Jim Cyr

A Bridgton Hospital nurse is this year’s recipient of the Winnie Moore Award.

Janette Laplante, RN, who is a nurse leader at Bridgton, was recognized for exemplifying leadership, mentorship and commitment to caring for the Lakes Region community.

She was selected by a committee, and the nomination letter reads, in part: Janette is a nurse at heart and continues to care for patients. She cares deeply and holistically for each and every one, as well as for their families. Recently a patient passed away. Without hesitation, Janette created space in the inpatient unit for the family to spend time with their loved one. Through all that Janette does, she cares deeply for those she leads, those she cares for and has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion in her leadership and practice.

The Winnie Moore Award is presented every year during Nurses Week to a single Bridgton Hospital nurse in recognition of clinical nursing excellence.  It’s named after Winnie Moore, who spent most of her career in Bridgton, working as a nurse at Northern Cumberland Memorial Hospital, which later became Bridgton Hospital. She was the director of nursing at Bridgton Hospital for 29 years and served on the hospital’s board of directors.

“The bar for winning this award is high, so that says a lot about Janette’s accomplishment” said Stephany Jacques, RN, president of Bridgton Hospital. “Her commitment to nursing excellence sets the tone for the quality of care we provide here at Bridgton Hospital, and the people of the Lakes Region community are fortunate to have her with us.”

Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to introduce a new provider. Gregory Violette, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy), works with orthopedic patients at Central Maine Therapy Services.

Gregory earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of New England. He says he believes in using active listening, effective communication and empathy with his patients.

“I believe patient-centered care is the key to achieving therapeutic goals and establishing meaningful relationships,” Violette said. “I aspire to empower my patients to become the best versions of themselves.”

Central Maine Therapy Services offers comprehensive services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pelvic floor rehabilitation and Lymphedema care.

They offer private treatment rooms, extensive rehabilitation equipment and a gym, as well as activities of daily living training facilities to support functional gains and recovery for patients of all ages. Call (207) 795-2122 for an appointment.

After a hiatus due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA) is back. The WHA has a long history of raising funds for critical medical equipment and programs at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, as well as Maine College of Health Professions (MCHP).

To announce their comeback, members held a spring bake sale at CMMC on April 16 to raise money for scholarships for students attending MCHP.

“The bake sale was a terrific success, and it’s just the beginning of a new chapter of fundraising for CMMC,” said June Van Mourik, president of the WHA. “The pioneering women who started the WHA back in the late 1800s were instrumental in establishing what is now CMMC. We are excited to continue their legacy.”

From mammography machines to defibrillators, the organization has raised $1.2 million for the hospital.

“The WHA’s contributions—from the funds they’ve raised to their role as goodwill ambassadors and passionate advocates for both CMMC and the community—are truly invaluable,” said Lisa LaVallee, system director of Philanthropy at CMH. “We’re deeply grateful for everything they’ve done over the years to support this hospital and its patients.”

The group is looking for people who want to make a difference in their community and join the WHA. Those interested can learn more by emailing giving@cmhc.org.

(Photo caption: WHA members from left to right: Sharon Poulin, Terri Mclean, and current president June Van Mourik)

An enormous achievement for CMMC’s breast health team: they have been awarded re-accreditation status by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), following a recent site visit by the organization.

“As a participant of the NAPBC, your breast center has earned distinction as an ACS Surgical Quality Partner. This designation recognizes that your institution is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care,” a statement from the NAPBC says.

“This re-accreditation is confirmation of what our patients already know: they are in good hands with the breast care professionals at CMMC,” said Renee Pinette, MD, OB/GYN and breast surgical oncologist on Central Maine Healthcare. “A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating, but this seal of approval from NAPBC demonstrates our patients can trust they’re receiving comprehensive, compassionate and coordinated care from a dedicated team of specialists.”

“It’s wonderful to hear the dedication of our team to providing exceptional care has been recognized,” said Jessica Gironi, oncology accreditation manager for Central Maine Healthcare. “The reviewer’s comments highlight the strengths of the program, especially the offering of in-house services and the proactive steps taken to support patients.”

Central Maine Healthcare offers a full range of breast care treatment, including diagnosis and advanced diagnosis, prevention, treatment, ultrasounds and MRIs, biopsies and breast cancer surgery and reconstruction.

North Bridgton Family Practice, which is part of Central Maine Healthcare, is excited to welcome a new provider.

Chaddwick McBeigh is a certified physician’s assistant (PA-C) who will be seeing walk-in patients.

Among his interests is musculoskeletal injury and rehabilitation.

“I like to make sure patients are always taking steps forward towards better health,” McBeigh said. “A series of small steps can lead to big change.”

Chaddwick graduated from the University of Nebraska and completed his residency at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Missouri.

He spent 22 years in the U.S. Army, with 15 years on active duty and seven years in the National Guard.

He will be retiring from the military in November 2025.

North Bridgton Family Practice & Walk-In Clinic provides telehealth and in-person appointments, as well as walk-in care. The practice is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Central Maine Healthcare’s cancer care program is among the best in the nation, according to the Commission on Cancer (CoC).

The CoC is a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for patients with cancer by setting and raising standards. The organization promotes cancer prevention, research, education and monitoring of comprehensive quality care.

“As a participant of the Commission on Cancer (CoC), your hospital has earned distinction as an American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Partner. This designation recognizes that your institution is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in surgical care,” a statement from the CoC reads.

“This is great news and confirmation of what we already know: our oncology team members are among the best in the nation,” said Tim Counihan, MD, chief of surgery. “This accreditation should serve as further proof to our cancer patients that they are in great hands at Central Maine Healthcare.”

“The Commission on Cancer has incredibly high standards, so it’s especially gratifying to receive this accreditation,” said John Hamilton, senior vice president of service line operations at CMH. “This recognition not only highlights our dedication to quality but also reinforces our role as leaders in advancing cancer care and improving outcomes for our patients.”

Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) has announced appointments to two senior leadership positions within the healthcare system.

Michael Berlowitz, MD, has accepted the position of chief medical officer for Central Maine Healthcare. Since 2021, Dr. Berlowitz has provided exceptional leadership as chief of Central Maine Heart & Vascular Institute (CMHVI). He will continue to lead CMHVI.

Before joining CMH, Dr. Berlowitz served as chief of clinical operations for the University of South Florida’s cardiovascular service line. He holds an MBA from Auburn University Harbert College of Business, specializing in operations and organizational behavior. He has also earned certificates in strategic healthcare leadership from Cornell University and patient safety and quality from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Michelle Kap, MS, RN, who has been serving as interim chief nursing officer (CNO) since December, has accepted the permanent role of CNO.

Michelle brings extensive leadership experience to this position, having previously served as senior vice president of clinical operations at Steward Health Care in Massachusetts. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on critical care from the University of Massachusetts.

“These appointments reflect our dedication to strong leadership for the health system,” said Steve Littleson, president and CEO, Central Maine Healthcare. “I am confident these two seasoned professionals will have a positive impact on the care we provide to our patients.”

Topsham Family Medicine, which is part of Central Maine Healthcare, is happy to introduce its newest provider to the Midcoast-based care team.

Emily Carle, a nurse practitioner, specializes in family medicine and is seeing patients in the Topsham area.

Carle graduated from the University of Southern Maine and is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Among her specialties are women’s health and lifestyle medicine – providing coaching on diet, exercise and pillars of healthy living for quality of life and disease prevention.

“For me, being a provider is a personal calling and mission,” Carle said. “I appreciate and value patient and family-centered care, community-based health, and empowering patients to live the best version of themselves.

“I love when patients are engaged and curious about their health; I provide education to my patients to empower them to make informed decisions for wellbeing as each defines it.”

Central Maine Medical Center’s (CMMC) soon-to-be new neighbor is already making a positive impact.

cPort Credit Union is preparing to open its doors this fall at its Lewiston location on Main Street, directly across the street from CMMC. In a show of support for the hospital and its team members, cPort has generously given CMMC a $10,000 donation, reinforcing its commitment to community well-being, even before its official launch.

“We are excited to be partnering with Central Maine Medical Center,” said Gene Ardito, CEO of cPort Credit Union. “This collaboration represents an important milestone as we work together to better serve this region. We are particularly enthusiastic about being partners and neighbors, contributing to the strong sense of community in the Lewiston-Auburn area.”  

“This partnership with Central Maine Medical Center underscores our commitment to our community’s well-being by supporting both financial and physical health,” said Kelsey Marquis, President of cPort Credit Union. “Together, we can work towards ensuring a healthy future for all area residents.”

“We are grateful to cPort Credit Union for their generous $10,000 donation to support our Corporate Partnership Program,” said Lisa Lavallee, Development Director at Central Maine Healthcare. “This contribution will directly impact our ability to provide vital services and resources to our patients and team members. Their commitment to our mission strengthens our community and enables CMMC to continue delivering exceptional care.”

For more information on Central Maine Healthcare’s Corporate Partnership program, please contact System Director of Philanthropy Lisa LaVallee at 207-795-2685 or giving@cmhc.org.

Central Maine Healthcare is encouraging the communities it serves to remember the saying, “You are what you eat” throughout March, which is National Nutrition Month.

The theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month is “Food connects us.” Food is a beautiful way that we can connect with one another through culture and community, registered dietician nutritionists say.

Central Maine Healthcare, which includes Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC), Rumford Hospital, Bridgton Hospital and numerous practices, includes a team of registered dietitians that plays a critical role in helping patients and its own team members understand the connection between the food we eat and how it impacts our health throughout our lives. 

“It’s no secret: healthy food choices are key to well-being and longevity,” said Sandy Collins, RDN, LDN, clinical dietitian, Central Maine Bariatric Surgery. “Some of the steps we can take to achieve this include dining out less, eating more plant foods and fiber, choosing whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread and sides such as quinoa and consuming healthy fats and lean protein. Regular physical activity can also make a big difference.”

Members of Central Maine Healthcare’s nutrition team are hosting information tables in the CMMC cafeteria in March to help spread the word about healthy food choices.

Pictured: Central Maine Healthcare dieticians at CMMC nutrition information table