A Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) lab technician reached an impressive milestone last month: 50 years on the job-all at CMMC.
Paula Bouffard, an Auburn native, was still attending the University of Maine when she reported for her first clinical shift as a lab technician. At the time, CMMC was Central Maine General Hospital.
“Well, I like what I do,” Paula said. “I enjoy doing the lab work. I liked it then and still do, obviously. It gives me something to do. I’m not bored.”
Paula says she has seen much change at CMH over half a century. The healthcare system has grown. She witnessed entire new wings being added to the hospital. The location of the lab at CMMC has changed several times. When she started, it was where the present-day security office is.
And, of course, technology has changed considerably for the better, she says. “When I first came here, there were no computers. Zero. Everything was done on paper.” Modern day equipment, she says, has improved everything, including accuracy and turnaround times for analyzing bloodwork and getting the results back to providers.
Paula says clocking out for the last time and retiring isn’t something on her immediate horizon, although she does like to golf and spend time with her five grandkids. “We’ll see,” she said.