John Vitale serves as dean of the Westbrook College of Health Professions at the University of New England, where he oversees all health professions programs at UNE other than osteopathic medicine and dentistry. This includes Maine’s only physician assistant program and Maine’s only school of pharmacy. Other programs in the college include nursing, nurse anesthesia, dental hygiene, physical therapy, occupational therapy, occupational studies, nutrition, public health, social work, exercise science, and athletic training.
John is deeply committed to ensuring that UNE graduates are prepared to meet the evolving health care needs of Maine, and a central focus of his is strengthening partnerships that expand opportunities and improve access to care across the state. He has collaborated with regional colleges, universities, and health systems to build educational pathways and support workforce development.
John also serves as the Associate Provost for Interprofessional Education, a form of education where students learn with, from, and about each other to help ensure they are prepared to work as members of a collaborative care team to help improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. In this role, John oversees UNE’s clinical simulation laboratories and other interprofessional units.
In these roles, John is able to work closely with faculty and professional staff to help ensure that every student in the Westbrook College of Health Professions is supported and mentored as they embark on their health professions education.
For parents, John wants you to know that health professions education is rigorous and demanding, but it is also deeply meaningful. The faculty and professional staff at the Westbrook College of Health Professions are committed, along with John, to supporting students as they grow into compassionate, practice-ready clinicians. It is both a responsibility and a privilege to help guide the next generation of health care professionals who will serve Maine and communities across the country.