Drexel until I shadowed a graduate of the program. I did some research into it and really liked what I saw. The high ranking is nice, but what really drew me to the program is the emphasis on primary care.

What music is currently on your playlist?

I love heavy music. Currently the bands getting a lot of rotation are Lamb of God, Allegaeon, Soilwork and As I Lay Dying.

What is an item on your bucket list?

I have always wanted to get SCUBA certified, but growing up in Colorado there wasn’t much need.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation has to be when I went to Rome. The blend of history, art and food is tough to beat.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that may not be on your resume.

In my free time, I am learning how to play the guitar.

Ann Bonner

Where were you born?

I was born in Columbia, Maryland, about 15 minutes outside of Baltimore.

Where did you do your undergraduate work?

University of Maryland

Why did you choose the PA profession?

Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to go into the health field; I would even go around with my toy medicine kit trying to listen to my cat’s heart. I chose the PA field because it encompasses everything I love — medicine, health, patient relationships and teamwork. At my previous job as a PT aide, my favorite part was getting to know patients and developing relationships with them. I can’t wait to form these relationships and help patients in the future!

Why did you choose Drexel University PA program?

I chose Drexel because it is one of the oldest, most renowned PA programs in the country, and it has an amazing mission that sets out to serve the medically underserved. While growing up, I went on several mission trips to various areas of the country trying to help those who needed it the most, so this was very appealing to me. I love the opportunity we get in this program to help make people’s lives better. As my dad is from the area, I have grown up with Philadelphia occupying a special place in my heart so I love the location of Drexel’s program.

What music is currently on your playlist?

Anything country — Luke Combs, Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, etc.

What is an item on your bucket list?

I want to travel to all 50 states. So far I’ve been to 28, but I hope to get to all 50 very soon. In general, travel is always on my bucket list! I am always looking forward to the next place I can go.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Cape May, New Jersey is still and will forever be my favorite vacation spot. My family has been going there every summer since I can remember. It brings back so many good memories and is a place I consider my second home. It is a beautiful, peaceful town.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself that may not be on your resume.

I love traveling — before starting PA school, I traveled to Australia, Brazil, Iceland and Europe. In Iceland, I snowmobiled on top of an active volcano and went glacier hiking.