Residents

• Hometown: San Jose, CA
• Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University
• Undergraduate: Creighton University
• Major: Biology
• Tell us about yourself:
  Hi, my name is Alexander Babaoghli. I grew up in San Jose, California before moving to Omaha, Nebraska and completing my undergraduate studies at Creighton University. I then moved on to Midwestern University in Glendale Arizona to complete my Masters degree and Medical School. My career interests include primary care and sports medicine. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and my family. I also enjoy watching and participating in sports of all kind, as well as cooking. I have never lived on the East Coast and I am looking forward to living in Maine, through the course of my residency. I am excited for this opportunity to learn and grow as a physician while also enjoying the North East.
• Why did you choose CMMC FMR?
  I choose CMMC FMR for a few reasons. Establishing report, continuity of care, and building relationships with patients has always drawn me to primary care. This program gave me the opportunity to work with a diverse population, while also working in different settings. Also, being the only residency program gives me the opportunity to experience different specialties and sides of medicine than I would be exposed to if there were more residency programs.
• Interests: All types of sports, especially football. I enjoy hiking, fishing, and being at the beach! I love cooking, especially BBQ.

• Hometown: Union City, California
• Medical School: St. George’s University
• Undergraduate: University of California, Davis 
• Major: Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
• Tell us about yourself:
  I was born and raised in the Bay Area, California. It was a wonderful and diverse neighborhood to grow up in. I come from a Sikh Punjabi household, and our culture is very family-oriented. We preach acceptance, inclusivity, community service, and serving those in need. No one in my family has gone into medicine, but the values I grew up with and my natural inclination to physiology led me along this journey into family practice. I hope to continue bringing compassion and empathy into my work as I train here at Central Maine Medical Center.  
• Why did you choose CMMC FMR?
  CMMC stood out to me because it is a full-spectrum unopposed residency. What this meant to me is, I would have the opportunity to be hands-on for a diverse amount of pathology for every age group. Several other factors that make this program unique is the ability to practice rural/wilderness medicine, osteopathic medicine, and have tons of experience working in-patient and outpatient. In my little time here so far as an Intern, I can attest to the many brilliant and compassionate attendings we get to train alongside. 
• What are your interests?
  I enjoy outdoor activities, whether that entails playing sports, going for hikes, or going for scenic drives. I also enjoy spending time with other people, and getting to know everyone. Last but not least, I’m enthusiastic about medicine and love to learn!

• Hometown: Chicago, IL
• Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
• Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis
• Major: Chemistry
• Minor: History
• Tell us about yourself:
  I was born in Hyderabad, India and moved to the United States when I was 11 months old. I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, where I gained a strong affinity for small towns and rural areas. I came to appreciate the need for primary care physicians in that setting when I shadowed a family medicine physician during high school. I was enamored with the wide variety of cases he saw as well as the amicable relationship he had with his patients, many of them coming to the clinic just to see him. I knew that I wanted to be a physician after seeing him work. I directed my undergraduate experience at Washington University in St. Louis towards going to medical school with research and volunteer work. I obtained my medical degree from Ross University and am now grateful for the opportunity to do my residency in family medicine at CMMC.
• Why did you choose CMMC FMR?
  I chose CMMC because I loved the level of freedom we are given as residents to tailor our learning experience through selective training. I have an interest in sports medicine and CMMC offers a great opportunity for training in that field. The residency program at CMMC is also unopposed, which gives us much more flexibility as residents to learn without competing with others. I also loved the people that I met through the online meet and greets and my virtual interview. I am very happy to be a part of the team here and look forward to learning and growing as a physician with them.
• Interests: I have always enjoyed playing sports and staying active. I have a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and have been practicing since I was 8 years old. I also like to go running and taking walks through trails and parks. I love reading and writing, particularly in the areas of history and philosophy.

I come from a smaller town in Utah, and after moving to Las Vegas for medical school, returning to a smaller city was something I greatly looked forward too. Living here in Maine and enjoying the small-town feel has been a great part of adapting to the state. Having the ocean close by and being able to enjoy the forests have been amazing. There are so many outdoor activities to do nearby there's never a reason to be bored.

I have a strong desire to end up working in a smaller town post residency, so being at a program that allowed me to have a well-rounded education was essential. I wanted a residency program that could provide both the inpatient and outpatient knowledge to ensure I was a competent well-rounded physician.

• Hometown: Kennebunkport, ME
• Medical School: University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
• Undergraduate: Northeastern University
• Major: Psychology
• Tell us about yourself:
  I was raised in southern Maine and am so excited to return to my home state after living all over New England for school. Growing up in a small town, I learned to appreciate a strong sense of community and knew that I wanted to emulate those values as a physician. This translated into a passion for longitudinal care and forming meaningful relationships with patients, so pursuing a career in primary care became a natural fit. Within family medicine, I’m interested in the intersection of physical and mental health, reproductive healthcare, and adolescent medicine. During medical school in Vermont, I was able to begin to explore these interests and connect with patients in a wide range of rural and medically underserved communities, and I'm eager to continue to do so at CMMC.
• Why did you choose CMMC FMR?
  I came for the people! On my interview day, I immediately felt welcomed and at ease. The faculty are collaborative, friendly, and so supportive—they are genuinely eager to teach and help residents find their niche within family medicine. There is a definite community feel within the program, and I feel so fortunate to train as a family physician here for the next three years.
• Interests: Cooking, trying new restaurants, playing tennis, knitting, and exploring Maine with my husband.

• Hometown: Dublin, California
• Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine New York- Harlem
• Undergraduate: University of Nevada, Reno
• Major: Molecular Microbiology & Immunology
• Tell us about yourself:
  My name is Robyn Rowell, I hail from California and moved to Maine from New York City. Growing up in the Bay Area, I was exposed to a rich tapestry of cultures, arts, and ideas which ignited my passion for exploration and learning. The dynamic surroundings of San Francisco set the stage for my exciting journey of learning and growth. I find joy in exploring diverse perspectives, seeking knowledge, and approaching healthcare challenges with an open mind. Outside of medicine I love trying new things, traveling, cooking, socializing, and spending time with my two cats - Luschka and Rumi. I hope to forge strong connections and build trust with my patients, fostering a collaborative approach that empowers them to take an active role in their own health journey.
• Why did you choose CMMC FMR?
  I chose to pursue a family medicine residency at Central Maine Medical Center because of the exceptional training opportunities and the hospital's commitment to serving the local community. I feel the program offers a diverse patient population, including urban, rural, and underserved communities. Working with the Lewiston community allows me to gain invaluable experience in managing a wide range of medical conditions. During my interview and interactions with the current residents, I was impressed by their intelligence, dedication, and collegiality. The sense of camaraderie and support within the resident community was palpable, creating a positive and nurturing learning environment. The opportunity to work alongside such talented individuals is invaluable and fosters a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the learning experience and encourages professional growth.

• Hometown: Modesto, CA
• Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
• Undergraduate: Brigham Young University, Provo
• Major: Neuroscience
• Tell us about yourself:
  I grew up moving every four or five years my whole life, giving me the chance to make new friends in different parts of the country. Although I love the heat of California I've slowly been moving north and east and am learning to appreciate snow. During undergraduate, I worked at a residential treatment center for teenage girls and knew I wanted to form meaningful relationships with my patients. I'm excited to continue my training in a community-centered program.
• Why did you choose CMMC FMR?
  Everyone on interview day was so easy to talk to and the culture of the program seemed like one I could fit into right away. I was also really excited about the Wilderness and International Medicine program. I'm looking forward to all the opportunities for outdoor activities here.
• Interests: Hiking, camping, volleyball, spikeball, reading, swimming, hanging out with my dog! And eating but not cooking.

• Hometown: San Germán, Puerto Rico
• Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
• Undergraduate: Universidad de Puerto Rico en Mayagüez 
• Major: Microbiology
• Tell us about yourself:
  I lived in Puerto Rico until I left to start med school and got to live and experience Maine during my school’s clinical semester in Portland, ME. I enjoyed my time there and experienced my first snowfall and now I’m into snowboarding and winter hikes.
• Why did You Choose CMMC FMR
  The resident’s culture and seeing opportunities to learn skills from the different specialty clinics, integrative medicine, WIMP, ORT, and others that I could use in my future practice.
• What are your interests?
  Get together with friends, boardgame nights, videogames, snowboarding, arts/crafting, Formula 1, cooking with my husband. In medicine: preventative health, outpatient procedures, integrative medicine.

• Hometown: Hermon, ME but coming from Brooklyn, NY
• Medical School: University of New England COM
• Undergraduate: Clark University, Worcester, MA
• Major: Economics, Politcal Science
• Tell us about yourself:
  I live with my husband and two young kids in Portland, ME. Growing up in Maine I always knew I wanted to return, but needed to learn more about the world first. I lived in Germany for a year abroad in HS, and then moved to NYC after college. I initially intended to go to law school and work in global public health and policy, however I realized I wanted to spend more time with people rather than paper. I completed a post-bacc at Hunter College - CUNY, but wanted to come back to Maine to complete medical school while raising my kids. I feel incredibly privileged to be a physician -- I take it very seriously the power we have to make change both personally in peoples' lives but also on a greater system level. I feel lucky to be able to tangibly help people every single day.
• Why did you choose CMMC FMR?
  I chose CMMC because of the amazing 2x2 week block schedule, which allows me to enjoy my life at home, as well as the kind and passionate faculty, attendings, and residents. The patient population is incredibly varied, intensely sick and also forces us to grapple with both rural and urban health disparities on both macro and micro levels. It's been an incredibly supportive, interesting place to complete my training. I intend to pursue a palliative care fellowship and work in in-patient palliative care.
• What are your interests?
  I enjoy having a very good work-life balance, biking around Portland, swimming in lakes and the ocean any chance I get, cooking at home, and traveling both up the coast of Maine and abroad with my family.

• Hometown: Bharatpur, Nepal; moving from Boston
• Medical School: Medical University of the Americas
• Undergraduate: University of Iowa
• Major: Human Physiology
• Tell us about yourself:
  Growing up in Nepal, I have always loved being in nature. When I moved to Boston a year ago, I fell in love with the rich nature that New England had to offer. It didn’t take too long for me and my husband to desire to make New England our home. We both love being outdoors including hiking, trekking, and biking. When I first interviewed with CMMC, I remember feeling seen, respected and heard. The active effort to maintain and cultivate a positive environment was evident on my interview day. This residency is training me to be able to see from different perspectives in life as our patients come in from different walks of life. I feel very privileged and honored to be a physician providing care for our vulnerable and complex patients.
• What are your interests?
  Spending time with family, and exploring different landscapes (hiking, biking, kayaking). Road trips. Watching international tv shows to learn new languages and tv cultures.

• Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
• Undergraduate: Simon Fraiser University 
• Major: Health Science
• Tell us about yourself:
  I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada at the age of seven. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University with a major in Health Science. I started my journey in medicine, when attend UMHS in St Kitts and Nevis for medical school. My enduring passion for medicine started during my childhood, due to my chronic atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately, I often experienced bullying from my peers who lacked an understanding of my condition. In stark contrast, the medical professionals at BC Children’s Hospital provided me with unwavering compassion, solace, and generosity. Their welcoming, comforting, and respectful approach during my clinic visits left an indelible mark on me. These monthly follow-up appointments became a source of anticipation and reassurance. Now, as a resident physician, I am honored to extend the same level of care that once uplifted me. My initial exposure to CMMC occurred during a preceptorship opportunity before the commencement of my third year in medical school. During this invaluable experience, I had the privilege of shadowing three different residents, each at various stages of their family medicine residency training. I was deeply impressed not only by their evolving medical expertise but also by the inclusive and compassionate culture that pervaded the institution. They actively sought my input and encouraged my participation in patient care—a culture that mirrors the care I received as a patient. When the time came for me to select a residency program, I knew that CMMC’s Family Medicine residency had to be at the top of my rank list. It is such a blessing that my wife and I successfully couples matched into this remarkable program.
• What are your interests?
  snowboarding, Formula 1, video games and cooking

• Hometown: Marlboro, New Jersey
• Medical School: Aureus University School of Medicine
• Undergraduate: Rutgers University, New Jersey
• Tell us about yourself:
  Forged in the dynamic healthcare landscape of the New York City metro area, my interest in medicine has always been closely tied to advocating for marginalized communities and advancing global health. The opportunities I've had in medical missions abroad have crystallized my commitment to closing healthcare gaps, especially in areas plagued by limited resources and health literacy. Further enhancing this journey were my summers in India, where I collaborated with my physician uncle to integrate Ayurvedic principles and lifestyle medicine into community healthcare models.
  
  My medical school path was a series of carefully chosen missions focused on women's health and maternal care in resource-strapped settings. It was here that my fervor for reproductive health took root, particularly against the backdrop of glaring healthcare inequalities. My dedication extends to nuanced areas such as 4th trimester care and addresses the complexities faced by minority populations, including immigrants and refugees.
  
  Family medicine serves as the ideal platform for my multifaceted interests, allowing me to foster strong, patient-centric relationships while specializing in women's health, reproductive rights, lifestyle medicine, and Ayurvedic practices. My commitment doesn't stop here; I'm invested in global medicine initiatives and a staunch advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
  
  Joining CMMC was akin to finding a professional home that aligns seamlessly with my values and goals. The hospital's broad spectrum of specialties, framed within the warmth of a community setting, drew me in. The unique 2x2 clinic schedule and individualized education plans not only allow for comprehensive training but also offer the latitude to delve deep into my areas of interest during my residency.
  
  I'm also keenly interested in medical writing and literature, and the presence of a faculty director actively involved in medical publishing was a major draw for me. I intend to collaborate with her closely with the goal of contributing to notable publications such as the Family Medicine Physician Journal.
  
  As I transition from the vibrant streets of New York to the close-knit community of Lewiston, Maine, I'm energized to bring my enthusiasm to the table. My mission is unequivocal: to enhance healthcare access and outcomes, with an emphasis on those in marginalized and underserved communities. I regard this as critical to disease prevention and reducing morbidity rates.
• What are your professional interests?
  The Psychosocial Determinants of Health, Systemic Biases in Healthcare, Global and Reproductive Health, Women's Health & Ayurvedic Medicine, Minority, Refugee, and Immigrant Healthcare Advocacy, Medical Literature and Resident Advocacy
• What are your personal interests?
  Nutrition and Culinary Arts, Yoga and Mindfulness, Global Travel and Cultural Exploration

• Hometown: Norridgewock, ME
• Medical School: University of New England
• Undergraduate: University of Maine, Orono
• Major: Psychology
• Tell us about yourself:
  Growing up in small town Maine was my favorite part of childhood – being able to roam through the woods and explore was one of my favorite pastimes. My love for Maine never diminished as I grew up and experienced more of the world; I love to travel but will always consider Maine home. After undergraduate I worked in Boston for a while in research and loved being in the city, but eventually I knew I would be coming home to study medicine at UNE. This experience also taught me that large universities and hospitals weren’t for me; I’m much happier in smaller communities focused on holistic and patient-centered medicine. I’m so grateful for my osteopathic education, and to be able to continue my medical education in Lewiston.
• Why did you choose CMMC FMR?
  The people! Doing residency interviews over ZOOM was tough this season, but when I interviewed with Lewiston it felt more like a conversation with friends. I knew this would be a welcoming place to learn and grow as a physician. Lewiston is a strong program and importantly a beacon of holistic and welcoming healthcare in the surrounding community. I love the diversity of staff and patients in this area, and I am so excited to be part of this wonderful team and legacy going forward.
• Interests: Anything outdoors in Maine! My favorites are hiking the Bigelows, kayaking along the Kennebec River, and running through the innumerable trails. I love exploring new places and especially new foods.