Springfield, Mass. — October 16, 2026 — As we celebrate 30 years of the physician assistant studies program at Springfield College, Connor Roberts '22 G'24 reflects on his time on both the men's lacrosse team and in the program. When he arrived on Alden Street, he could not have known that the lessons he learned on the lacrosse field would shape the way he cares for patients. Today, Roberts serves as an Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he is part of every stage of a patient's journey toward recovery.
Roberts earned his undergraduate degree in health sciences with a focus in pre-physician assistant studies before continuing his education through the college's physician assistant studies graduate program. During his time at Springfield he also had the opportunity to compete on the men's lacrosse team where he was a decorated student-athlete, becoming just the second in program history to earn United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Division III Honorable Mention All-America honors in four different seasons. His time with the men's lacrosse program was an experience that became the most memorable of his time at Springfield College.
"Personal motivation comes from the desire to be the best version of myself every day," Roberts said. "I strive to approach everything I do with intention, put forth my best effort, and hold myself to a high standard."
That standard carries into his work at Massachusetts General Hospital, where his motivation comes from seeing patients succeed. "I am motivated by successful patient outcomes," Roberts said. "Whether it be counseling them on lifestyle changes that can improve their function, or diagnosing them with a complex condition that requires surgical intervention, I find fulfillment in being part of every stage of a patient's journey towards recovery."
For Roberts, few moments are more rewarding than the end of that journey. "To see a patient overcome the difficult recovery process, regain function, and then see them with a smile on their face after witnessing their struggles is an incredibly special feeling," he said.
Athletics have always been an important part of Roberts' life, and he believes the lessons learned in sport translate directly to the classroom and to his career. Among them, one stands out above the rest.
"From sport you can learn discipline, intent, responsibility and the most important lesson that I learned is the true meaning of showing up, " Roberts said. "It means being consistent, putting forth your best effort, and holding yourself accountable."
In the classroom, that meant taking responsibility for his work, meeting deadlines, and taking the time to truly understand key concepts before applying them. Those same lessons now help him as he collaborates within a team to provide exceptional patient care.
Roberts' favorite memory on Alden Street came from his time with the men's lacrosse team during the demanding graduate phase of the physician assistant program.
"Lacrosse provided a sense of purpose, balance and motivation that helped me through the rigor of the program," Roberts said. "I had the privilege of joining 50 of my closest friends to work towards a shared goal. This time to laugh, sweat, and compete provided energy to embrace the challenges within the classroom and this is something I will never forget."
Roberts' ties to Springfield College extend well beyond the field. Ray McCarthy '19, G'21, a physician assistant and fellow Springfield College men's lacrosse alumnus, recommended Roberts to his current employer. From there, Roberts' started at his first position at Massachusetts General Hospital and was working on the same team as McCarthy, providing inpatient care to orthopedic patients. The two grew up in the same town and McCarthy has been a mentor to Roberts since high school.
"I have essentially followed in his footsteps through every aspect of my career," Roberts said. Today, the two Springfield College alumni share a profession, a hospital, and a Springfield College lacrosse background.
For current Springfield College students, Roberts encourages them to focus on what is within their control.
"Focus on what you can control. Your effort, intention, attitude, mindset, and accountability are all controllable," Roberts said. "College is a perfect time to develop these qualities to lay the foundation for success in your professional career."
Today, Roberts' journey from Springfield College student-athlete to physician assistant reflects the lasting impact of the foundation built on Alden Street. Through his work at Massachusetts General Hospital, he continues to carry forward the lessons of discipline, accountability, and service that helped shape his own path.
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(Written By Ella Travaglino '25 G'27)
