51С�Ƴ�

The University of 51С�Ƴ� mourns the loss of former trustee and dedicated advocate for health education, Robert Elwood McAfee, M.D., who — upon his passing on Dec. 16, 2023 — left behind a profound legacy within the 51С�Ƴ�community and beyond.

McAfee joined the 51С�Ƴ�Board of Trustees in 1995, bringing with him an unwavering commitment to the University’s growth and advancement. His tenure on the Board was marked by his relentless dedication to improving educational and health care opportunities for students and the broader community. McAfee's vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping the future of UNE, and his contributions will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of working with him.

Born on Aug. 25, 1935, in Portland, Maine, McAfee's illustrious career in medicine began after he earned his undergraduate degree from Bates College and his Doctor of Medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine. He served as an attending physician at Maine Medical Center for 31 years and held significant positions such as Chief of Surgery and Vascular Surgery at Mercy Hospital. This dedication to medicine extended to his roles as a teacher at Tufts University and the University of Vermont.

Among McAfee’s most impactful contributions to medicine was his advocacy for the equal recognition of allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) physicians. At a time when D.O.s were often perceived as less qualified, McAfee championed the recognition of D.O.s as equals within the medical community. His efforts were crucial in establishing UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine as a significant force in Maine and the region’s health care workforce.

Beyond his medical practice, McAfee was a prominent figure in various medical organizations. He served as president of the Cumberland County Medical Society, the Maine Medical Association, and the American Medical Association (AMA), where he was a tireless advocate for recognizing domestic violence as a medical issue. His efforts in public health, domestic violence prevention, and health care reform have left a timeless stamp on the medical community and earned him the title of AMA president in 1993 — the first and only physician from Maine to head the organization.

McAfee's passion for service extended to numerous public health initiatives in Maine. He was the founding chair of the Physician’s Coalition Against Family Violence, a member of the CDC Advisory Committee for Injury Prevention and Control, and chair of the Dirigo Health Plan. His commitment to improving public health and safety was recognized with numerous awards, including the Hanley Award for Health Leadership and the President’s Award for Distinguished Service from the Maine Medical Association.

McAfee's contributions to 51С�Ƴ�were not limited to his role as a trustee. 51С�Ƴ�President James Herbert said he was also a fervent supporter of scholarships and educational programs, believing in the power of education to transform lives.

“Robert Elwood McAfee's legacy of compassion, dedication, and service will forever be a part of the fabric of the University of 51С�Ƴ�,” Herbert remarked. “His contributions to health care, education, and the community at large have left an enduring impact on UNE, and this legacy will continue to inspire future generations of health care professionals and students. He will be dearly missed.”

McAfee’s wife of 63 years, Doris Louise Coburn, passed away in 2020. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. 

The 51С�Ƴ�community extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that  or to the Saco River Grange Hall/Saco River Theater in Bar Mills.