Alumnus Career Rooted in Well-Rounded Springfield College

By: Damon Markiewicz

Alumnus Ryan Yelle ’20, G’22, recently started his dream job as a medical oncology physician assistant at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. For Yelle, this exciting new chapter of his professional career is rooted in the well-rounded education he received at Springfield College.

As a proud graduate of the esteemed Springfield College Physician Assistant Studies program, Yelle has combined a deep passion for helping others, with a drive to enhance his own leadership abilities. His current career path showcases the valued education he received as a PA student, while also actively engaging in the diverse extracurricular opportunities offered at East Campus.

“Having the opportunity to work at Dana-Farber is a dream come true,” explained Yelle. “Dana-Farber was certainly one of my top choices when thinking about possible employment opportunities after graduation. This is such an amazing opportunity, and I am proud to be able to represent the great education I received at Springfield College while working with so many special individuals at Dana-Farber. In this new opportunity, I am excited to blend everything I learned in PA school, with the leadership lessons I gained from being a part of programing at East Campus.”

During his time on Alden Street, Yelle was a committed PA student, diligently building the clinical skills required to make a meaningful impact in the medical field. Beyond academics, he actively embraced leadership and personal development opportunities at East Campus. This blend of rigorous medical training and growth in essential soft skills—like communication, teamwork, and organization—exemplifies the distinctive, holistic approach that defines a Springfield College education.

“During my time as a student, I always felt like I was being prepared to succeed in my profession and in life,” explained Yelle. “I truly loved being a part of the PA program, and when I wasn’t in the classroom, I loved being at East Campus, finding many different ways to improve in leading people. You don’t get this type of education anywhere else. And because of this type of education, I feel prepared and ready for the challenges that are in front of me.”

After graduation, Yelle began his calling within the medical field just minutes from campus, delivering inpatient medical care at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. His dedication and impact within the PA program at Springfield College were soon recognized. In the fall of 2023, he was honored by the current PA faculty with an invitation to serve as keynote speaker at the annual White Coat Ceremony, a milestone event that marks the PA students' transition into clinical practice.

“The success I am enjoying in life is directly tied into the education I received at Springfield College,” described Yelle. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to give back and speak with current students in the PA program. I enjoy connecting and relating with them because I understand what it’s like to go through PA school. Anytime I can help current students and give back to the College, I am all for it.”

During Yelle’s academic career on campus, there was always a link between the PA program and East Campus. Every October during national PA week, the faculty take a current cohort of students to East Campus, and they take part in team-building and leadership opportunities. There is a direct connection between the intangibles learned on the challenge courses of East Campus with how PA’s have to interact with their patients and colleagues.

“Medicine is a team sport, and having a great team around you is so important,” explained Yelle. “Not only are you managing patients and diseases, but you are helping make decisions that shape the lives of your patients. As a PA, you always want to leave a positive impact on the people around you. I am always striving to be the best PA and person possible.”

While at Springfield College, Yelle took advantage of many opportunities on the campus, both within his PA major and through extracurricular activities as well.

“Taking part in the leadership training opportunities at East Campus had such a strong impact on my personal growth, which only helped me become a better clinician as well,” explained Yelle. “That’s what makes Springfield College different, you not only have the ability to learn from the best professors in the world, but there are also opportunities that help with your personal growth outside of your major.”

One program in particular that really impacted Yelle was the Leadership Training Conference (LTC). One of Yelle’s strongest characteristic traits is his ability to build connections with people. During his time on campus, he was a highly respected student-leader, who built long-lasting relationships with his fellow classmates, staff, professors, and alumni. LTC helped foster that development.

“LTC had such an impact on me as a person,” explained Yelle. “You can really find yourself as a person during LTC. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to experience it, and the lessons learned during LTC, I try to bring into my professional life all of the time.”

In addition to taking part in LTC, Yelle experienced East Campus as a student-leader during Pre-Camp, and he served as a camp counselor and health supervisor during Camp Massasoit.

“I can’t say enough good things about my time at Springfield College,” explained Yelle. “I always enjoy coming back to campus and finding ways to stay connected. A Springfield College education goes beyond just a classroom education. The institution teaches people to be good people. The real lesson is learning to leave a positive impact.”