Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) is proud to announce a historic milestone: the graduation of its first surgical technology students.  

Achsah Davis and Suzanne Keene recently completed an intensive program, combining academic coursework, clinical experience and professional development. A significant part of this “earn to learn” program involves rigorous training and hands-on practice in the operating room. These graduates are now fully prepared to enter the workforce as nationally certified surgical technologists. 

This initiative, developed in partnership with regional educational providers, was designed to address the growing demand for skilled surgical support staff in Maine. The program not only strengthens the local healthcare workforce but also creates career opportunities for aspiring medical professionals in our community. These graduates will now transition into full-time roles within the surgical teams at Central Maine Healthcare’s three hospitals, contributing directly to high-quality patient care. 

“These students are not only excelling academically, but they are also making a real difference at CMMC,” said Faith McNeice, surgical technologist educator for Central Maine Healthcare. “We hope to inspire more students, families and employers to support and engage in healthcare training initiatives like this one.” 

Two more students are expected to graduate from the program in late fall.

Pictured: Suzanne Keene, Tim Counihan, MD, chief of Surgery, Central Maine Healthcare, Achsah Davis, Faith McNeice

Central Maine Healthcare will soon have some new certified nursing assistants (CNAs) among its ranks.

Earlier this month, eight CNA candidates graduated from CMMC’s Earn to Learn Program. It’s an eight-week state-approved training regimen and is free to the students. The program includes classwork, a skills lab and clinical experience. 

All eight graduates have passed the state CNA Competency Exam and have been offered positions within Central Maine Healthcare which includes CMMC, Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital.

“You are the eyes and ears of the nurses,” Kaitlyn Smith, RN, director of Acute Care Nursing at CMMC, told the graduates. “You are often the first person a patient comes across. You’re often the person who helps them into their car when we discharge them. You are the face of Central Maine Healthcare. Just remember why you wanted to go into the healthcare profession: to take care of patients.”

“The Earn to Learn program is a great opportunity for those wishing to begin a career in the healthcare industry,” said Dick Kropp, chief people officer at Central Maine Healthcare. “Our CNAs are vital members of our team and the communities they serve through their care of our patients. I would encourage anyone who considering a career as a CNA to check out what CMMC has to offer.”

The next Earn to Learn program starts in October. Those interested can call (207) 795-7526.

Central Maine Healthcare is pleased to announce the arrival of a new provider. Eric Benson, MD, is now practicing at Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics.

Dr. Benson attended Princeston University before receiving a Master of Science in Physiology at Georgetown University. He attended the Georgetown University School of Medicine before completing an orthopedic surgery residency at the University of New Mexico and a fellowship in shoulder, elbow and hand surgery at the Roth/McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Center in London, Ontario.

Prior to joining Central Maine Healthcare, he practiced at New Mexico Orthopedics, specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery.

“I chose orthopedic surgery and shoulder and elbow surgery in particular because I have the opportunity to work with and help a wide range of patients with different interests and activity levels and at different stages of life,” Dr. Benson said.

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics offers a full spectrum of treatments and services, from fracture care and casting for broken bones to complicated surgical procedures, rehabilitation and therapy services, allowing delivery of comprehensive, whole-person care from one location, to help patients get back to the activities they love.

Rumford Hospital’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation unit has been recertified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR).

According to AACVPR, this certification is recognition of the team’s commitment to improving the quality of life of patients by enhancing standards of care.

To earn accreditation, the rehab program participated in an application process that requires extensive documentation of their practices. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-review accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other related professional societies.

“Achieving AACVPR Certification for our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program was no easy feat, but our patients in the River Valley are absolutely worth it,” said Michelle Radloff, who leads the cardiac rehab team. “We are proud of our rehabilitation program’s commitment to delivering high-quality care and service, and even prouder of our incredible team for all they’ve accomplished.”

Founded in 1985, AACVPR is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the mission of reducing morbidity, mortality and disability from cardiovascular and pulmonary disease through education, prevention, rehabilitation, research and disease management. 

Pictured: members of the Rumford Hospital cardiac rehab unit, Krysty Tomkins, RN, Tammy Berry, RN, Dan Elliot, RN

Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital, which are part of Central Maine Healthcare, have been recognized by the American Stroke Association and American Heart Association for their outstanding care of stroke patients.

The two critical access hospitals received the Get with the Guidelines Rural Stroke Achievement Award.

These awards recognize rural hospitals for applying the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment guidelines to improve patient care and outcomes.

Rumford Hospital received the Gold Award while Bridgton Hospital received the Silver Award.

“I want to thank all team members who have consistently dedicated themselves to enhancing patient care,” said Stephany Jacques, president of Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospital.  “This recognition serves as a reminder of their deep commitment to their patients and to the community every day.”

Pictured:

Rumford Hospital Stroke Award(front): Lauren Bradley, RN (back left to right): Kelly Smith, tech, Denise Harvey, RN, Merideth Alanskas, RN, nurse leader

Bridgton Hospital Stroke Award (left to right): Jake Richards, RN, associate nurse leader, Nadine Shalabi, RN, Kevin Kralik, MD, Janette Laplante, RN, nurse leader, Kari Paradis, RN, VP of Nursing, Erica Underwood, infection preventionist, Chris Hodgkins, director of regional practices and specialty clinics and Mary Fernald, RN

Dennis Sullivan, MD, a surgeon at Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics, is the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Alan Ashare Excellence in Safety Award. The USA Hockey award recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to make hockey safer for all participants.

Over the past 25 years, Dr. Sullivan has dedicated significant time to athletes who compete at the highest level within USA Hockey, in addition to practicing as a surgeon.

Dr. Sullivan has been the team physician for the U.S. Under-17 Select Team 23 times at the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament. He’s also worked for U.S. teams at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Deutschland Cup and the IIHF Men’s World Championship, among other events. Dr. Sullivan also served as the team physician for the Portland Pirates from 1994-2008.

“Dr. Sullivan is a very experienced and knowledgeable hockey doctor,” said Mike Stuart, MD, chief medical and safety officer for USA Hockey. “He’s also very dedicated to USA Hockey, and he’s a very dependable, reliable, valuable addition to our USA Hockey teams internationally.”

Dr. Sullivan said sharing in his teams’ successes has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

“There’s no better feeling than seeing Team USA lining up on the rink for The Star-Spangled Banner after we’ve won a game in the Czech Republic or Slovakia, and knowing you were a part of keeping them on the ice,” Dr. Sullivan said.

Dr. Sullivan currently specializes in shoulder and knee surgery at Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics.

USA Hockey created the award in 2005 and presents it annually in June at the USA Hockey President’s Awards Dinner during the USA Hockey Annual Meeting. It was renamed in 2024 to honor Ashare, who passed away on July 5, 2023, at 85 years old. Ashare was the chair of the USA Hockey Safety and Protective Committee for 25 seasons, and co-chair of the committee for seven seasons after.

Central Maine Healthcare Orthopedics offers a full spectrum of treatments and services – from fracture care and casting for broken bones to surgery and rehabilitation – allowing them to deliver comprehensive, whole-person care, all from one location, to help patients get back to the activities they love. The facility is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and organized to support an unmatched level of multidisciplinary care.

Photo: (left)Kevin Margarucci, manager of player safety for USA Hockey, Dennis Sullivan, MD (photo courtesy Tom Kimmell)

Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) is once again partnering with the American Red Cross and LifeFlight of Maine to host a blood drive.

This will be the third in a series of quarterly blood drives that started at the beginning of this year.

It will be held on July 21 at the CMMC campus at the A,B,C Conference Room, 12 High Street, lower level, from 10 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Donations will be made by appointment only. You can register by clicking on this link.

For the second consecutive year, CMMC will host a Clinic in the Community in Lewiston.

The event will be held at Kennedy Park in Lewiston on July 11 from 1-4 p.m.

Those who come to the clinic will be able to access free blood pressure checks, reproductive healthcare services, diabetes screenings and other services. 

The event is being organized by the Central Maine Family Medicine Residency, Healthy Androscoggin and Maine Family Planning.

“Last year’s Clinic in the Community was very well received, and we’re hoping for a repeat this year,” said Bethany Picker, MD, program director for Central Maine Family Residency. “Kennedy Park is such a busy place in the summer months, so it’s a great opportunity for people in the area to access free medical services. At the same time, it’s an opportunity for our residents to immerse themselves in the local community.”

For more information on the Clinic in the Community, contact Central Maine Family Medicine Residency at 207-795-2803; Healthy Androscoggin at 207-795-5990 or Maine Family Planning at 207-922-3222.

Pictured: 2024 Clinic in the CommunityAll pharmacy phone lines are working normally. We look forward to hearing from you.