Jim Cyr

CMMC has once again been recognized as “High Performing in Maternity Care” by U.S. News & World Report. It is the only hospital in Maine to achieve this status for the 2026 rankings.

U.S. News began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis.

U.S. News & World Report uses patient outcomes and hospital processes, as well as structure measures to describe quality care. Measures are weighed to create a composite score. They include:

• NTSV C-section rates and VBAC rates: 35% weight
• Severe UNC rates: 25% weight
• Commitment to exclusive breast milk feeding: 15% weight
• Reporting on outcomes disparities: 10% weight
• Birthing-friendly practice: 10% weight
• Episiotomy rates: 5% weight

“What an honor to be recognized among the top in the nation for our maternity care at CMMC, said Rebecca Brakeley, MD, chief of Pediatrics at Central Maine Healthcare. “It takes unwavering teamwork and compassion to provide exceptional maternity and newborn care, and I’m very proud of our team.”

When a baby is born at CMMC, a chime that is heard around the hospital is played to share the good news.

Newsweek included CMMC in its 2025 list of best hospitals in the nation for maternity.

Central Maine Healthcare has a new DAISY Award recipient. It is Kaylee McGowan, BSN, of Farmington, who works in medical and surgical oncology at CMMC.

The DAISY Award is an international program that recognizes nurses for their compassionate care and the difference they make in patients’ lives. Patients, their families, visitors, physicians and other team members can nominate a nurse for the award.

Kaylee was nominated by Asha Mohamed, MD. Dr. Mohamed’s nomination letter is below:

“Kaylee cared for a patient who was a ward of the state with an attentiveness that went far beyond duty. Though he could only vaguely describe his symptoms, she listened intently and trusted her instincts when something did not feel right. Her worry, rooted in deep compassion, guided the team to escalate his care in a timely manner. Because of her persistence and unwavering advocacy, he was given the dignity of receiving the higher level of care he needed. Though he ultimately passed away, her fierce dedication ensured that he was not overlooked and that his voice—quiet as it was—was heard. She exemplifies the heart of nursing: advocacy.”

The SNAP-Ed nutrition education team at Healthy Androscoggin was recently presented with the NorthSTAR award by Central Maine Healthcare (CMH). Healthy Androscoggin is an affiliate of CMH.

The NorthSTAR award recognizes the efforts of teams that exceed one or more of the healthcare system’s Service Standards.

Healthy Androscoggin’s SNAP-Ed nutrition education team has been providing education to SNAP eligible participants in Androscoggin County for more than a decade. In 2024 alone, team member nutrition educators Emily Smith, Rebecca Schoen and Rachel Legendre hosted 523 nutrition education sessions throughout Androscoggin County, reaching 1,894 unique participants and making 8,415 contacts. They visited 30 different class locations to teach about food, nutrition, budgeting and cooking.

“Emily, Rebecca and Rachel are leaders in their field and well respected by partners, participants and colleagues,” said Lindsay Gannon, health promotion manager at Healthy Androscoggin. “They are held up as a model team within the entire Maine SNAP-Ed program, proudly representing Central Maine Healthcare.”

“SNAP-Ed has had a powerful impact on our youth and community,” said Fowsia Musse, executive director of Maine Community Integration. “Through its programs, we’ve been able to connect young people to critical education about nutrition, food access and healthy living, topics that are too often overlooked but are essential for long-term well-being.

Pictured left to right: Lindsay Gannon, Rachel Legendre, Emily Smith, Rebecca Schoen

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) has chosen not to pursue re-verification of its Level III Regional Trauma Center designation by the American College of Surgeons.

This decision, which is effective Dec. 1, 2025, is entirely voluntary and does not reflect any departure from the medical center’s clinical capabilities or commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality emergency, trauma and critical care. This change was made due to the increasing administrative and burdensome costs related to participating in a third-party certificate program. CMMC will continue to participate as a state-designated trauma system hospital.

CMMC will continue to provide trauma care through essential, emergency and trauma-related surgical subspecialities by physicians with specific trauma training and experience in general, orthopedic, plastic, urologic, vascular and orthopedic surgery, as well as emergency medicine and trauma-related intensive care. These specialists and their trauma support team of experienced anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and technicians will continue to provide the same comprehensive, expert trauma care that our community has always relied upon.

CMMC remains a vital hub within the Maine Trauma System and will continue working closely with LifeFlight of Maine, local EMS agencies—including United Ambulance, MedCare and other regional partners—to ensure patients receive timely, coordinated and expert care during critical moments.

“Our commitment to trauma care is unwavering,” said Timothy Counihan, MD, chief of surgery at Central Maine Healthcare. “We are investing in our medical staff, adding an additional trauma-trained orthopedic surgeon to our robust team and continuing our coordination with EMS and LifeFlight. Patients can be confident that emergency trauma and surgical care at CMMC remains immediate in any emergency.

“Every day our teams stabilize patients, perform lifesaving interventions and coordinate safe transfers when needed. That process isn’t changing; our emergency and surgical capabilities in this area have been proven time and again to clearly save lives.”

CMMC will also remain an active participant in the Maine EMS Trauma Advisory Committee and other regional trauma initiatives, reaffirming its dedication to collaboration, transparency and patient-centered care as an active participant in the Maine Trauma System.

CMMC remains one of only three capable medical centers in Maine that is staffed, equipped and ready to care for patients with urgent and life-threatening trauma-related injuries 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In October, Elizabeth Moreau, RD, a clinical dietitian at Rumford Hospital, conducted a nutrition and cooking education series at Rumford Public Library. The classes were designed for children and their families.

The goal was to teach key nutrition concepts and simple recipes to help empower kids to independently make healthy food choices. Over the course of four classes, students learned about food groups, making balanced meals and snacks, fruits and vegetables and the importance of choosing healthy beverage options. Kids engaged in nutrition themed games and participated in cooking up healthy recipes to enjoy.

“It was such a wonderful opportunity to bring nutrition and cooking education into a comfortable setting for kids and families and give them the ability to explore new concepts, foods and flavors,” Elizabeth said. “I loved seeing new and familiar faces each week and the enthusiasm and questions they brought with them.”

“Libraries are dedicated to providing opportunities for learning, making community connections and offering practical resources to enrich community members’ lives,” said Sarah Cotnoir, children’s director at Rumford Public Library. “By offering workshops, cooking demonstrations and resources on healthy eating, libraries can become a catalyst for healthier habits, empowering patrons to nourish themselves, their families and build a foundation for lifelong wellness.”

Central Maine Healthcare recently welcomed a new provider. Ambia Ahmed, MD, will be practicing at Central Maine Pediatrics at CMMC in Lewiston.

Dr. Ahmed is well suited to treat central Maine’s immigrant population, as she speaks fluent Somali, Arabic and English. 

She has extensive experience both here in Maine and overseas. She attended Nile College in Khartoum, Sudan, where she received both a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, before completing an internship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Ahmed was a general practitioner at Family Care Hospital in Riyadh. Later, she moved to the U.S. and was employed by the MaineHealth Institute for Research.  

“We are thrilled for Dr. Ahmed to join Central Maine Pediatrics,” said Rebecca Brakeley, MD, chief of Women’s and Children’s Health at Central Maine Healthcare. “She has extensive experience practicing internationally and being a standout pediatric resident at Maine Medical Center for the last three years. Her clinical excellence, warmth and ability to connect with patients across three languages will be an outstanding addition to our diverse community.”

Dr. Ahmed said she is dedicated to showing exceptional compassion for her patients and providing quality care. “As a pediatrician, I’m committed to delivering compassionate care for each child who comes to Central Maine Pediatrics and supporting families to ensure lifelong health,” she said. 

Dorie Oakes of Rumford, on behalf of the Rumford Eagles, recently led the effort to raise $10,000 for the Bennett Breast Care Center in remembrance of her sister who passed away from breast cancer.

Dorie organized several fundraisers to accomplish this, including selling pink ribbons, holding bake sales and other activities.

“I would like to thank Dorie for her generous contribution,” said Stephany Jacques, president of Rumford Hospital. “The fight against breast cancer is very personal for her, and that is evident in her tireless efforts to raise these funds. Dorie and the Rumford Eagles are an invaluable part of the River Valley community.”

Central Maine Healthcare is joining healthcare systems throughout the nation by recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to honor those affected by the disease and reflect on the importance of early detection and prevention.

Every October, the signs at the Cancer Care Center at CMMC are illuminated in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

“At Central Maine Healthcare, we’re proud to support patients through every step of their breast health journey, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship,” saidSarah Henderson, director of Oncology at Central Maine Healthcare. “Regular mammograms remain one of the most effective tools for early detection, when breast cancer is most treatable. Our care teams at CMMC, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital are dedicated to providing compassionate, advanced care close to home.”

This month, CMH is encouraging team members and community members alike to take charge of their breast health by scheduling a mammogram and sharing information about early detection. Whether it’s wearing pink, supporting a fundraiser or simply reminding a loved one to get screened, every action helps spread awareness and save lives. 

Coverage of Telehealth services for Medicare patients has been disrupted by the federal government shutdown.

Telehealth waivers that were put in place following the pandemic expired on Sept. 30, 2025.

Without further congressional action, providers will no longer be reimbursed for telehealth visits provided to Medicare patients in their homes.

Some behavioral, mental health and substance use disorder allowances remain in place:

• Services for mental/behavioral health can continue to be provided via telehealth with the patient in their home.

• However, Medicare will cover these services only if a practitioner first sees a patient in person six months before beginning telehealth sessions, and then annually thereafter. 

• Treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions also remain covered via telehealth.

Patients who have questions regarding their telehealth care are asked to contact their provider.

Central Maine Healthcare recently completed its 2,000th surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System, a milestone that reflects CMH’s commitment to delivering advanced, patient-centered care.

The da Vinci Surgical System is a state-of-the-art robotic platform that allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility and control. The system translates a surgeon’s hand movements into smaller, more exact movements of tiny instruments inside the body, while providing a high-definition, 3D view of the surgical site.

Since its introduction at Central Maine Healthcare, the da Vinci system has been used in a wide range of specialties, including urology, weight loss and general surgery. Recently, the technology has been used for OB-GYN procedures. 

Patients benefit from smaller incisions, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recoveries compared to traditional open surgery.

“The growth of the robotic surgery program at CMMC speaks volumes to the dedication that we have from administration to anesthesia to nursing staff and physicians across multiple specialties to advance patient care with technology,” said Blair Baldwin, MD, bariatric surgeon at CMMC. “Being able to provide this service to patients across multiple specialties allows us to perform minimally invasive surgery with increased complexity to help patients spend less time in the hospital and recover quicker.

“We have an outstanding team of nurses, surgical technicians, and sterile processing staff who all come together to make these numbers possible.”

Investing in the da Vinci is one of many steps CMH has taken to ensure patients have access to the latest technology that reduces the chance of post-surgical complications and allows for faster recovery.