Meet Our Faculty

Jeffrey Waldron, MS, PA-C
Program Director, Assistant Professor

waldronj@franklinpierce.edu
(603) 298-6617

Hi, I'm Jeffrey Waldron, and I serve as the Program Director and Assistant Professor in the Physician Assistant Studies program at Franklin Pierce University. I teach courses on Behavioral Medicine, Clinical Reasoning, and Advanced Clinical Skills. My research interests include family medicine and pediatrics. I am involved in professional organizations including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the New Hampshire Society of Physician Assistants. In my community, I've served as a firefighter and EMT, coached soccer, and have mentored Eagle Scouts.

Betsy Piburn, DMS, PA-C, CAQ-EM
Director of Clinical Education

piburnb@franklinpierce.edu
603-298-6617

Hi, I'm Dr. Betsy Piburn, the Director of Clinical Education in the Physician Assistant Studies program. I teach courses in Clinical Application of Basic Sciences and Emergency Medicine in Clinical Medicine. My main research interest is in emergency medicine.

Madison Hawkins, MS, PA-C
Director of Didactic Education

Hi, I'm Madison Hawkins, and I am the Assistant Professor and Director of Didactic Education in the  Physician Assistant  program at Franklin Pierce University  I teach courses in Clinical Medicine and Advanced Clinical Skills, and I'm especially interested in topics like muscle physiology and environmental health. I enjoy helping students become skilled and caring physician assistants, and I'm proud to be part of their journey into healthcare.

Patrick Francis, MD
Medical Director

francisp@franklinpierce.edu
603-298-6617

Hi, I'm Dr. Patrick Francis, and I serve as the Medical Director of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at Franklin Pierce University. I teach courses such as Pharmacology I, II, and III, as well as Clinical Pharmacology. My research interests include primary care, rural health, and how medical students learn. I am a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Physicians. Before my medical career, I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia and was a Fulbright Fellow in Kazakhstan.

Judi Friedman, MS, PA-C
Assistant Professor

friedmanj@franklinpierce.edu 

Cassandra Nelson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor

nelsonc@franklinpierce.edu 

Hi, I'm Cassandra Nelson, and I work as an Assistant Professor in the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program at Franklin Pierce University I love helping students become skilled and caring physician assistants. Teaching gives me the chance to share what I've learned and to support students as they grow into healthcare professionals. It's exciting to be part of their journey and to know that I'm helping shape the future of medicine.

Noelle Nunes
Clinical Placement Coordinator

nunesn@franklinpierce.edu

Hi, I'm Noelle Nunes, the Clinical Placement Coordinator. In my role, I help students arrange their clinical rotations, ensuring they gain the hands-on experience needed to become skilled healthcare providers. I work closely with students and clinical sites to make sure each placement supports their learning and career goals. I enjoy being part of a team that helps future physician assistants succeed in their education and training.

Pamela O’Brien
Admissions Coordinator

obrienp@franklinpierce.edu  

Hi, I'm Pamela O'Brien, the Admissions Coordinator. I work with both the Hybrid and New Hampshire PA programs, helping students through the admissions process and supporting them as they begin their journey to become physician assistants. I enjoy being part of a team that guides future healthcare professionals toward achieving their goals.