News Archives 05/25/2012 to 05/25/2013
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CMMC Osteoporosis Center Offering Free Screening
05/24/2013
The Central Maine Medical Center Osteoporosis Center will host a free screening from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 6 in Conference Room I, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street medical office building.
The test involves a scan of one finger. Results are given immediately.
Qualifications for participating in screening:
Men or women over the age of 20
Cannot be pregnant
Have not had bone density scan within the past year
Not scheduled for a bone density scan
No appointment is necessary.
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Central Maine Healthcare Partnering with Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
05/23/2013
The resources of one of the world's top cancer programs are now available to patients being treated at Central Maine Healthcare hospitals and Parkview Adventist Medical Center.
Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) and the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center have developed a collaborative program that is already connecting patients from central, western and mid-coast Maine to cancer care subspecialists in Boston.
CMH is comprised of Central Maine Medical Center, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital. Parkview Adventist Medical Center in Brunswick is also associated with CMH.
"Central Maine Medical Center has an excellent cancer care program. We provide medical, surgical and radiation oncology, and support a dedicated breast care center. We also developed The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing which provides free support, outreach and wellness services to anyone affected by cancer," said CMH President and CEO Peter E. Chalke.
"However," he added, "when a patient requires services of a top academic cancer center, the Mass General connection allows us to quickly and effectively get care for these patients at a world renowned cancer program. The system is so well organized that patients needing this additional level of care are astonished at how quickly and seamlessly it can be delivered."
Chalke said that MGH cancer care subspecialists are already providing care for patients and participating in cancer care conferences and planning educational activities at CMMC in Lewiston.
David Ryan, M.D., Clinical Director at the MGH Cancer Center and chief of hematology-oncology at MGH, said, "Mass General is committed to providing everyone in New England access to the best care and technology. The world of cancer medicine is rapidly changing and our relationship with Central Maine Healthcare allows for their patients to have access to the best possible outcomes when it comes to cancer treatments."
"Patients living in the Bridgton, Rumford and greater Brunswick area now have immediate access to one of the finest cancer treatment programs in America," Chalke added. "We are very pleased that our physicians and the MGH cancer providers are working together as a team to provide the highest quality care for our patients."
CMH's cancer care providers have lauded the affiliation with the Boston healthcare leader. "This is the best service I have ever received from a quaternary care hospital," said David C. Caldwell, M.D., a medical oncologist with Hematology-Oncology Associates in Lewiston. "I sent a patient down this week and literally five minutes after the patient was seen, I had a phone call from a doc letting me know his opinion and the plan. I have had the same experience with other patients I have referred. They either call me or email me immediately."
Lewiston-based Hematology-Oncology Associates Manager Kathleen Vieira said the affiliation so effectively streamlines the process of getting appropriate patients connected to MGH cancer subspecialists that they are sometimes seen within 24 hours of being referred. As importantly, she concludes, once a patient has received specialty services at MGH, necessary follow-up services are provided at CMMC, whenever possible.
For most cancer patients, CMMC can provide all the diagnostic and treatment services a patient requires. However, a relatively small population of patients require care not available locally, these patients are the ones who benefit from care at MGH.
"The communication between MGH and CMMC is comprehensive and immediate," said Vieira. "We know what's going on with any patient we refer to Mass General before the patient is back home in Maine. The system is working very well and our patients have been very satisfied."
Massachusetts General Hospital has treatment programs for some 38 different cancers and a host of support programs. In addition, the hospital's transportation system greatly eases the burden of travel for Maine patients.
Vieira said that in addition to the clinical services, communications and transportation systems linking the two hospitals, MGH will soon offer some of its ground-breaking services such as genotyping for identifying cancers that may be treated with "smart drugs". Also available to appropriate patients are clinical trial treatments with new medications and treatment systems.
About The Massachusetts General Hospital Founded in 1811, the MGH is the third oldest general hospital in the United States and the oldest and largest in New England. The 900-bed medical center offers sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic care in virtually every specialty and subspecialty of medicine and surgery. Each year the MGH admits more than 46,000 inpatients and handles nearly 1.5 million outpatient visits at its main campus and health centers. Its Emergency Department records nearly 80,000 visits annually. The surgical staff performs more than 35,000 operations and the MGH Vincent Obstetrics Service delivers more than 3,500 babies each year. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the country, with an annual research budget of approximately $500 million. It is the oldest and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, where nearly all MGH staff physicians serve on the faculty. The MGH is consistently ranked among the nation's top hospitals by US News and World Report. For more information, visit
www.massgeneral.org About Central Maine Healthcare Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) is the organizational parent of a family of premier healthcare organizations serving western, central and coastal Maine. Major affiliates of CMHC are Central Maine Medical Center, Bridgton Hospital, Rumford Hospital, Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions, Central Maine Medical Group and long-term care facilities, clinics and physician practices. Collectively they provide healthcare services, health professions training and clinical research opportunities in the Lewiston-Auburn area, the second largest population center in Maine, and across a huge region of predominantly rural communities. CMHC is a major employer with over 4,000 employees working at locations throughout the region. Last summer CMMC was named Maine's safest hospital by Consumer Reports. Leapfrog Group recently designated CMMC as the state's Top Urban Hospital and Rumford Hospital as one of the state's Top Rural Hospitals. For more information, visit
www.cmmc.org
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CMMC Nurse Recognized for Exceptional Work
05/10/2013
Registered nurse Brooke Pinkham has been recognized as a Central Maine Medical Center DAISY Award recipient.
The DAISY Award is sponsored by the DAISY Foundation and recognizes nurses who consistently demonstrate in their work the following attributes: compassion; critical thinking skills; passion about life; patient- and family-focused care; patient advocacy; support of all healthcare team members; and nursing profession role model.
Pinkham works on the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute's Single Stay Unit and in the CMMC Emergency Department. She has worked at CMMC-CMHVI for over 14 years.
"Brooke is a highly skilled and knowledgeable clinician, capable of managing the most acute of patients. Brooke provides exceptional customer service, always greets her patients and family members with a smile and positive, professional demeanor. She is a patient advocate and proactively shares any issues with the provider team so their questions and/or concerns can be addressed in a timely manner," wrote CMHVI SSU Manager Nancy Roy, who nominated her for the award.
The DAISY Award is the second time in just a few months that Pinkham has been recognized for her dedication and skill as a care provider. In March, the American Red Cross honored her with an "Everyday Heroes" award for "Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Acts."
The Red Cross honor highlighted Pinkham's reaction at the scene of a 2012 Auburn auto accident. According to accounts of bystanders, Pinkham took control of the situation, climbed into the crushed car and provided assistance to a critically-injured six-year-old girl, and communicated the seriousness of the injury to EMS responders. Physicians would later say that Pinkham's actions that day likely saved the girls life and contributed to her amazing recovery. The little's girl's doctors said her survival was "truly a miracle"
Pinkham is a graduate of Central Maine Community College in Auburn. She is trained to manage all levels of care for Single Stay Unit patients, including open-heart surgery recovery. She is Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Trauma certified.
"Brooke's dedication to the well being of others speaks for itself through her work both inside and outside Central Maine Medical Center. She is an outstanding example of a professional nurse who combines a tremendous commitment to service with a high level of clinical skill," said CMMC Chief Nursing Officer Sharron Sieleman.
The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. DAISY is an acronym for "diseases attacking the immune system". The foundation is headquartered in Glen Ellen, Calif.
The DAISY Award was created to show gratitude to the nursing profession, because the Barnes family believed that nurses are truly "unsung heroes". The DAISY Foundation says the program "honors the super human work nurses do at the bedside each and every day." The foundation also funds research for the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects.
Patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers can nominate nurses who they feel deserve to be recognized with the DAISY Award.
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3rd Annual Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser Scheduled for June 10
05/10/2013
Central Maine Medical Center will launch its 3rd Annual Arbor House Helicopter Ball Drop on June 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Martindale Country Club in Auburn.
This unique fundraiser, hosted by the CMMC Associates Volunteer Program, supports the CMMC Arbor House, a hospitality house located near CMMC.
Raffle tickets corresponding to numbered golf balls are available for purchase. The balls will be dropped from a helicopter. The individual holding the ticket for the ball that lands closest to the target will win a cash prize. A ticket-holder does not have to be present at the drop to win.
Activities such as a Vice Versa Putting Game, photo booth, and TD Bank's PLINKO will take place during the social hour. Ticket stubs will admit guests to the reception where light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.
The CMMC Arbor House was created for patients traveling long distances for care and for families that must travel such distances to visit with loved ones who are hospitalized. The 15-bedroom building has a common room, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, library, laundry facilities, a patio and garden.
For patients and families from out of town, dealing with issues like housing, meals and transportation can become an expensive and trying burden. The CMMC Arbor House offers at no cost a place for people to stay while coping with these challenges.
The ball drop raffle tickets are available for: $100 for one chance in 50 to win $2,000; $50 for one chance in 100 to win $1,500; $20 for one chance in 400 to win $1,000; or $10 for one chance in 700 to win $500. Up to 1,250 golf balls will be dropped
Sponsorships featuring the sponsor's name prominently displayed on signage at the event are available for those wishing to support the fund-raising effort.
For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, contact Central Maine Medical Center's Development Office at 795-2950 or email giving@cmmc.org
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Free Varicose Vein Screening at Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute
05/10/2013
The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will offer a free varicose vein screening on May 16.
The event will also include a brief presentation by a vascular surgeon who treats the varicose veins. The screening service will be conducted by a physician assistant who has special expertise in assessing lower extremity circulatory anatomy.
The information session, presented from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., will feature vascular surgeon Michael Ricci, M.D. He will explain what causes varicose veins, how the condition is diagnosed, and what treatment options are available to address the problem.
The screenings will be offered from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be performed by physician assistant Danielle George. She will complete a brief assessment to determine the patient's potential for varicose veins. The results of the screening will be reported back to the program participant and recommendations for vascular ultrasound testing and consultation with a surgeon will be provided.
Varicose veins result when circulatory valves that prevent blood from flowing backwards don't work properly, and blood doesn't move efficiently. This leakage results in a condition called "venous insufficiency" or "reflux". This problems can cause veins near the skin to overfill and become swollen, often appearing elongated, bulging and twisted. The veins most commonly affected are those in the legs, typically in the back of the calf or the inside of the thigh, or extending from the ankle to the groin.
Varicose veins are a cosmetic concern for most people. But for others, they cause pain and discomfort. Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to skin changes and ulcers.
Ricci is an experienced surgeon who joined the Central Maine Medical Center Medical staff last year. He started the first vascular lab in Vermont and initiated the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms in that region. He is a co-author of more than 100 scientific articles on vascular surgery, telemedicine, simulation, and operating room safety. He is state air surgeon for the Vermont Air National Guard, holding the rank of Colonel. He has served as a flight surgeon and a vascular surgeon in both the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
George is a graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School, North Chicago. She completed residency training in surgery at Spectrum Health/Western University of Michigan, Grand Rapids, Mich. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
The varicose vein information and screening program is one of a year-long series of events marking the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.
The informational session will be held in the first-floor conference room in the Young Wing, located near the 60 High Street entrance to Central Maine Medical Center. Screening will be done only by appointment. To schedule a screening, call 795-8260.
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Ear, Nose and Throat Physician Joins CMMC Medical Staff
05/10/2013
Robert S. Warner, D.O., an otolaryngologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing in association with Central Maine ENT Head and Neck Surgery in Lewiston.
Warner is skilled in all aspects of otolaryngology, including the evaluation and problems of the ears, nose and throat, as well as thyroid disorders, skin cancers, head and neck cancers, and plastic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. His areas of special expertise include thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and nasal and sinus surgery, including balloon sinuplasty.
Maine is familiar country to Warner. He completed part of his medical training in the state, and in the early 1980s worked as an emergency physician at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway and Goodall Hospital in Sanford. In the early 1990s he provided otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery services in Portland.
Prior to joining the greater Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Warner practiced at Iowa ENT Center in West Des Moines, Iowa. Healso provided outpatient services at Clarke County Specialty Clinic in Ocseola, Iowa, and Lucas County Specialty Center in Charlton, Iowa. His professional experience includes work in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery in Allentown, Pa., Mercy Hospital in Portland, and Iowa Lutheran Hospital and Iowa Methodist Medical Center, both in Des Moines, Iowa.
Warner is a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, and earned his medical degree at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served an internship at the Osteopathic Hospital of Maine in Portland, and completed residency training in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He practices in association with Norris K. Lee, M.D., and Benjamin F. Lounsbury, M.D., at Central Maine ENT Head and Neck Surgery, 12High Street, Suite 102, Lewiston. The practice can be reached at 784-4539.
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CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions CNA Graduates Are Certified
04/30/2013
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Eight students who recently completed the Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) College of Nursing and Health Professions nursing assistant course have passed the Maine competency examination. Earning their designation as certified nursing assistants (CNA) were the following: from left, front row, Brandy Pike of Livermore, and Amber Caron of Sabattus; second row, Cassidy Cornish of Brunswick, Kimberly Bunnell of Bath, Megan Morissette of Lisbon, and Penny Saunders of Buckfield; third row, Sean O'Toole of Lewiston, and Heather Turner of Gardiner. The nursing assistant class includes 90 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of laboratory experience, and 70 hours of clinical experience. Upon successful completion of the course work, students are eligible to take the state certification exam. After successful completion of the exam, students are placed on the Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and may be employed as CNAs in Maine. The CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions offers associate degree programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and nuclear medicine technology. Certificate programs are available in computed tomography, reiki, and nursing assistant. General education courses are offered each semester and are open to the public. For more information about classes and programs at the college, visit
www.cmmccollege.edu
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Rumford Doctor Named Maine's Family Physician of the Year
04/29/2013
Family practitioner Dieter Kreckel, M.D., has been named Family Physician of the Year by the Maine Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP).
The MAFP recognized Kreckel with the award at its recent annual meeting. During the presentation it was noted that he has volunteered hundreds of hours of service in leadership positions to both the MAFP and the Maine Medical Association (MMA). He is a past-president of the MAFP and represents the organization as Maine's delegate to the American Academy of Family Practice Congress. A MMA board member for more than a decade, Kreckel is currently the organization's president.
Kreckel practices family medicine at Swift River Family Medicine in Rumford, where he also teaches resident physicians as director of the Central Maine Medical Center Rural Track Residency Program. He holds active staff privileges at Rumford Hospital, where he has also served in a variety of leadership positions, including medical staff president. He is active in his church and community and for several years has chaired the Rumford Finance Committee. Dieter and his wife, Jennifer, an attorney, have two children and two grandchildren.
"As I wrote the nomination letter for Dr. Kreckel, it became clear to me the breadth of his commitment and service to the organization, his community, and his profession, goes far beyond what many of us knew. It was an absolute joy to nominate Dr. Kreckel for this award and we are thrilled he received this well deserved recognition," said Rumford Hospital President David Frum.
One of Kreckel's colleagues at Swift River also noted his dedication and sense of commitment to his country, community and profession.
"Dr. Kreckel has been an active member of the Rumford community for 20 years. He is dedicated to his patients, teaches family medicine residents, and served his county in the Air Force. He is a great around family physician - he still makes house calls!" said John Kroger, M.D.
Kreckel is a graduate of Shippensburg State University in Shippensburg, Pa., and received a master's degree in wildlife biology from Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. He earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed residency training in family medicine at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center in Syracuse, N.Y. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. In May he will begin the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership's Physician Executive Leadership Institute.
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Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine at CMMC has designated a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery
04/29/2013
Citing clinical expertise and quality of care, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine (Anthem) has designated the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine (OICM) at Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery.
"This recognition is a tribute to the partnership developed between Central Maine Orthopaedics and CMMC to form the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine," said CMMC Laird P. Covey. "The team approach allows us to provide the best in orthopaedic care at each step in the process."
Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate an expertise and reliability in quality special care on a consistent basis, resulting in better overall outcomes for patients. This designation is based on rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physician and medical organization recommendations.
"We are extremely proud of this achievement," said Richard M. Goldstein, M.D., president of the Central Maine Medical Group. "It all starts with our patient and family centered focus of care and continually working to solicit feedback from our patients and working to meet their expectations and create a more satisfying experience."
Dr. Goldstein added that CMMC is deeply committed to providing the most innovative and highly advanced treatments, in keeping with best practice models and the latest technologies, while standardizing our approach to care.
"This recognition is a true testament to the care provided at CMMC," said Jeffrey Holmstrom, D.O., Anthem's medical director. "We are always working in partnership with all Maine hospitals and physicians to help improve the quality of care delivered to our members. We're pleased to share this designation with our members so that those whose benefits plans include coverage for these services have the information they need to make important health care decisions for themselves or their family members."
To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement, CMMC was evaluated on specific criteria and ultimately was awarded the distinction. The criteria are as follows:
- Established acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care, emergency care, and a full range of patient support services with full accreditation by a CMS-deemed national accreditation organization.
- Experience and training of program surgeons, including case volume.
- Quality management programs, including surgical checklists as well as tracking and evaluation of clinical outcomes and process of care.
- Multi-disciplinary clinical pathways and teams to coordinate and streamline care, including transitions of care. Shared decision making and preoperative patient education. Additional information about the selection criteria is available at www.bcbs.com.
"Blue Distinction puts a high value on research and evidence-based health and medical information," said Daniel Corcoran, President and General Manager, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. "This collaboration with CMMC shows our commitment to working with doctors and hospitals in communities across the country toward meeting clinically validated quality standards and delivering better overall outcomes in patient care."
For more information about programs and services at Central Maine Medical Center, please visit
www.cmmc.orgAbout Central Maine Medical Center
Central Maine Medical Center (
cmmc.org) is a regional healthcare referral center serving some 400,000 residents of central, western, and mid-coast Maine. CMMC supports one of the state's three designated trauma centers and is the southern base for LifeFlight of Maine, a statewide medical helicopter service. CMMC's specialty services include the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit for sick and premature infants, and an inpatient rehabilitation unit. The Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine and the Central Maine Sleep Center are recently introduced services now assisting patients from special facilities. In 2011 CMMC opened an expanded Emergency Department facility that provides an environment supporting an enhanced patient experience.
About Central Maine Orthopaedics
The team at Central Maine Orthopaedics goes to work each day with one goal in mind, to offer the best in orthopaedic care. We give our whole-hearted commitment to serving the people of Central Maine. We are not isolated practitioners. We are out and about, working to learn exactly what our communities need -- and then providing those services in a timely, compassionate way. To find out more about CMO, visit
www.cmogroup.orgAbout Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is available at
www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at
www.youtube.com/healthjoinin About Blue Distinction Centers
Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means these facilities' overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians' and leading professional organizations' recommendations. Individual outcomes may vary. To find out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please call your local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan.
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CMMC Earns American Heart Association Award
04/26/2013
Central Maine Medical Center has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes CMMC's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.
To receive the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award, CMMC achieved at least 12 consecutive months of 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Achievement indicators and achieved at least 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality Measures during that same period of time, which are reporting initiatives to measure quality of care.
These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.
In addition to the Get With The Guideline-Stroke award, CMMC has also been recognized as a recipient of the association's Target: Stroke Honor Roll, for improving stroke care. Over the past quarter, at least 50 percent of the hospital's eligible ischemic stroke patients have received tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, within 60 minutes of arriving at the hospital (known as 'door-to-needle' time). A thrombolytic, or clot-busting agent, tPA is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the urgent treatment of ischemic stroke. If given intravenously in the first three hours after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reverse the effects of stroke and reduce permanent disability.
"With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award demonstrates that our staff is committed to providing care that has been shown in the scientific literature to quickly and efficiently treat stroke patients with evidence-based protocols," said Daniel H Bobker, M.D., a neurology hospitalist at CMMC.
"CMMC is to be commended for its commitment to implementing standards of care and protocols for treating stroke patients," said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. "The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients."
CMMC partnered with Massachusetts General Hospital in 2011 to bring telestroke capabilities to Lewiston. The program uses streaming video and state-of-the-art scanners to enable Mass General neurologists to diagnose possible stroke patients at CMMC, and advise CMMC physicians if a clot-breaking drug should be administered. The clot-breaking drug, when given within three hours of symptoms, can save some stroke patients from the worst complications of the condition.
CMMC's emergency doctors can consult at any time with a Mass General's neurologist if possible stroke patients or other neurological patients present in the Emergency Department. Neurologists at CMMC can also consult with the Massachusetts General doctors to get a second opinion.
As part of a consultation, patients and their loved ones talk with a Massachusetts General neurologist over live video. The doctor might ask a CMMC nurse or physician to assist with the physical examination.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines-Stroke uses the "teachable moment," the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals' guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second heart attack or stroke. Through Get With The Guidelines-Stroke, customized patient education materials are made available at the point of discharge, based on patients' individual risk profiles. The take-away materials are written in an easy-to-understand format and are available in English and Spanish. In addition, the Get With The Guidelines Patient Management Tool provides access to up-to-date cardiovascular and stroke science at the point of care.
"The time is right for CMMC to be focused on improving the quality of stroke care by implementing Get With The Guidelines-Stroke. The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population," said Bobker.
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
About Central Maine Medical CenterCentral Maine Medical Center, a tertiary healthcare center located in Lewiston, is Central Maine Healthcare's flagship hospital. CMMC offers a host of sophisticated healthcare services, including cardiac surgery and comprehensive cancer care. CMMC supports a trauma program and LifeFlight of Maine's southern Maine medical helicopter base. With these vital emergency response and critical care transport capabilities, CMMC serves a vast region of Maine. CMMC also supports a number of specialty physician practices, as well as specialized nursing units, including a dedicated physical rehabilitation unit, oncology nursing, and a new state-of-the-art intensive care facility. In May 2011 CMMC partnered with Massachusetts General Hospital's Telestroke program. The service allows for around-the-clock access to neurology consults for patients presenting with stroke symptoms. For more information, visit
www.cmmc.org About Get With The GuidelinesGet With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's hospital-based quality improvement program that empowers healthcare teams to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by helping hospitals follow evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. For more information, visit heart.org/quality
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2013 CMMC Gala Raises Over $101,000 for CMMC Special Delivery Family Birthing Center
04/23/2013
Central Maine Medical Center raised over $101,000 with its recent annual dinner-dance affair.
"Cruising to the Next Generation" was the theme of CMMC's recent 17th Annual Spring Gala held at the Kora Shrine Center in Lewiston. Funds raised through the event will support CMMC's Special Delivery Family Birthing Center.
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare was the event's presenting sponsor and CareTech Solutions was the Gala's event sponsor. This support, and the contributions of 20 other major sponsors, including many businesses in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area, made the event a financial success.
"CMMC is very appreciative of sponsorship provided by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare and CareTech Solutions, as well as businesses and individuals not only from the area but from throughout the country. Attendance of 300 guests at our Gala speaks to the high quality of our Gala and the hard work of our Gala volunteers," said Chuck Gill, CMMC's vice president for public affairs.
The Annual Spring Gala is coordinated and hosted by volunteers from the CMMC Associates Program and the CMMC Woman's Hospital Association. "Our dedicated and creative volunteers planned and organized the event, including the theme that featured a cruise liner with lifesavers and adorable infants. Their work is essential to the event's success," said Gill.
For more information about CMMC events and activities or to learn about the Associates Program or Woman's Hospital Association, call the CMMC Development Office at 795-2950 or email giving@cmhc.org. A summary of CMMC's Spring Gala sponsors and photos of the event are available at Visit www.cmmcgiving.org
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"Prevention: Heart Healthy Eating on a Budget" is Subject of Special May Presentation
04/23/2013
"Prevention: Heart Healthy Eating on a Budget" is the subject of a special presentation set for next month at Central Maine Medical Center. The program is one of a number of events being planned to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute in Lewiston.
The May 13 presentation will focus on using an affordable diet to help prevent cardiovascular disease. The two-hour program will feature breakout sessions on Mediterranean, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and vegan diets.
William J. Phillips, M.D., director of diagnostic and interventional cardiology at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, will lead off the program with a discussion of the relationship between prevention of cardiovascular disease and diet.
Phillips played a key role in planning and developing the full range of cardiac services that are provided by CMHVI. He came to CMMC-CMHVI from Johnson City, N.Y., where he practiced with Cardiology Associates, a group physician practice. He also served as a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the Binghamton clinical campus of the State University of New York (SUNY) Health Science Center in Syracuse, N.Y. He is certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Other presenters are nutritional specialists Jenna Madore, Amanda Ettinger and Ashley Edwards.
Madore is a licensed, registered dietitian who earned a bachelor's degree in nutritional science and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from the University of New Hampshire. She recently completed a dietetic internship at the University of New Hampshire and now works with Central Maine Bariatric Surgery in Lewiston.
Ettinger, a licensed clinical dietitian, graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University with bachelor's degrees in accounting and applied human nutrition. She completed an integrated dietetic internship. Her background includes work in diabetes education, long-term care, bariatric surgery, food service management, and as a clinical dietitian in a number of small, rural hospitals. She works with cancer patients at Central Maine Medical Center and through the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer, Hope and Healing.
Edwards has worked for the past five years at Central Maine Bariatric Surgery in Lewiston, where she works closely with patients anticipating weight loss surgery as well with post-operative patients. She has extensive experience providing public on various nutrition topics. She also worked with cancer patients to help them improve their nutritional status. She is a licensed and registered dietitian.
The presentation will be held on May 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Chairmen's Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street medical office building, adjacent to CMMC in Lewiston. There is no cost to attend the program. Attendance is limited to the first 100 people to register.
Those interested in attending the program are urged to register in advance by calling 795-8448 or emailing prevention@cmhc.org or online via the events calendar at www.cmmc.org
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Oncologic Surgeon Begins Work at CMMC
04/15/2013
Oncologic surgeon Lisa A. Rutstein, M.D., is providing surgical care at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.
Rutstein is an experienced, fellowship trained oncology surgeon whose chief area of interest is in the treatment of stomach, intestinal, gallbladder, pancreas and liver cancer, and surgery for recurrent cancer. She serves as the Maine state physician liaison to the Commission on Cancer.
A cum laude graduate of McGill University in Montreal, she earned her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Mass. Rutstein completed a Society of Surgical Oncology approved fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She served her surgical residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she was appointed chief resident.
She has served in teaching positions through various academic appointments, including work as an assistant professor of surgery at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.
Rutstein practices with The Maine Surgical Care Group in Portland and is a member of the medical staffs at Maine Medical Center and Mercy Hospital, both in Portland.
She is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is director of surgical oncology at Maine Medical Center.
Rutstein is scheduling patients to be seen at the Hematology-Oncology Associates office located at Suite 205 in the 12 High Street medical office building adjacent to Central Maine Medical Center. The office can be reached at 795-2935.
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New CMMC Health and Wellness Group Fitness Schedule Beginning April 15
04/15/2013
Central Maine Medical Center's Health and Fitness Center is offering the following group exercise programs beginning April 15:
Cardio Sculpt - This ongoing series combines low-impact moves with weight training targeting major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Ian Barclay.
Core and Sweat - This ongoing series lead by Ian Barclay features weight training that targets major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Functional Fitness - Learn to increase both core and upper body strength and improve the stability of abdominal and low back muscles. Participants will discover how to prevent injury due to improper body mechanics and repetitive motion. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Group Pump - This class features resistance training set to music. Thursdays at 6 a.m. with Sharon Bergeron.
Happy Hearts and Lungs - A class designed for people with a "cardiac event" history or pulmonary disease who have completed a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program and are looking for a "maintenance" program. The class includes general supervision and individual, independent cardiovascular and strength training. It also incorporates group weight training and self-safety skills. The instructors are Sue Driscoll and Brandi Eastman. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
H.I.I.T. Training - Interval training is one of the best ways to maximizecalorie burn. This class features three-minute intervals of high-intensity cardio, separated by 30-second rest periods. Tuesdays, 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m., with instructor Sharon Bergeron.
Mom's Power Hour - New and expecting moms can get and stay fit with this cardio, resistance and stretching routine. Designed especially for muscular conditioning and endurance in preparation for labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery. Instructor is Brandi Eastman. Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Personal Fitness - Begins with a one-on-one evaluation and program development session with a personal health counselor, then progresses to a structured group exercise plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Pilates - This ongoing class challenges the trouble areas: hips, thighs, and triceps, as well as the abdominal and back "core" areas. Most exercises are performed on a mat. Mats and light weights are provided. Thursdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., with Jen Swift.
Power Plus - Weight training and simple cardio moves that incorporate every muscle group to elevate metabolism and burn fat. The results are lean muscles, not bulk.Gentle cool down includes yoga stretch. This ongoing class is led by Rick Jalbert. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Step Aerobics - A heart-pumping, muscle-moving workout that alternates step with muscle work. Led by Sue Driscoll, this cardio workout is a head-to-toe body strengthener. Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
T'N'T - Come "tone N' tighten" those problem areas in this new class with instructor Lin Bourque. Class will focus exclusively on the hips, thighs, gluteals, abdominals, and waist. The results: a well-defined, shapely and toned lowerbody and midsection. Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Trimnastics -- A low-impact, total-body circuit workout targeting all major muscle groups. Tone muscles and burn calories in this class led by instructor Lin Bourque. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Yoga -- Certified yoga instructor Marcy Covey leads this series of yoga classes. Participants will learn to center and balance themselves through poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation. Tuesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Zumba - This Latin-inspired dance exercise program uses a variety of basic dance styles set to international music such as merengue, salsa, and reggaeton. Using principles of aerobic-fitness interval training and resistance training, Zumba is great for burning calories (up to 500 per class) while sculpting and toning the body. This six-week program is led by Cynthia Nicholas. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning April 15.
All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.
Fees are assessed for participation in these programs and must be paid prior to beginning the program. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Membership in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center is open to the public. In addition to group fitness programming, the center offers fitness equipment, personal training services, massage therapy, and fitness evaluations.
Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information is also available through the Events Calendar at www.cmmc.org
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Central Maine Medical Center Names New President
04/09/2013
A former New Hampshire hospital executive has been appointed president of Central Maine Medical Center.
Tina Legere, who recently served as chief executive officer at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, N.H., has taken the top management role at CMMC, a tertiary healthcare center located in Lewiston. CMMC is the flagship hospital in the Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) system, which delivers healthcare services in central, western and mid-coast Maine.
"Tina will succeed Laird Covey, who is retiring after more than 23 years of dedicated service to this organization and the communities we serve," said CMH President and CEO Peter Chalke. "We welcome the experience and leadership that she brings to the Central Maine Healthcare family."
Covey will retire on May 1.
As CEO at Parkland Medical Center, an 86-bed community hospital, Legere served on the executive management team of Hospital Corporation of America, the nation's leading provider of healthcare services.
She started her healthcare career as a social worker in both acute and post-acute care settings and was later named director of Social Work and Discharge Planning at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, N.H. She was promoted several times before being named the hospital's vice president of operations. She was later recruited to take the lead administrative post at Parkland.
"Tina immediately impressed me with her energy, vitality, and enthusiasm," said CMMC Board of Trustees Chairman Richard Roy. "I think Tina has the right experience and is the right fit for CMMC and our community. Tina's passion for quality, the patient and employees were qualities that we were looking for and I look forward to working closely with her as we move to prepare CMMC for the future."
Legere holds a bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, Mass., and a master of social work administration degree from the University of Connecticut in West Hartford, Conn. She earned a master of business administration degree and a post-MBA certificate in healthcare administration at Rivier College in Nashua, N.H. She is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
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Wal-Mart Supports CMMC Cardiopulmonary Service
04/04/2013
The Wal-Mart State Giving Program recently contributed nearly $25,000 for new fitness equipment at Central Maine Medical Center's Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center. "The CMMC center serves some 50 people daily, all living with cardiovascular and/or lung disease. The Wal-Mart grant allowed us to replace fitness equipment that was more than nine years old, and as a result better serve these patients," said Brenda Robitaille, CMMC'
s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation coordinator. Among those on hand recently to recognize Wal-Marts support of CMMC were, from left, Wal-Mart Market Manager David Murray, Nicola Adams, R.N., Monica Dawe, exercise physiologist, Auburn Wal-Mart Manager Andy Pepin, Sarah Shink, Wal-Mart market assistant, and CMMC President Laird Covey.
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Parkview Adventist Medical Center Welcomes New General Surgeon
03/27/2013
Patricia A. Keefe, M.D., a general surgeon, has been appointed to the Parkview Adventist Medical Center Medical Staff.
Before beginning her work in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area, Keefe practiced with SJ Surgical Associates in Nashua, N.H. Her surgical experience includes duty at various U.S. Army hospitals, including service with the 758th Forward Surgical Team in Afghanistan and with the 745th Forward Surgical Team in Iraq. She also gained experience as both an educator and administrator during assignments at Reynolds Army Community Hospital at Fort Sill, Okla., and Blanchfield Army Community Hospital at Fort Campbell, Ky.
A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., she was awarded a certificate of public health from Harvard University Extension School in Cambridge, Mass. She earned her medical degree from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Md., and served an internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, where she was named the Department of Otolaryngology's Intern of the Year. She completed a general surgery residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu.
Keefe has been recognized with a number of military honors, including a Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Medic Badge, and Combat Spurs from the 2nd Battalion, 7th US Cavalry, Iraq.
She is certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Keefe's practice, Brunswick General Surgery, is located in Suite 6 at 331 Maine Street in Brunswick. The practice can be reached at 607-4136.
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"Diabetes Medications ... From A to Z" is Subject of Two CMMC Accenting Your Health Presentations
03/20/2013
"Diabetes Medications ... From A to Z" will be the subject of two Central Maine Medical Center Accenting Your Health presentations set for April.
Laura E. Trask, M.D., an endocrinologist, will discuss the many different medications used to treat diabetes. She will explain which particular medications are used in what circumstances.
Before joining the greater Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Trask completed fellowship training in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.
A Maine native and cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, she earned her medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vt. She completed an internal medicine residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland. She practiced with Pen Bay Internal Medicine in Rockport, and provided patient care at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport and Islesboro Health Center in Islesboro.
She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Endocrine Society, American College of Physicians, and American Medical Association.
Trask practices in association with Central Maine Endocrinology and Diabetes Center in Lewiston.
The program will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on April 8 and again from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 11 in the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute's first-floor conference room at 60 High Street in Lewiston.
There is no cost for attending either presentation.
Those interested in attending either of the programs are urged to register in advance by calling 795-8448, emailing prevention@cmhc.org, or registering online at www.cmmc.org
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
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17th Annual Central Maine Medical Center Gala
03/08/2013
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The 17th Annual Central Maine Medical Center Gala will be held on April 6 at the Kora Temple in Lewiston. The theme of this year's event is "Cruising to the Next Generation" and it will benefit the Special Delivery Family Birthing Center. Hosted by the the Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) and the CMMC Associates, the evening will include a social hour and a four-course dinner. Music will be provided by The Tony Boffa Band. A photographer will be available for photos to commemorate the evening. Reservations are required and should be made by March 22. Helping to plan this year's event are the following: from left, front row: Deborah Haire, WHA; Jessica Dumond, Corporate Intelligence; Bonnie McHugh, Gleason Media Services; Ann Nadeau, Oxford Networks; back Row, Heidi Morin, Central Maine Medical Center Special Delivery-Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit; Nancy Wilkins, WHA; Katie Lamb, Consigli Construction Co., Inc.; Alina Burke, Thayer Corp.; Kathy Fyfe, T.D. Bank; Sue Donovan, Gala chair, Donovan's Used Cars. Absent when the photo was taken were the following: Bob Bernier, Matheson Gas; Christine Bosse, Bangor Savings Bank; Nancy Brown, Sign Shack of Maine; Dawna Hannan, Oxford Networks; Sherry Morneau, WHA; Amie Nickel, Great East Title Services; Ron Peyser, Gamache & Lessard; Jen Pike, Orthopedic & Spine Physical Therapy; Karyn Small, E.A. Buschmann, Inc.; Tracey Steuber; Dawn Youland, T.D. Bank; Sue Melanson, Central Maine Medical Center Food Services; Kathy Becvar, CMMC director of Annual Funds; and Nikki Withrow, CMMC Development Office administrative coordinator. For more information about the Gala or the CMMC Associates, contact the CMMC Development Office at 795-2950 or email giving@cmhc.org
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Student Acheives Top Score
03/08/2013
A recent graduate of the Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions Nuclear Medicine Technology Program has achieved the top percentile in a professional certification examination.
Shawna Nowinski-Healy of Gray, who graduated from the program late last year, earned a pass with highest distinction and the 100th percentile in her Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board exam.
The national exam certifies nuclear medicine program graduates, allowing them to work as nuclear medicine technologists. The agency notifies program directors of how their graduates perform in comparison to average nationally scaled scores. Nowinski-Healy scored the top average grade for the United States for 2012.
Nowinski-Healy graduated last year at the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program's 14th commencement exercises. Since the program was established, all of its graduates have passed the certification on their first attempt.
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges has approved the CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions' application to offer an associate in applied science in nuclear medicine technology degree program.
The CMMC College Nuclear Medicine Technology Program is the only nuclear medicine program in Maine or New Hampshire.
For more information about programs at the CMMC CONHP, visit www.cmmccollege.edu or call 207-795-2840.
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Works of Painter and Photographer on Display at CMMC Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery
03/08/2013
The works of a painter and photographer are on display at the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery.
Paintings by Nancy Clark of Turner and photography by Debbie Angelides, manager of the Woman's Hospital Association Gift Shop at CMMC, are on display in the 60 High Street lobby through April 4.
"My intention as an artist is to offer a sense of peace and tranquility through the colors and light of my paintings," says Clark, who has taught art in the Auburn School Department. "Living in Maine, I am surrounded by the natural beauty of layered mountains, expansive fields, flowing rivers, sparkling ponds and the magnificent, ever-moving ocean. The inspiration for my work is therefore boundless and extraordinary. My landscapes and seascapes express my deep love for nature and her ever-changing atmospheres."
Her works has been represented in solo exhibits, juried shows, group shows, and arts festivals in central and southern Maine, and is included in corporate and private collections throughout the United States.
Angelides began her photographic work while she managed her own gift shop in Jay for more than a decade.
"It's amazing the beauty that is out there. Watching turtles sunning in spring," she says. "I also enjoy feeding birds and watching them feed their young. Some of my best pictures are of birds and wildlife."
The artwork may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the Main Lobby at CMMC. A percentage of sale proceeds benefit CMMC.
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"The Power of Positive Thinking" is the Subject of two CMMC Accenting Your Health Presentations
02/27/2013
"The Power of Positive Thinking" will be the subject of two Central Maine Medical Center Accenting Your Health presentations set for March.
Marcy Covey, a wellness educator at CMMC, will discuss some simple steps that individuals can employ to make their lives more positive. The program will emphasize the fun that can accompany positive thinking.
A Vermont native, she graduated from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, and went on to create an exercise-wellness program for North Country Hospital in Newport, Vt. In the early 1990s she created the first wellness programs at CMMC, helping to design the CMMC Wellness Center, which she managed from 1995 through 2002. She continues to serve as a wellness instructor at the hospital-based facility,where she teaches yoga classes, leads Fit n' Fun exercise classes for seniors, and assists with the Wellness for Life program for cancer patients and survivors by introducing them to yoga and other wellness modalities.
Covey is certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Ropes Course Facilitation, lifeguarding, lifeguard instruction, water safety instruction, cross country skiing, and a variety of exercise modes.
Covey is also the owner of Dragonfly Healing Touch, a Thai Yoga Bodywork studio in Poland.
The program will be offered from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 12 and again from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on March 14 in the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute's first-floor conference room at 60 High Street in Lewiston.
There is no cost for attending either presentation.
Those interested in attending either of the programs are urged to register in advance by calling 795-8448, emailing prevention@cmhc.org, or registering online at www.cmmc.org
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
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United Ambulance Service Earns Reaccreditation
02/27/2013
United Ambulance Service has recently earned full reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS). To date, United remains as the first and only nationally accredited ground ambulance service in Maine.
This designation was awarded after United participated in a voluntary review process by nationally-recognized experts representing CAAS. As part of the review process, United's entire operation was evaluated and critiqued based upon national standards set forth by the reviewing agency. Areas such as employee education, patient care, response times, community integration and education, policies/procedures and financial practices were extensively reviewed to ensure United was eligible for the highest designation in the industry, CAAS Accreditation.
In many instances the commission's standards exceed state and local licensing requirements making designation increasingly difficult. There are currently 154 ambulance services across the United States and in other parts of the world that meet these standards.
"United was first accredited in 2006 and has undergone three review processes sincethat time. With each review CAAS has performed thorough inspections of our entire operation. We were very pleased when CAAS announced that we earned a perfect score for our recent onsite inspection that occurred in November. This review comment is truly remarkable and speaks volumes for the quality care and pre-hospital interventions that our employees provide each and every day", said Paul Gosselin, United's Executive Director.
United is jointly owned by
Central Maine Medical Center and
St. Mary's Regional Medical Center.
United's Board of Directors is comprised of leadership team members from both organizations who remain proud of the diligent and professional efforts that United employees apply toward quality patient care delivery. By maintaining the highest quality standards in the industry, United assists these hospitals and other local health care facilities to ensure the continuum of health care initiatives for patients being transported into or out of each of these facilities during emergent or medical transfer services.
Accreditation is an ongoing commitment and requires services to participate in reaccreditation processes every three years. With constant changes in health care standards and business requirements, United works tirelessly to ensure that the organization remains on the forefront. "Remaining stagnant in the emergency medical services (EMS) industry is not an option for us. Since United's inception we have worked to be one of the top EMS agencies while providing the highest quality of pre-hospital care for the communities we serve. CAAS has provided continued developmental structure and direction as our employees work collaboratively with our parent companies, health care providers, and other organizations to improve patient outcomes during each and every transport", replied Brad Gilbert, United's Development and Compliance Manager.
United operates from locations based in Auburn, Bridgton, and Lewiston and provides ambulance services, wheelchair transportation, and medical training education services throughout Central and Southern Maine. Though recent reaccreditation is exciting for United, the organization is also developing other programs and initiatives to include an In-Home Fall Prevention Program, Home Visit Program, and Paramedic Diploma Program. More information on these programs will be released within the next few months.
For more information, call United Ambulance Service Executive Director Paul Gosselin at 777-6006, extension 203, or visit www.unitedambulance.com
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Shoulder Surgery Educational Program
02/27/2013
"Surgical Treatment of Shoulder Problems" is the subject of a special presentation set for March 12 at Central Maine Medical Center.
Orthopaedic surgeon Matt Bush, M.D., will discuss shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement, and shoulder arthroscopy, all surgical options for repairing shoulder problems resulting from rheumatoid arthritis or injury.
Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure in which all or part of the shoulder joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. The procedure is usually done to relieve arthritis pain or fix severe joint damage.
Bush will talk about the two primary methods for shoulder replacement: total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement. Total shoulder replacement involves a replacement of the ball and socket joint. Ametal ball replaces the head of the upper arm bone and a plastic socket replaces the cartilage on the cavity. A reverse shoulder replacement involves the insertion of a metal ball section to the ball of the joint and a socketsection being added to the upper arm bone. A reverse shoulder procedure, which is used to treat those with severe damage or arthritis involving the shoulder joint, allows the arm to be moved by different muscles.
He will also discuss shoulder arthroscopy, a surgical approach that uses a tiny camera and surgical tools to examine and repair the tissues inside or around the shoulder joint. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to repair a damaged rotator cuff, relieve impingement syndrome, and correctshoulder instability, among other things.
A graduate of Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., Bush earned his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He served an orthopaedic surgery residency at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, and at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, R.I. He completed a hand and upper extremity fellowship at WakeForest University in Winston Salem, N.C.
Bush is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
He practices with Central Maine Orthopaedics at 690 Minot Avenue, Suite 1, in Auburn.
The presentation is being sponsored by the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Maine, a partnership of Central Maine Medical Center and Central Maine Orthopaedics.
The presentation will be offered on March 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Chairmen's Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street medical office building in Lewiston.
To register or for more information, call 795- 2134. Registrations can also be made via email at turcotel@cmhc.org
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CMMC Volunteer Celebrates 90th Birthday and Offers Sage Advice
02/27/2013
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90-year-old Ledowiska "Mike" Bussiere of Lewiston has some advice for seniors: serving as a volunteer will keep you "going strong". Bussiere didn't begin her volunteer career until after the death of her husband in 1996, when she became a "runner" at Central Maine Medical Center. She was impressed with the care provided to her late husband during his stay in the CMMC Intensive Care Unit at CMMC and she felt like she wanted to "give back" to the medical center. "She was in good health with plenty of energy to spare at the time, so she thought - why not volunteer?" says CMMC Volunteer Services Director Sue Hedrich. "She enjoys her days at the hospital with all of the other volunteers and with the endless opportunity to help others who need her. She says she always goes home feeling like she helped someone else and it helps her maybe even more. Her advice to any senior with extra time on their hands is to consider volunteering," Hedrich says. "It brings a lot of satisfaction and, as she says, keeps her 'going strong'". Bussiere has given over 6,200 hours of service to CMMC and in addition to continuing in her role as a runner, she does collating and stuffing projects in the volunteer office. "She is also known to bake some mean cookies and bars," Hedrich says. "She is an inspiration to all of us."
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Registered Nurse Nancy Ouellette Recognized as Central Maine Medical Center's First DAISY Award Recipient
02/20/2013
Registered nurse Nancy Ouellette has been recognized as Central Maine Medical Center's first DAISY Award recipient.
The DAISY Award is sponsored by the DAISY Foundation and recognizes nurses who consistently demonstrate in their work the following attributes: compassion; critical thinking skills; passion about life; patient- and family-focused care; patient advocacy; support of all healthcare team members; and nursing profession role model.
The award was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. DAISY is an acronym for "diseases attacking the immune system".
The foundation is headquartered in Glen Ellen, Calif.
The DAISY Award was created to show gratitude to the nursing profession, because the Barnes family believed that nurses are truly "unsung heroes". The DAISY Foundation says the program "honors the super human work nurses do at the bedside each and every day." The foundation also funds research for the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects."
Patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers can nominate nurses who they feel deserve to be recognized with the DAISY Award.
Ouellette is a staff nurse on CMMC's Cardiopulmonary Nursing Unit, and serves in a number of other nursing roles as well. She is a facilitator-instructor for RENEW, an on-going program that helps CMMC caregivers and staff connect with patients and families in a more spiritual way.
She was a founding member of, and still serves on, CMMC's Professional Practice Committee. In this role, she helps promote a climate of nursing excellence by fostering an affirmative environment with patients and her peers.
Ouellette is also a member of the Heart Failure Team, serving as an educational liaison with the Cardiopulmonary Nursing Unit staff. Additionally, she belongs to the La Leche Team, which assists new mothers in developing breast-feeding techniques that will enhance the well-being of infants.
Documentation recommending Ouellette for the DAISY Award noted her power of 'presence', listening to the families' concerns and letting them verbalize their fears", as well as her skill at providing "comfort measures not only to the patient, but the extended family as well."
"We are very fortunate to have the level of nursing expertise that Nancy, and many other nurses at CMMC, have to offer to our patients and their families. The compassion and dedication of our nurses is very evident in all they do each day. Having worked at CMMC for over 24 years, Nancy's passion and holistic approach to patient care have been an example for all the students and nurses that have trained with her throughout the years. We could not have had a better choice for our first honoree," said CMMC Vice President for Nursing Sharron Sieleman.
CMMC will honor a DAISY Award nurse four times a year.
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New CMMC Nurse Residency Program to be Unveiled on March 7
02/20/2013
Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions are launching a specialty care nurse residency program.
The new Cardiac Nurse Residency program will provide an educational pathway for graduate nurses to gain the knowledge and experience needed to provide acute cardiovascular nursing care.
"The College of Nursing and CMMC have developed a collaborative program to transition graduate nurses into acute cardiac care nurses. The curriculum allows nurses to gain clinical knowledge and confidence through the development of critical inquiry and evidence-based practice," said College of Nursing Director Nancy Jo Ross.
Scheduled to begin in June, the Cardiac Nurse Residency program will foster professional development based on the individual nurse resident's learning needs.
"Our objective is to help nurse residents assure their clinical competence, fine-tune professional behaviors, and enhance communication skills though an educational model that combines preceptorship and mentorship, and integrates classroom and online learning, clinical simulation, and hands-on experience in cardiovascular acute care," Ross explained.
The nurse resident will begin the program under the guidance of a primary preceptor. Program content, which includes instruction from College of Nursing faculty, consists of a core curriculum, standards of practice, and a cardiac/critical care course. After completing the 12-week program, the nurse residents will continue their critical care orientation under the guidance of a mentor for a year.
The program will be offered for positions in the CMMC Intensive Care Unit and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute Single-Stay Unit.
Registered nurses interested in learning more about the Cardiac Nurse Residency program are urged to attend an informational session on March 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Chairmen's Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street medical office building in Lewiston. Those nurses planning on attending the session are urged to RSVP by call CMMC Human Resources at 795-2392.
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CMMC Health and Fitness Center Late Winter Group Fitness Classes
02/18/2013
Central Maine Medical Center's Health and Fitness Center is offering the following group exercise programs beginning February 25:
Cardio Sculpt - This ongoing class features a mix of low-impact cardio moves and weight training to help you burn calories and increase muscle tone. Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Ian Barclay.
Core and Sweat - This ongoing series, led by Ian Barclay, features weight training that targets major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Functional Fitness - Participants will increase both core and upper body strength and improve the stability of abdominal and low back muscles. They also will discover how to prevent injury due to improper body mechanics and repetitive motion. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Group Pump - This new class features resistance training set to music. Participants will burn calories and strengthen muscles. Thursdays at 6 a.m. with Sharon Bergeron.
Happy Hearts and Lungs - A class designed for people with a "cardiac event" history or pulmonary disease who have completed a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program and are looking for a maintenance program. The class includes general supervision and individual, independent cardiovascular and strength training. It also incorporates group weight training and self-safety skills. The instructors are Sue Driscoll and Brandi Eastman. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
H.I.I.T. Training - Interval training is one of the best ways to maximize your calorie burn. This class features three-minute intervals of high intensity cardio, separated by 30-second rest periods. Tuesdays from 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. with Sharon Bergeron.
Mom's Power Hour - New and expecting moms can get and stay fit with this cardio, resistance and stretching routine. Designed especially for muscular conditioning and endurance in preparation for labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery. Instructor is Brandi Eastman. Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Personal Fitness - Begins with a one-on-one evaluation and program development session with a personal health counselor, then progresses to a structured group exercise plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Pilates - This ongoing class challenges the trouble areas: hips, thighs, and triceps, as well as the abdominal and back "core" areas. Most exercises are performed on a mat. Mats and light weights are provided. Thursdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., with Jen Swift.
Power Plus - Weight training and simple cardio moves that incorporate every muscle group to elevate metabolism and burn fat. The results are lean muscles, not bulk. Gentle cool down includes yoga stretch. This ongoing class is led by Rick Jalbert. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Step Aerobics - A heart-pumping, muscle-moving workout that alternates step with muscle work. Led by Sue Driscoll, this cardio workout is a head-to-toe bodystrengthener. Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
T'N'T - Come "tone N' tighten" those problem areas in this new class with instructor Lin Bourque. Class will focus exclusively on the hips, thighs, gluteals, abdominals, and waist. The results: a well-defined, shapely and toned lower body and midsection. Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Trimnastics - A low-impact, total-body circuit workout targeting all major muscle groups. Tone muscles and burn calories in this exciting class, led by instructor Lin Bourque. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Yoga - Certified yoga instructor Marcy Covey leads this series of yoga classes. Participants will learn to center and balance themselves through poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation. Tuesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Zumba - This Latin-inspired dance exercise program uses a variety of basic dance styles set to international music such as merengue, salsa, and reggaeton. Using principles of aerobic-fitness interval training and resistance training, Zumba is great for burning calories (up to 500 per class) while sculpting and toning the body. This six-week program is led by Cynthia Nicholas. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning February 25.
All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.
Fees are assessed for participation in these programs and must be paid prior to beginning the program. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Membership in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center is open to the public.
Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information is also available through the Events Calendar at www.cmmc.org
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"A fib: That Pitter-Patter In Your Chest May Not Be Love" is Subject of a Presentation on February 21
02/13/2013
"A fib: That Pitter-Patter In Your Chest May Not Be Love" will be the subject of a presentation by cardiologist David Abisalih, M.D., on February 21.
Abisalih will discuss atrial fibrillation, frequently called "a fib", an irregular heart rate that frequently causes poor blood flow. A fib symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness. A fib usually isn't life-threatening, but can lead to complications - particularly stroke. Those who experience a fib have a seven times higher chance of suffering a stroke.
He will talk about the symptoms of a fib, how it is diagnosed, and treatment options, which include medications and other interventions that alter the function of the heart's electrical system.
The program is being offered as part of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute's observation of Heart Month.
Abisalih is certified by the International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners in cardiac pacing and defibrillation, a Heart Rhythm Society requirement for physicians who implant automatic cardiac defibrillators.
A member of the greater Lewiston-Auburn medical community for more than 20 years, Abisalih practices with Central Maine Heart Associates at Auburn, located at Two Great Falls Plaza in Auburn. He performs both invasive and non-invasive cardiology procedures. He is also active in the area of clinical cardiovascular research.
A magna cum laude graduate of Boston University in Boston, he was awarded his medical degree from New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y. He served an internship and residency in internal medicine at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston, and completed a three-year fellowship in cardiology at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston, where he received specialty training in transesophageal echocardiography and the detection and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, as well as coronary angiography and angioplasty.
He is certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
The presentation is set for 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Chairmen's Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, located on the Central Maine Medical Center campus.
For more information, call 795-8448.
There is no cost for participation.
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CMHVI Offering Free Heart Screening on February 20
02/13/2013
"Know Your Rhythm: Screening for Irregular Heartbeat", a free cardiac screening, will be hosted by the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute in Lewiston from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 19.
The screening will include a cardiac rhythm test performed by a cardiovascular technician. A copy of the results will be provided to each participant's primary care physician.
Irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation, occurs in five percent of people age 65 and older and in 20 percent of people over 80. It is more common in people who have high blood pressure, heart disease or lung disease. The cause of some 15 percent to 20 percent of strokes is attributed to atrial fibrillation.
The test is recommended for anyone over the age of 65 who has not previously been diagnosed with an irregular heart rate and has not had electrocardiogram in the last year. No preparation is required, but easy access to both arms and lower legs expedites the procedure.
Those interested in participating should call 795-8200 to schedule an appointment.
Also during HeartMonth (February), free blood pressure screenings will be offered on February 13, 20 and 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the CMMC's Health and Fitness Center, 12 High Street medical office building, lower level. Appointments are not necessary.
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Tri-County Emergency Medical Services Hosting Babysitting Class
02/13/2013
Tri-County Emergency Medical Services (TCEMS) will offer the American Academy of Pediatrics Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training Course (BLAST) on February 20.
This course is designed for people ages 13 and older, their parents, and parents looking to hire a babysitter. The BLAST course prepares individuals to babysit safely and competently, select safe and suitable games and activities for children under their supervision, prevent accidents, and perform first aid. American Heart Association CPR/AED certification also included.
The course will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at TCEMS located on the ground floor of Central Maine Medical Center's Wilson Building on Hammond Street in Lewiston. Participants are urged to bring lunch.
The cost is $55.
For more information, call TCEMS at 795-2880 or email kelleydi@cmhc.org
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Three Painters on Display at CMMC Woman's Hospital Association Rotating Art Gallery
01/29/2013
The works of three painters are on display at the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery through March 2.
Paintings by Anita F. Poulin of Auburn, founder of the Greenwood Studio Group art collective, and her daughter Shalimar A. Poulin of Augusta, will be featured alongside work by Pamela Hetherly of Mount Vernon.
Anita Poulin is a self-taught painter and photographer who works in acrylic, pastel, water color, pen and ink, and charcoal. She believes her talents arise from her Franco-American and Native-American heritage. "My ancestors were extraordinary people who expressed themselves through the fine crafting techniques they developed from years of hard living. The items they engineered where not only clever and functional, they were beautiful to look at."
Shalimar Poulin earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Hartford, Hartford School of Art, in West Hartford, Conn., and a master's degree in art education at Temple University Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. She has taught art in academic settings for over 15 years. The Maine Arts Education Association named her Art Educator of the Year for 2009-2010. Her work has been shown in venues in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maine.
Pamela Hetherly has recently devoted her painting endeavors to oils, and even more recently put aside her brushes to work with a palette knife for the purpose of creating large, simple forms and bold gestures, though she expects to take up the brushes again. "I grew up in Texas where I studied medicine, and moved to New England to practice almost 30 years ago. I changed careers while in Maine, becoming an engineer specializing in the design of bridges. I now devote my working time to painting," Hetherly says.
The artwork may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the Main Lobby at CMMC. A percentage of sale proceeds benefit CMMC.
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CMHVI Heart Month Activities
01/25/2013
The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will mark Heart Month (February) with a variety of activities.
February 1: Go Red for Women: The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute staff will wear something red in support of the American Heart Association's campaign to raise awareness of women and cardiovascular disease. The 60 High Street lobby fountain will be lighted in red. Heart dress pins will be available. Donations to the American Heart Association will be accepted. Pins will be available on CMHVI's Single-Stay Unit, Central Maine Heart Associates offices, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, and at Central Maine Medical Center's Health and Fitness Center.
February 2: 13th Annual A Heart to Heart Conference: "10 Years Forward: The Latest in Cardiovascular Care", featuring presentations by three cardiovascular care specialists, each focusing on the many innovations that have been developed in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the heart and circulatory system. Other speakers will discuss reiki and healthy eating.
The doctors addressing developments inn cardiovascular are cardiothoracic surgeon Carmine Frumiento, M.D., vascular surgeon Allan M. Ingraham, M.D., and cardiologist Dervilla McCann, M.D. McCann will focus some of her presentation on women and heart disease.
Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction, will be the topic of a presentation by Meredith Kendall, R.N.
Registered dietitian Kathryn Gosselin will discuss "Healthy Eating".
Free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings will also be available.
The Heart to Heart conference will be held from 8 a.m. to noon in the Chairmen's Room on the lower lever of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building in Lewiston, adjacent to Central Maine Medical Center. There is no charge for participation. Seating is limited to the first 100 registrants.
To register or for more information, call 795-8448. Registrations can also be made via email at prevention@cmhc.org or by visiting the events calendar at www.cmmc.org
February 6, 13, 20 and 27: Free blood pressure screenings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the CMMC's Health and Fitness Center, 12 High Street medical office building, lower level.
February 19: "Know Your Rhythm: Screening for Irregular Heartbeat", a free cardiac screening will be hosted by CMHVI from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The screening will include a cardiac rhythm test performed by a cardiovascular technician. A copy of the results will be provided to each participant's primary care physician.
Irregular heartbeat, called atrial fibrillation, occurs in five percent of people age 65 and older and in 20 percent of people over 80. It is more common in people who have high blood pressure, heart disease or lung disease. The cause of some 15 percent to 20 percent of strokes is attributed to atrial fibrillation.
The test, which will be offered, is recommended for anyone over the age of 65 who has not previously been diagnosed with an irregular heart rate and has not had electrocardiogram in the last year. No preparation is required, but easy access to both arms and lower legs expedites the procedure.
Those interested in participating should call 795-8200 to schedule an appointment.
February 21: "A fib: "That Pitter-Patter In Your Chest May Not Be Love" will be the subject of a presentation by cardiologist David Abisalih, M.D., of Central Maine Heart Associates from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Chairmen's Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.
A fib, or atrial fibrillation, is an irregular heart rate that frequently causes poor blood flow. Atrial fibrillation symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath and weakness. A fib usually isn't life-threatening, but can lead to complications - particularly stroke. Those who experience a fib have a seven times higher chance of suffering a stroke.
Abisalih will discuss the symptoms of atrial fibrillation, how it is diagnosed, and treatment options, which include medications and other interventions to that alter function of the heart's electrical system.
There is no cost for participation.
During Heart Month the following displays will be shown in the Main Lobby at 60 High Street:
February 3 through 9: Single-Stay Unit poster presentations regarding heart attack, including a heart model and information about the process of preventing and managing heart attack, as well as providing effective post-heart attack care. The Maine Cools project will also be displayed.
The Maine Cools project is a joint research project involving the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, and Maine Medical Center in Portland. The project is an investigation of the beneficial effects of "therapeutic hypothermia" in the treatment of heart attack.
Research conducted in Europe and Australia has shown that cooling a heart attack patient's body temperature to between 90 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit resulted in significantly better recovery than experienced by those who were provided standard treatment.
February 10 through 16: The CMHVI Cardiac Rehabilitation Service will be featured in a poster exhibit on heart failure. The display will include samples of the amount salt and water needed to induced heart failure and information about heart failure medications and methods for monitoring both salt and fluids. The display will feature CMHVI's efforts to better manage heart failure and patient readmissions rates for the condition.
Also featured will be telehealth monitoring, which will showcase how advances in telecommunication technologies have created new opportunities to provide telemedical care to better manage the care of patients with heart failure.
CHMVI is presently working with Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice to better serve patients in their homes by providing more in-depth information about cardiac patients, which helps to prevent re-admissions and keeps patients at home and healthier.
February 17 through 23: "Afib and Stroke" will be featured in a poster display in the 60 High Street Main Lobby area.
February 24 through March 2: Vascular disease display will feature advanced endovascular procedures, including carotid artery stenting, endovascular aneurysm repair, peripheral artery disease treatment, coronary artery bypass surgery, and valve surgery.
Month-long activities: Heart healthy menu options in the CMMC Cafeteria.
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CMMC's Health and Fitness Center January-February Group Exercise Classes
01/11/2013
Central Maine Medical Center's Health and Fitness Center is offering the following group exercise programs during its January-February cycle:
Cardio Sculpting - This ongoing series combines low-impact moves with weight training targeting major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Ian Barclay.
Core and Sweat - This ongoing series led by Ian Barclay features weight training targeting major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Functional Fitness - Learn to increase both core and upper body strength and improve the stability of abdominal and low back muscles. Participants will discover how to prevent injury due to improper body mechanics and repetitive motion. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Group Pump -This class features resistance training set to music. Participants will burn calories and strengthen muscles. Thursdays at 6 a.m. with Sharon Bergeron.
Happy Hearts and Lungs - A class designed for people with a "cardiac event" history or pulmonary disease who have completed a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program and are looking for a maintenance program. Class includes general supervision and individual cardiovascular and strength training. It incorporates group weight training and self-safety skills. Instructors are Sue Driscoll and Brandi Eastman. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
H.I.I.T. Training - Interval training is one of the best ways to maximize calorie burn. This class features three-minute intervals of high-intensity cardio exercise with 30-second rest periods. Tuesdays at 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. with Sharon Bergeron.
Mom's Power Hour - New and expecting moms can get and stay fit with this cardio, resistance and stretching routine. Designed especially for muscular conditioning and endurance in preparation for labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery. Instructor is Brandi Eastman. Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Personal Fitness - Begins with a one-on-one evaluation and program development session with a personal health counselor, then progresses to a structured group exercise plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Pilates - This ongoing class challenges the trouble areas: hips, thighs, and triceps, as well as the abdominal and back "core" areas. Most exercises are performed on a mat. Mats and light weights are provided. Thursdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. with Jen Swift.
Power Plus - Weight training and simple cardio moves that incorporate every muscle group to elevate metabolism and burn fat. The results are lean muscles, not bulk. Gentle cool down includes yoga stretch. This ongoing class is led by Rick Jalbert. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Step Aerobics - A heart-pumping, muscle-moving workout that alternates step with muscle work. Led by Sue Driscoll, this cardio workout is a head-to-toe body strengthener. Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
T'N'T - "Tone n' tighten" problem areas in this class with instructor Lin Bourque. Class will focus exclusively on the hips, thighs, gluteals, abdominals, and waist. The results: a well-defined, shapely and toned lower body and midsection. Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Trimnastics -- A low-impact, total-body circuit workout targeting all major muscle groups. Tone muscles and burn calories in this exciting class, led by instructor Lin Bourque. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Yoga -- Certified yoga instructor Marcy Covey leads this series of yoga classes. Participants will learn to center and balance themselves through poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation. Tuesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Zumba - This Latin-inspired dance exercise program uses a variety of basic dance styles set to international music such as merengue, salsa, and reggaeton. Using principles of aerobic-fitness interval training and resistance training, Zumba is great for burning calories (up to 500 per class) while sculpting and toning the body. This six-week program is led by Cynthia Nicholas. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.
Fees are assessed for participation in these programs and must be paid prior to beginning the program. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Membership in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center is open to the public.
Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information is also available through the Events Calendar at www.cmmc.org
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Annual "Heart to Heart" Conference Set for February 2
01/09/2013
"10 Years Forward: The Latest in Cardiovascular Care" is the topic of the 13th Annual "A Heart to Heart" Conference on heart disease on February 2 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.
The event will feature three presentations by cardiovascular care specialists, each focusing on the many innovations that have been developed in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the heart and circulatory system.
Doors open at 8 a.m., when students from the CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions (CMMC CONHP) will offer free blood pressure screenings. Cholesterol screenings will also be available.
The morning's schedule of events will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks by Susan Horton, executive director of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.
Cardiothoracic surgeon Carmine Frumiento, M.D., of Central Maine Cardiovascular Surgery, will follow Horton with a discussion of the many changes that have evolved in cardiovascular surgery during the last decade.
Frumiento has been with the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute since its opening in 2003. A graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., he earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vt. He completed a five-year general surgical residency at the University of Vermont-Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt. His training includes a two-year cardiothoracic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wis., with a special emphasis on minimally invasive procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
Vascular surgeon Allan M. Ingraham, M.D., also of Central Maine Cardiovascular Surgery, will next address advances in vascular surgery.
Prior to joining the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute surgical staff in 2006, Ingraham maintained a private practice in Lewiston for many years. He is a graduate of Tufts University in Medford, Mass., and earned his medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He completed residency training at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Cardiologist Dervilla McCann, M.D., will wrap up the main presentation with a discussion of recent developments in heart care, focusing particularly on women and cardiac disease.
A graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, McCann earned her medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. She completed residency training at New York University Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital, New York City, and served a cardiology fellowship at the Naval Hospital in San Diego. She is certified in cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction, will be the topic of a presentation by Meredith Kendall, R.N.
Kendall holds a master's degree in nursing education and is a nursing instructor at the CMMC CONHP. She is the author of two books about reiki: "Reiki Nurse: My life as a nurse and how Reiki changed it" and "Reiki Stories: My hot hands".
"Healthy Eating" will be subject of the morning's final presentation by registered dietitian Kathryn Gosselin.
Gosselin holds a bachelor's degree in food science and nutrition. She serves as a certified diabetes educator at the Central Maine Endocrinology and Diabetes Center in Lewiston.
The 13th Annual "A Heart to Heart" is open to public and will be held in the Chairmen's Room on the lower lever of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building in Lewiston, adjacent to Central Maine Medical Center. There is no charge for participation. Seating is limited to the first 100 registrants.
To register or for more information, call 795-8448. Registrations can also be made via email at prevention@cmhc.org or by visiting the events calendar at www.cmmc.org
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
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CMMC Educators Attend Conference
01/07/2013
Two healthcare providers and educators affiliated with Central Maine Medical Center recently made a presentation at the Ninth International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology in Albuquerque, N.M.
Erica Lovett, M.D., and Meredith Kendall, R.N., presented results from a reiki research project that is ongoing at the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in Lewiston and at the CMMC Oncology Nursing Unit. Kendall is the principal investigator for the research.
Lovett and Kendall presented a poster on the health benefits of reiki for participants at the Dempsey Center. They attended workshops on clinical care, research, and grant-writing while at the conference.
They also participated in a suboxone home detox healing circle at Casa de Salud, a clinic that extends access to affordable, culturally competent conventional and alternative medicine for the uninsured and underserved in Bernalillo County, N.M. Reiki master Paula Terrero of Albuquerque invited Lovett and Kendall to tour the clinic and join the healing circle. During the four-hour healing circle, caregivers offered talk therapy, instruction on suboxone, acupuncture, reiki, and curanderismo. "The healing circle was an impressive integration of methods," Kendall said. "I was inspired to see the quality of holistic care given at Casa de Salud," Lovett added.
Lovett is an integrative family medicine physician and faculty member at the CMMC Family Medicine Residency. She offers primary care and integrative medicine consults to patients in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area and teaches integrative medicine to the family medicine residents at CMMC.
Kendall is a faculty member at the CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions, and reiki coordinator at the Dempsey Center.
The college offers associate degree programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and nuclear medicine technology. Certificate programs are available in computed tomography and nursing assistant. General education courses are offered each semester and are open to the public.
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New Artwork on Display at CMMC Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery
01/07/2013
The works of a Hebron photographer and artwork produced by the Lewiston Housing Authority-sponsored Youth Enrichment Program are on display at the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery until January 28.
Beth Francis, a graphic artist, has had a life-long interest in photography. After taking up digital photography around 2006, she came to a realization about her style: "I'm artistic, not a professional photographer. I tried learning the technical side of cameras; F-stops and all; but I became lost in it. My pictures lost their feel, I lost my joy," she says, "so I went back to taking snap shots. What changed my mind about sharing my photos was the wisdom a professional photographer shared with me. He said: 'Don't fret. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' "
Francis's work also can be seen at eyeofthebeholderbf.weebly.com
The Youth Enrichment Program exhibit features the most recent work of artists ranging in age from 6 to 18, and includes watercolor, scratch board and prisma color pencils.
Art teacher Sissi Ventrone's curriculum for the youth program includes basic drawing, the concept of perspective, principles of composition and the application of color theory. Exhibiting their work is a vital component of the students' art education.
Ventrone said she strives to nurture each student's innate talent and uses an individualized teaching method that ignites each student's creative spark and encourages pride of accomplishment by allowing them to set and achieve their own set of goals.
The artwork on display may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the Main Lobby at CMMC. A percentage of sale proceeds benefit CMMC.
For more information regarding the sale of the student paintings or the exhibit at CMMC, contact Sissi Ventrone at 783-3429.
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Colorectal Surgeon Joins Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff
01/02/2013
Shiraz Farooq, M.D., a specialist in colorectal, trauma and general surgery, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing with Central Maine Surgical Associates at 12 High Street, Suite 401, in Lewiston.
Farooq is focusing his practice on colorectal surgery, though he also provides general surgery services and surgical support for CMMC's Level II Trauma Program. His primary surgical interest is taking care of patients with benign and malignant disorders of the anorectal region. He also does screening and diagnostic colonoscopies and treats patients who have colorectal cancer and other diseases. He is well versed in open and advanced laparoscopic surgical techniques.
A graduate of Pakistan Air Force Degree College in Peshawar, Pakistan, Farooq also attended Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan, and earned his medical degree at the University of Karachi Baqai Medical College. He graduated first in his class from both college and medical school, for the entire state of Pakistan.
He completed a general surgery residency at the State University of New York in Buffalo, N.Y., where he served as chief resident during his final year of training. He completed a critical care surgery fellowship at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., and a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, he worked as a general surgeon at Coquille Valley Hospital in Coquille, Oregon, and later specialized in colon and rectal surgery at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville, S.C., and St. Joseph North Hospital at Lutz, Fla.
He is certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. He is also certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. He is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, American College of Surgeons, and American College of Colon and Rectal Surgery.
He will reside in Falmouth with his wife, Cristina, and their three daughters.
Also practicing with Central Maine Surgical Associates are surgeons Shoko E Abe, M.D., Mohamed Elgamal, M.D., Larry O. Hopperstead, M.D., James F. Reilly, M.D., Mark D. Williams, M.D., and Lindsay Wrighton, M.D., and physician assistants Kimberly Budd, Sebastien Duclos, and Jane Vanni. The practice can be reached at 795-5767.
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Students Who Recently Completed CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions CNA Course Pass Maine CNA Registry Exam
12/27/2012
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Five students who recently completed the Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) College of Nursing and Health Professions nursing assistant course have all passed the Maine CNA Registry examination. The course was instructed by Meredith Kendall, R.N., M.S., (third row, left). Successfully completing the course and the registry exam were (from left, first row) Joslynn Boyer of Lisbon Falls, and Lorraine Clavette of Lewiston; (second row) Rikki Welch of Mexico; (third row, right) Sabrina Selleck of Lewiston; and (back row) Joshua Selleck of Lewiston. The nursing assistant class consists of 90 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours of laboratory experience, and 70 hours of clinical experiences completed at Marshwood Center, CMMC, and Donna's Day Care. Upon successful completion of the 180 hours of course work, students are eligible to take the state certification exam. After successful completion of this exam, students are placed on the Maine Registry of Certified Nursing Assistants and may be employed as certified nursing assistants in the state of Maine. The CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions offers associate degree programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and nuclear medicine technology. Certificate programs are available in computed tomography, reiki, and nursing assistant. General education courses are offered each semester and are open to the public. For more information about classes and programs at the college, visit www.cmmccollege.edu
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Art of Two New England Painters Featured in Woman's Hospital Association Rotating Art Gallery
12/19/2012
The works of painters Ardys Arlin and Marvin Jacobs will be on display at the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery through the remainder of December.
Arlins is the owner of a gallery and framing studio in New Hampshire, and now shares her life and art with Marvin Jacobs in Belmont, where she draws inspiration from the rocky coast with its inlets and harbors bathed in constantly changing light. Her painting style has evolved from graphics,logo designs, and sign painting to an enduring love of watercolor.
She exhibits and sells in numerous art shows and shops and her award winning works are found in collections around the world.
Jacobs is a fourth generation artist and is well known as a teacher of painting in the New England area. His paintings are represented in public and private collections internationally.
He is a member of the International Society of Marine Painters, The American Society of Marine Artists and a member of Coast Guard Artists.
The artwork may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the Main Lobby at CMMC. A percentage of sale proceeds benefit CMMC.
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The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center's Radiation Oncology Service Earns Accreditation from the the American College of Radiology
12/11/2012
The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center's radiation oncology service has earned accreditation from a national professional organization.
The Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center, a component of the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in radiation oncology following a review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The Rydholm Center is located on the ground floor of the West Wing at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. Only two Maine hospital systems support ACR accredited radiation therapy services.
Radiation oncology, also called radiation therapy, is the use of high-energy radiation to cure cancer or to relieve cancer-related symptoms. The doctors who manage radiation therapy for cancer patients are called radiation oncologists. Treatments are delivered by radiation therapists who have completed a degree program in radiation therapy.
"The report we received from ACR was outstanding," said Sue A. Mandell, M.D., chief of radiation oncology at CMMC. "Our philosophy is to provide the highest level of medical care possible to every patient and this certification is a testament to our mission."
The Rydholm Center uses an array of high-tech equipment to plan and provide radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists, assisted by medical physicists and dosimetrists, plan treatments using sophisticated computer applications and a CT simulator. The center has two linear accelerators capable of providing image guided radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, two new care systems that allow for extremely precise delivery of radiation to destroy cancer cells.
The Rydholm Center is one component of CMMC's multidisciplinary cancer care program, which also includes medical oncology, surgery, and the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing, a unique program serving the social, educational and spiritual needs of the region's cancer patients.
American College of Radiology accreditation indicates a radiation center has achieved the highest level of quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific standards as determined by a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and expert medical physicists. Patient care and treatment, patient safety, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are all assessed. After reviewing the evaluation findings, the ACR Committee on Radiation Oncology Accreditation provides the practice with a comprehensive report it can use for continuous practice improvement.
The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center has achieved recognition from several national accreditation bodies. The center is recognized by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) as a Community Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center - the highest level of approval granted to community hospitals. To gain ACoS approval a hospital must offer the four major components of an approved cancer program: a multidisciplinary cancer committee that provides the cancer program with leadership; cancer conferences that facilitate consultations among service providers; a patient care evaluation system; and a cancer registry for tracking and managing information regarding cancer patients.
The Comprehensive Cancer Center's medical oncology service is accredited by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI). The Sam & Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center is accredited by the ACR's National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. The Cancer Center's program adheres to nationally recognized treatment standards set forth by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers.
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CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions' Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Earns Reaccreditation
12/11/2012
Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions' Nuclear Medicine Technology Program has been reaccredited by a national academic certification agency.
The Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) has reaccredited the CMMC College program of study in nuclear medicine technology. The seven-year accreditation followed an on-site visit by a JRCNMT survey team.
The CMMC College Nuclear Medicine Technology Program provides a six semester curriculum of study in a specialized branch of radiology concerned with the use of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease. Graduates of the program receive an associate degree in nuclear medicine technology. The program also offers all the didactic and clinical education necessary to become nationally certified in computed tomography.
The report of the Joint Review Committee evaluators noted several strengths of the program, including: offering education in both nuclear medicine and computed tomography; good administrative support with excellent faculty, clinical sites and affiliate clinical supervisors; the program provides a variety of clinical experiences through multiple clinical assignments; and the classroom and online technology utilized by the program offer a well-rounded educational experience. There were no deficiencies noted in the program compliance with JRCNMT Standards for accreditation.
The program was created in 1997 to offer a formal education program to radiologic technologists wishing to gain greater proficiency in nuclear medicine applications. It is the only nuclear medicine technology program in Maine or New Hampshire.
Students gain practical experience at Central Maine Medical Center, Maine General Healthcare, Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, Alliance Imaging, PharmaLogic, Mercy Hospital in Portland, and Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington.
"As the only nuclear medicine technology program in Maine, the program is meeting the needs of nuclear medicine technology within the state. The nuclear medicine technology program has been in existence for 15 years. Our graduates have had a 100 percent pass rate on the national examinations. We are pleased to receive such a great review from the JRCNMT as it confirms that we are meeting their standards of providing a quality education in nuclear medicine technology," said Heather Poulin, the program's director.
Anyone seeking more information should call Susan Perry at 207-795-2649
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CMMC and Rumford Hospital Named Top Hospitals in National Survey
12/04/2012
From left, Leah Binder, Patty Roy, David Lauver, M.D., and Frank Johnson
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Two Central Maine Healthcare hospitals were named Top Hospitals in a national survey released Tuesday.
The Leapfrog Group has recognized Central Maine Medical Center as one of an elite group of Top Hospitals and Rumford Hospital as one of only 13 Top Rural Hospitals in the United States. This recognition follows a nationwide survey of some 1,200 hospitals.
Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) and Rumford Hospital are members of Central Maine Healthcare (CMH).
"CMMC is the only large Maine hospital to earn Top Hospital standing," said CMMC President Laird Covey. "We are particularly pleased with our achievement as a Top Hospital because it validates years of effort to maximize patient safety. As the least expensive tertiary care hospital in Maine, independent confirmation of the premium we place on safety indicates that we offer a particularly good value: high quality care at a comparatively low cost."
In a press release last week, the Leapfrog Group gave CMMC an A in its new ratings of hospital safety efforts, which is one of the minimum requirements for being considered for the Top Hospital award. Covey also pointed out that CMMC was recognized by Consumer Reports magazine as the Safest Hospital in Maine.
Rumford Hospital's status as a Top Hospital also follows national recognition for the high quality of services it provides.
"This recognition from The Leapfrog Group distinguishes Rumford Hospital as one of a handful of Top Rural Hospitals in the country, and follows the Pathway to Excellence recognition that we earned earlier this year," said Rumford Hospital President and CEO David Frum. "These honors, as well as Rumford Hospital's status as the lowest cost hospital in Maine, result from the combined efforts of physicians, nurses and support staff, who are working together to provide the best possible care for our patients."
The Leapfrog Hospital Survey assesses hospital performance based on national performance measures, including the National Quality Forum Safe Practices. These measures and practices cover a broad spectrum of hospital services and infrastructure, and help hospitals benchmark their progress in improving safety, quality, and efficiency of care delivery.
"The Leapfrog Top Hospital distinction is by far the most competitive award a hospital can receive. Leapfrog holds hospitals to the highest standards on behalf of our purchaser members and their employees. By achieving the Top Hospital accolade, Central Maine Medical Center and Rumford Hospital demonstrated exemplary performance across all areas of quality and patient safety that are analyzed on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey. They consistently provide safe, high quality care, and I would be comfortable sending my family to them for care," said Leah Binder, president and chief executive officer of The Leapfrog Group.
The release of the Leapfrogs Groups annual list of Top Hospitals came at the organization's annual meeting in Baltimore, which included a conference on the importance of transparency as the key to improved hospital safety.
The selection of Central Maine Medical Center and Rumford Hospital as Top Hospitals is based on the results of the Leapfrog Group's annual hospital survey, which measures hospitals' performance on patient safety and quality, focusing on three critical areas of hospital care: how patients fare, resource use, and management structures in place to prevent errors. The results of the survey are posted on a website (http://www.leapfroggroup.org/cp) open to patients and families, the public, employers, and other purchasers of healthcare.
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"Nutrition for Diabetes: The Basics" is Subject of two CMMC Accenting Your Health Presentations
12/03/2012
"Nutrition for Diabetes: The Basics" will be the subject of two Central Maine Medical Center Accenting Your Health presentations set for December.
Diabetes educators Kathryn H. Gosselin and Justin Bakaian will discuss how proper nutrition can help those with diabetes better control their blood sugar levels.
Gosselin will present the first program at 1:30 p.m. on December 10 in Chairmen's Rooms A and B, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.
Bakaian will present the second session at 6 p.m. on December 13, also in Chairmen's Rooms A and B of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.
There is no cost for attending either presentation.
Those interested in attending either of the programs are urged to register in advance by calling 795-8448, emailing prevention@cmhc.org, or registering online at www.cmmc.org
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
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"The Obesity Epidemic" is Final Presentation in "Mini-Medical School" Educational Series
11/05/2012
"The Obesity Epidemic" is the topic of a "Mini-Medical School" educational program set for November 12 in Auburn.
Bariatric surgeon Jamie Loggins, M.D., will examine the link between obesity and cancer, the cost of obesity, and cardiometabolic issues, as well as treatment and prevention.
His presentation is the last in a series of five "Mini-Med" educational programs sponsored by Central Maine Medical Center.
Loggins, a general surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery, is medical director of Central Maine Bariatric Surgery, a Central Maine Medical Group surgical practice. He is also chief of surgery at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.
A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Ill., Loggins earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. He completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and robotic surgery at the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Calif.
Central Maine Bariatric Surgery is accredited as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
The program is open free of charge to the community. A background in science or medicine is not necessary to attend.
The program will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Auburn Public Library.
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
Anyone wishing to register for any of the programs, or seeking more information, is urged to visit www.cmmc.org/events, call 795-8448 or email prevention@cmhc.org
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Postponed "Why Integrating Care Is The Healthy Thing To Do" Program Rescheduled for November 5
10/31/2012
"Why Integrating Care Is The Healthy Thing To Do" is the topic of a rescheduled "Mini-Medical School" educational program postponed because of inclement weather. The program will now be offered on November 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. in the Androscoggin Room at the Auburn Public Library.
Catherine Ryder, executive director of Tri-County Mental Health Services (TCMHS), will be the featured speaker. Her presentation will be followed at 6:30 by "Population Health: What Does It Mean For Our Community?" with Heidi Mallis, district field epidemiologist with the Maine Center for Disease Control. Mallis's presentation was previously scheduled for this time slot.
Ryder has worked for TCMHS for some 20 years, including work as director of clinical services in which she developed care models that align with the principles of healthcare reform. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor who holds a master's degree in counselor education. She is also a nationally certified counselor, and an approved clinical supervisor. She has completed a certificate program in primary care behavioral health and recently graduated from the Hanley Leadership Development program for healthcare leaders in Maine.
The final Mini-Medical School program, set for November 12, is "The Obesity Epidemic" with bariatric surgeon Jamie Loggins, M.D.
All Mini-Medical School presentations are being offered at no charge.
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
Anyone wishing to register for any of the programs, or seeking more information, is urged to visit www.cmmc.org/events, call 795-8448 or email prevention@cmhc.org
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CMMC Woman's Hospital Association Rotating Art Gallery Featuring Works of a Painter and a Photographer-Painter
10/29/2012
The works of photographer-painter Sandra Lee Huston and painter Claire Amero will be on display at the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery from October 27 to December 1.
The artwork may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the Main Lobby at CMMC. A percentage of sale proceeds benefit CMMC.
Inspired to express herself on canvas after traveling in Europe and visiting numerous art museums, Amero has taken classes from several accomplished artists. Her subjects focus on color, composition, light and shade and often feature flowers, landscapes and seascapes. Her artwork has been exhibited at art walks in Portland and Lewiston-Auburn, and showcased at She Doesn't Like Guthries in Lewiston. She is a member of Plein Air Painters of Maine Western Maine Chapter.
Huston, a portrait artist since 1990, works primarily in pastels and has focused largely on pets and children. Over a decade ago, she shifted some of her creative energy to photography and in 2006 published "Loons of Tacoma Lakes", her first book.
Her body of work includes a pastel wildlife series created to raise awareness for the rescued big cats of Tiger Haven in Tennessee. She lives in Lisbon Falls.
Huston's work can be viewed at www.animalsinpastels.com
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Diabetes Prevention is Topic of November Accenting Your Health Presentations
10/23/2012
"Diabetes Prevention" will be the subject of two Central Maine Medical Center Accenting Your Health presentations set for November.
Diabetes educator Mercedes Peralta, R.N., will explain type 2 diabetes and how it can affect one's health. Her presentation will emphasize diabetes prevention.
Peralta recently joined Central Maine Endocrinology and Diabetes Center as a diabetes educator, where she helps those with diabetes learn to manage their condition for optimal quality of life.
Peralta has worked at Central Maine Medical Center for nine years, and has gained nursing experience ranging from intensive care to medical-surgical nursing to outpatient pulmonology.
The program will be presented at 1:30 p.m. on November 5 in the Chairmen's Room, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. The second session will be offered at 6 p.m. on November 8 in Conference Room H, also located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.
There is no cost for attending the presentation.
Those interested in attending either of the programs are urged to register in advance by calling 795-8448, emailing prevention@cmhc.org, or registering online at www.cmmc.org
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
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New Group Fitness Classes Begin at CMMC Health and Fitness Center
10/19/2012
Central Maine Medical Center's Health and Fitness Center is offering the following group exercise programs beginning October 29:
Cardio Sculpt - This ongoing series combines low-impact moves with weight training targeting major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Ian Barclay.
Core and Sweat - This ongoing series lead by Ian Barclay features weight training that targets major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Functional Fitness - Learn to increase both core and upper body strength and improve the stability of abdominal and low back muscles. Participants will discover how to prevent injury due to improper body mechanics and repetitive motion. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Happy Hearts - A class designed for people with a "cardiac event" history -- including angioplasty, stents, heart attack, cardiac arrest, valve surgery,coronary artery bypass, stable angina, and transplants -- who have completed a cardiac rehabilitation program and are looking for a "maintenance" program. The class includes general supervision and individual, independent cardiovascular and strength training. It also incorporates group weight training and self-safety skills. The instructor is Sue Driscoll. Mondays, Wednesdays andFridays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Mom's Power Hour - New and expecting moms can get and stay fit with this cardio, resistance and stretching routine. Designed especially for muscular conditioning and endurance in preparation for labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery. Instructor is Brandi Eastman. Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Personal Fitness - Begins with a one-on-one evaluation and program development session with a personal health counselor, then progresses to a structured group exercise plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Pilates - This ongoing class challenges the trouble areas: hips, thighs, and triceps, as well as the abdominal and back "core" areas. Most exercises are performed on a mat. Mats and light weights are provided. Thursdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., with Jen Swift.
Power Plus - Weight training and simple cardio moves that incorporate every muscle group to elevate metabolism and burn fat. The results are lean muscles, not bulk.Gentle cool down includes yoga stretch. This ongoing class is led by Rick Jalbert. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Step Aerobics - A heart-pumping, muscle-moving workout that alternates step with muscle work. Led by Sue Driscoll, this cardio workout is a head-to-toe bodystrengthener. Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
T'N'T - Come "tone n' tighten" those problem areas in this new class with instructor Lin Bourque. Class will focus exclusively on the hips, thighs, gluteals, abdominals, and waist. The results: a well-defined, shapely and toned lowerbody and midsection. Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Trimnastics -- A low-impact, total-body circuit workout targeting all major muscle groups. Tone muscles and burn calories in this exciting class, led by instructor Lin Bourque. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Yoga -- Certified yoga instructor Marcy Covey leads this series of yoga classes. Participants will learn to center and balance themselves through poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation. Tuesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Zumba - This Latin-inspired dance exercise program uses a variety of basic dance styles set to international music such as merengue, salsa, and reggaeton. Using principles of aerobic-fitness interval training and resistance training, Zumba is great for burning calories (up to 500 per class) while sculpting and toning the body. This eight-week program is led by Cynthia Nicholas. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning October 29.
All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.
Fees are assessed for participation in these programs and must be paid prior to beginning the program. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Membership in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center is open to the public.
Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information is also available through the Events Calendar at www.cmmc.org
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Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions Hosting Open House November 3
10/15/2012
The Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions will host an open house on November 3 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The event will feature tours of the college's Lewiston campus and demonstrations of nursing and medical imaging simulation technology used to provide a hands-on educational experience.
Available at the event will be information about academic programs, general education course offerings, financial aid, the admissions process, and student support services. A student panel will be on hand to answer questions.
Participants at the open house will have an opportunity to learn about the new Pre-Health Professions Career Track being offered at the college. This option outlines a student's path towards acceptance into one of the degree programs by strengthening their general education portfolio.
Information will also be available on the certified nurse's assistant (CNA) course that will be offered starting in January. This one semester course, which concludes with the state certification examination, serves as a gateway to the healthcare field for many students.
The CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions is located at 70 Middle Street in Lewiston.
More information about the CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions is available at www.cmmccollege.edu
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"Strong Families, Strong Kids, Strong Communities: How Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect Our Lives" is Topic of Second Information Session in "Mini-Medical School" Series
10/15/2012
"Strong Families, Strong Kids, Strong Communities: How Adverse Childhood Experiences Affect Our Lives", set for October 22, is the topic of the second in a series of five "Mini-Medical School" educational programs being sponsored by Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.
Sue Mackey Andrews, founder and president of Solutions Consulting Group, will discuss how adverse childhood experiences impact the health, education, economy and the vitality of Maine communities, and how communities can marshal collective resources to them.
Solutions Consulting Group provides healthcare and educational consulting services focusing on children from prenatal to eight years of age.
Andrews has an extensive history of community service, on both local and state levels. She is a member of the governing board of the Maine Association of Infant Mental Health (MAIMH), which gives provider training and promotes public advocacy to support parents of infants and toddlers. She represents the MAIMH on the Maine Children's Growth Council, where she serves on several teams and committees. She also volunteers with Pine Tree Hospice in Dover-Foxcroft.
She hold's a bachelor's degree in education and psychology from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass. She studied studying pediatrics and deviational development as graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.
The Mini-Medical School series is open to the community. A background in science or medicine is not necessary to attend the programs.
Other Mini-Medical School topics are:
October 29: "Why Integrating Care Is The Healthy Thing To Do" with Catherine Ryder, executive director of Tri-County Mental Health Services.
November 5: "Population Health: What Does It Mean For Our Community?" with Heidi Mallis, district field epidemiologist with the Maine Center for Disease Control.
November 12: "The Obesity Epidemic" with bariatric surgeon Jamie Loggins, M.D.
All programs will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Auburn Public Library. All Mini-Medical School presentations are being offered at no charge.
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
Anyone wishing to register for any of the programs, or seeking more information, is urged to visit www.cmmc.org/events, call 795-8448 or email prevention@cmhc.org
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"Care Management in a Reform Environment" is Topic of First in a Series of Five "Mini-Medical School" Educational Programs Set to Begin October 15
10/05/2012
"Care Management in a Reform Environment" is the topic of the first in a series of five "Mini-Medical School" educational programs set to begin on October 15 .
Deanna M. Rice, system director of care management at Central Maine Medical Center, will explore how care management is a common factor in the evolution of the American healthcare system, focusing on the impact of the changes that are occurring.
Rice holds associate's and bachelor's degrees in nursing from Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Conn., and the University of Southern Maine in Portland, respectively. In 2007 she earned a master's degree in nursing, business administration and healthcare management.
She has worked as a nurse for more than 20 years, serving in nursing leadership roles for the last eight years. She is a certified care manager and has spent the last two years re-designing the program model for care management at Central Maine Medical Center and at several primary care practices.
She is active in national and local organizations, including the American Association for Case Management and the Case Management Society of America. She is an active team member in Patient-Centered Medical Home and community care teams, developing and re-structuring how care managers have transitioned to health coaching.
Sponsored by Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, the Mini-Medical School series is open to the community. A background in science or medicine is not necessary to attend the programs.
Other Mini-Medical School topics are:
October 22: "Strong Families, Strong Kids, Strong Communities: How Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Affect Our Lives" with Sue Mackey Andrews, founder and president of Solutions Consulting Group.
October 29: "Why Integrating Care Is The Healthy Thing To Do" with Catherine Ryder, executive director of Tri-County Mental Health Services.
November 5: "Population Health: What Does It Mean For Our Community?" with Heidi Mallis, district field epidemiologist with the Maine Center for Disease Control.
November 12: "The Obesity Epidemic" with bariatric surgeon Jamie Loggins, M.D.
All programs will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Auburn Public Library. All Mini-Medical School presentations are being offered at no charge.
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
Anyone wishing to register for any of the programs, or seeking more information, is urged to visit www.cmmc.org/events, call 795-8448 or email prevention@cmhc.org
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Human Trafficking Event Set for October 25 and 26 in Auburn
10/05/2012
An internationally-known activist-educator will be among the speakers at a conference on human trafficking later this month in Auburn.
Theresa Flores will share her personal story of sexual trafficking, slavery and survival at "Not Here: A Call to Action Against Human Trafficking," a two-day, interdisciplinary conference scheduled for October 25 and 26.
When she was just 15 and a newly-arrived resident of an upper-middle class suburb of Detroit, Flores was drugged, raped and tortured for two long years. While living at home and attending school during the day with her abusers, she was kept in bondage and called into 'service' late at night while her unknowing family slept. Involuntarily involved in a large criminal ring, Flores endured physical and psychological abuse - at one point she was literally "sold to the highest bidder."
Now a social worker and international activist, Flores has appeared as a guest on The Today Show and MSNBC and appears in Kidnap & Rescue, a Discovery Channel series. She was also featured in a two-hour special about sex trafficking on America's Most Wanted.
US Attorney, District of Maine Thomas Delahanty, Maine Attorney General William Schneider, and US Marshal Noel March will address participants on day one. In addition to Ms. Flores and her story of survival, the day's events will include presentations by four other unforgettable keynote speakers, including:
• Ken Morris of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation with a historical perspective on slavery
• Ron Soodalter, author and historian, who will speak on the topic of slavery today
• Anita Kanaiya of Oasis India, part of a global organization with the mission of building positive communities and caring for victims of abuse and injustice, who will speak about international efforts to rescue and empower trafficking victims
• Arwyn Jackson, from Amirah Boston, a non-profit safe house in the Boston area dedicated to providing whole-person care for rescued survivors of human trafficking, who will address survivor sheltering and social change
October 26 will be a more traditional conference format, with participants spending time with presenters in smaller groups/breakout sessions. Day two presenters will include: Theresa Flores; Anita Kanaiya; Ron Soodalter; representatives from the Northeastern University Institute on Race and Justice; Joseph Rampolla, Park Ridge New Jersey Police Department; and Benjamin Corey, photographer, scholar and abolitionist.
Additionally, the conference will offer a "specialty track" for law enforcement, featuring a half-day forensic interviewer training on day two. This training will be provided by Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Space is limited, so those who wish to participate must notify conference planners.
Day one of the conference will be held at East Auburn Baptist Church, while day two will be held at Central Maine Community College in Auburn. A fee will be charged. Lunch and conference materials will be provided.
"Not Here" an effort to mobilize community action against the injustice and oppression of human trafficking - the fastest growing crime in the world. The conference is proudly presented by the Auburn Police Department; Foundation for Hope and Grace; US Attorney, District of Maine; Central Maine Medical Center; Central Maine Community College; St. Mary's Regional Medical Center; East Auburn Baptist Church; and the Not Here Justice in Action Network.
To register for the conference, perspective participants are urged to visit www.not-here.me or call the Auburn Police Department at 333-6650.
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Rumford Hospital is First Maine Hospital to Achieve Pathway to Excellence Accreditation
10/03/2012
Rumford Hospital is the first Maine hospital to achieve Pathway to Excellence accreditation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The hospital is also the first Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in New England to earn this accreditation. (CAH status is designated by the Department of Health and Human Services. Among other requirements, a CAH must provide 24-hour emergency services in a rural area.)
The American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence designation signifies that the hospital supports an environment promoting outstanding nursing care. Only 90 hospitals nationwide have attained this accreditation.
The ANCC accreditation follows a detailed review of Rumford Hospital's nursing program, focusing on nurse decision-making processes, work environment safety, patient care safety and responsiveness, training and ongoing education, clinical competence, accountability, evidence-based practice, and other ANCC standards.
Rumford Hospital Nursing Director Jane Aube said the importance of Pathway to Excellence accreditation "goes to the heart of patient care" because it analyzes the nursing environment in which patient care is delivered. Such a comprehensive review, she says, assures that "all the components are in place for excellent patient care," including highly skilled care providers, ongoing quality improvement processes, and effectively teamwork between various care providers.
"Meeting Pathway to Excellence standards demonstrates that we vigorously promote team work between nurses, therapists, physicians, and pharmacists by collaborating on each patient's treatment and recovery. It means that patients and families are well informed about their course of treatment and care upon discharge," Aube said.
"Pathway standards emphasize the importance of advanced education and clinical certifications in nursing, which increase the nurses' bedside skills. Safety is another Pathway standard that our nurses have met, meaning that they consistently ask 'What can we do better in taking care of patients?' For example, how do we continue to reduce patient falls, medication errors, and infection rates?" Aube added.
Rumford Hospital President David Frum said achieving Pathway to Excellence accreditation demonstrates "that Rumford Hospital supports an outstanding nursing staff that provides safe, effective care to patients, whether in the emergency department, the operating room, or any other service area. We are pleased to earn this designation and very proud of our nurses."
Pathway to Excellence was established to promote excellence in nursing and health care globally through credentialing programs. The ANCC accreditation program recognizes the importance of high quality continuing nursing education and skills-based competency programs.
Rumford Hospital maintains a 24-hour emergency department and intensive care unit, serves the area's primary care needs, and supports high-tech diagnostic services, including CT scanning, ultrasound and osteoporosis screening. The hospital offers medical-surgical nursing services, a birthing center, women's health services and ambulatory surgery. The hospital's swing bed program provides care for patients who need skilled nursing services.
Rumford Hospital is a member of Central Maine Healthcare, which includes Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston and Bridgton Hospital.
For more information, call Robin Gilbert at 369-1245.
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"Blood Thinners: Why We Take Them, How They Work and Important What-To-Knows" is Topic for October ICD Support Group Meeting
10/03/2012
"Blood Thinners: Why We Take Them, How They Work and Important What-To-Knows" will be the topic of a presentation set for the October 18 meeting of the Central and Western Maine ICD Support Group.
Sarah Melanson Green, pharmacy clinical coordinator at Central Maine Medical Center, will discuss oral blood thinner medications, and why they are important to some patients. She will explain how the medications work, their potential side effects, and when someone taking them should contact their care provider.
Green earned her doctor of pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston. She completed a pharmacy practice residency at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. She has been a practicing pharmacist for six years, the last three at CMMC.
The Central and Western Maine ICD Support Group is for individuals who have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Family members and other support persons are also welcomed to attend. The meeting provides a forum for discussion regarding experiences with an ICD and presents learning opportunities not only about living with the devices, but about cardiac health issues.
The meeting will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute first-floor conference room.
The program is being offered free of charge.
For more information, call or email physician assistant Joe Sala at 753-3900 or salaj@cmhc.org
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Central Maine Bariatric Surgery Hosting Two Informational Programs in October
09/28/2012
Central Maine Bariatric Surgery will host an informational program about weight loss surgery on October 3 and again on October 22.
The presentation will feature bariatric surgeons and other members of the bariatric surgery program's professional staff. They will provide a general overview of obesity and weight loss surgery options. The program will include a question and answer session.
The October 3 live program will be held at Central Maine Medical Center and simultaneously videoconferenced to Topsham Family Medicine. The October 22 program at CMMC will not be videoconferenced.
The live event at CMMC will be held in the Chairmen's Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. Preregistration is not required for the Lewiston event. Those wishing to register for the videoconference in Topsham should call Central Maine Bariatric Surgery at 795-5710.
The presentation begins at 6 p.m. and concludes about 8 p.m. Seating at the event is limited, so early registration is advised.
There is no charge for participation.
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CMMC's 20th Annual Fall Golf Classic Raises over $90,000
09/28/2012
Central Maine Medical Center's recent 20th Annual Fall Golf Classic raised over $90,000 to benefit the CMMC Special Delivery Family Birthing Center.
Some 132 players, comprising 33 teams, participated in the tournament at Martindale Country Club in Auburn. Funds raised through the event will be used to update CMMC's maternity nursing unit.
The CMMC Associates Volunteer Program hosted the event.
Gross score winners of the day were: first place, United Ambulance Service; second place, Northeast Bank; and third place, Patrons Oxford Insurance Company. Net score winners were: first place, WGME 13; second place, Androscoggin Bank; and third place, H.E. Callahan Construction Company.
WGME 13 team member Jason Nelson won the Grand Putt Off prize of $600.
Matt Pettingill, playing for Patrons Oxford Insurance Company, won a three-day/two-night getaway for two at The Bethel Inn Resort and a $500 Visa gift card.
CMMC's 21st Annual Fall Golf Classic will be held September 18, 2013. For more information on either the CMMC Fall Golf Classic or the CMMC Associates Volunteer Program, contact the CMMC Development Office at 795-2950 or by email at giving@cmhc.org
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CMMC Woman's Hospital Association Rotating Art Gallery Featuring Two Maine Painters in October Exhibit
09/28/2012
The works of two Maine painters will be featured at the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery during October.
Paintings by Scott Hunter and Melanie Therrien will be on display at CMMC from September 29 to October 27.
Hunter, a Turner resident, says he combines "styles from impressionism to realism", but that "for me style and technique are afforded by the subject to be painted. I let the subject declare how to be portrayed in a painting."
His work has been shown in juried exhibitions in Maine and Florida. He participates in the copyist program at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston each winter. He is a member of the Western Maine Chapter of Plein Air Painters of Maine.
Melanie Therrien owns and operates Wicked Illustrations Studio and Gallery in Auburn, which offers art classes, art parties, murals, commissions, illustrations and art.
She has done mural work for local businesses and homes for almost twenty years, as well as illustration work for various publications, a series of children's books called "The Cape Cod Witch Series." Her original paintings have been shown in venues such us the Gritty's Art and Ale Window, Gallery 5, and the Nettie Ricker Gallery. She was a featured artist at Captive Elements Art House in July and displayed her work in the Lewiston/Auburn August Art Walk at the Vault.
Therrien primarily works in acrylic and watercolor. She says she is inspired by the Surrealist Movement - in particular surrealist artist Frida Kahlo - and Art Nouveau.
Some of the works on display at CMMC may be purchased through the WHA Gift Shop, located adjacent to the Main Lobby. A percentage of sale proceeds benefit CMMC.
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CMMC & CMHVI Sponsoring Five-Part Mini-Medical School Series
09/28/2012
Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a five-part "Mini-Medical School" educational series beginning in October.
This series will explore "living long, living well; quality life through health and wellness," according to Cindie Rice, CMMC's director of community health, wellness and cardiac rehabilitation.
Open to the community, the series will explore a variety of topics, often providing information about the latest breakthroughs and debates in medical science and how these issues might relate to their own health. A background in science or medicine is not necessary to attend the programs.
The series will begin on October 15 with "Care Management in a Reform Environment", a presentation by Deanna M. Rice, system director of care management at Central Maine Medical Center.
She will explore how care management is a common factor in the evolution of the American healthcare system, focusing on the impact of the changes that are occurring.
On October 22 Sue Mackey Andrews, founder and president of Solutions Consulting Group, will discuss "Strong Families, Strong Kids, Strong Communities: How Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Affect Our Lives".
Her presentation will consider how ACEs impact the health, education, economy and the vitality of Maine communities, and how communities can marshal collective resources to prevent ACEs.
"Why Integrating Care Is The Healthy Thing To Do" is the subject of an October 29 program with Catherine Ryder who serves as the executive director of Tri-County Mental Health Services (TCMHS).
Ryder will talk about what integrated care is, why it is important and how it can be done utilizing examples of existing programs designs and outcomes.
Heidi Mallis, district field epidemiologist with the Maine Center for Disease Control (Maine CDC) will discuss "Population Health: What Does It Mean For Our Community?" on November 5.
The focus of her presentation will be population health and the role it plays in a community, touching upon social determinants of health, characterizing morbidity and mortality in a community through data collection and surveillance, and public policy (including the Affordable Care Act).
The final presentation of the series, set for November 12, will feature bariatric surgeon Jamie Loggins, M.D., who will talk about "The Obesity Epidemic".
His discussion will consider the link between obesity and cancer, the cost of obesity, and cardiometabolic issues, as well as treatment and prevention.
All programs will be offered from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Auburn Public Library. All Mini-Med presentations are being presented at no charge.
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
Anyone wishing to register for any of the programs, or seeking more information, is urged to visit www.cmmc.org/events, call 795-8448 or email prevention@cmhc.org
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CMMC Names New Board Members
09/19/2012
The Central Maine Medical Center Board of Trustees recently elected four new members, according to a statement released by CMMC Board of Trustees Chairman Dick Roy.
Named to the board were: Sharon Buckley of Auburn, chief financial officer, Patrons Oxford Insurance Company; Candance Sanborn of Auburn, managing partner, Encompass Marketing; Rebecca Webber, attorney, Linnell Choate and Webber; and Deborah Haire of Auburn, president of the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association.
"We are pleased to welcome this group of skilled and experienced community leaders to the CMMC board and appreciate their willingness to volunteer their time in support of our organization," said CMMC President Laird Covey.
The CMMC Board of Trustees is the governing board of Central Maine Medical Center, the regional resource hospital for the central, western and mid-coast Maine.
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The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, (CARF) International has Accredited the Central Maine Rehabilitation Center
09/10/2012
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, (CARF) International has accredited the Central Maine Rehabilitation Center in Lewiston.
The Central Maine Rehabilitation Center is Central Maine Medical Center's inpatient acute rehabilitation center. It is the first hospital-based facility of its kind in Maine to earn CARF accreditation.
"Receiving CARF accreditation signifies the Central Maine Rehabilitation Center's aspiration to attain the best outcomes possible for the patients we serve, while focusing on their unique individual needs. It is always of utmost importance to continue improving our efficiencies and service delivery, while creating a foundation for excellent patient satisfaction," said CMMC Inpatient Rehabilitation Program Director Tina Nickey, R.N.
This three-year accreditation was granted to Central Maine Rehabilitation Center following a rigorous peer review process that included an on-site visit by a team of two industry peer surveyors.
During the survey process the surveyors completed a thorough peer review process conducting interviews with various members of the organization, including, but not limited to, the rehabilitation team, physicians, patients, and their families.
"The CARF accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to a program such asours. It demonstrates Central Maine Rehabilitation Center's substantial conformance to the CARF standards, offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality," Nickey said.
The rehabilitation center began preparing for the CARF survey process two years ago after completing a thorough self evaluation of the unit's current state, and then working to meet conformance standards to achieve accreditation.
Founded in 1966, CARF International is an independent, non-profit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of rehabilitation services through a consultative accreditation process focusing on enhancing the lives of those served by such programs.
The Central Maine Rehabilitation Center opened in 1981 and has provided services to improve functional independence to thousands of individuals coping with disabilities or loss of function due to illness or injury. The 13-bed unit offers comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation services to adults with a variety of conditions that have caused a loss of function in daily living activities, mobility, cognition, or communication.
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"Oh My Aching Legs" is Subject of Two CMMC Accenting Your Health Presentations Set for September
09/06/2012
"Oh My Aching Legs" will be the subject of two Central Maine Medical Center Accenting Your Health presentations set for September.
Vascular surgeon Michael Ricci, M.D., will discuss the signs, symptoms, and treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the legs, a condition that can be quite painful.
PAD is caused by a narrowing of the arteries, usually resulting from a gradual buildup of plaque within the arteries (atherosclerosis). As the arteries become narrowed, blood flow is reduced. PAD affects about 8 million people in the United States. Treatment options for PAD may include surgery.
Michael A. Ricci, M.D., a vascular surgeon, recently joined Central Maine Cardiovascular Surgery in Lewiston. Prior to joining the greater Lewiston-Auburn medical community, he practiced at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt.
Ricci has extensive experience as a practicing surgeon and surgical educator. He started Vermont's first vascular lab and initiated the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms in the region.
He is certified by the American Board of Surgery, with added qualifications in critical care and vascular surgery. He is also certified as an Advanced Trauma Life Support instructor.
The program will be presented at 1:30 p.m. on September 17 and 6 p.m. on September 20. Both sessions will be held in the first-floor conference room in the Young Wing, located near the main entrance to CMMC at 60 High Street.
There is no cost for attending the presentation.
Those interested in attending either of the programs are urged to register in advance by calling 795-8448, emailing prevention@cmhc.org, or registering online at www.cmmc.org
Interpreter services are available upon advance request.
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CMMC Welcomes New Infectious Diseases Specialist
09/06/2012
Imad H. Durra, M.D., an infectious diseases specialist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing with Central Maine Medical Center Infectious Diseases Associates in Lewiston.
Prior to relocating to the Lewiston-Auburn area, Durra practiced for nine years at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where he provided inpatient consultation services and managed outpatient care for patients living with HIV, hepatitis C, and other infectious diseases. He also directed a hepatitis C clinic sponsored by Acadia Hospital in Bangor. He provided patient care and consultative services at Down East Community Hospital in Machias and the Jonesport-Beals Family Clinic in Jonesport.
A graduate of American University of Beirut, and College Protestant Francais, both in Beirut, he earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut MedicalSchool. He completed an internal medicine residency at State University of New York, Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, N.Y., where he served aschief resident. He completed an infectious diseases fellowship at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, N.J.
He is certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American College of Physicians and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
He is the coauthor of articles that have been published in scholarly journals.
Durra is fluent in English, French and Arabic.
He is married and has two children.
He practices in association with Rekha Goswami, M.D., M.P.H., and Jenae D. Limoges, M.D., from offices located at 76 High Street in Lewiston. The group practice can be reached at 795-2729.
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CMMC Clinical Pastoral Education Graduates Three
09/04/2012
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The following individuals have completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Central Maine Medical Center: from left, Earl Rogers, a student at Andover-Newton Theological School of Newton, Mass., from South Paris; Rev. Alicia Kellogg of Winthrop, an Episcopal deacon serving at St Matthews Episcopal Church in Hallowell; and Martha Tucker, a student at Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass., from Wallingford, Pa. Rev. Jay W. Turner, far right, is director of Pastoral Care and Clinical Pastoral Education at CMMC. CMMCs pastoral training program is accredited through the U.S. Department of Education and is one of only two such programs in Maine. Students in the graduate education program explore gifts for ministry, deepen self-understanding, develop skills in visitation, discern vocational direction, enhance leadership skills, and meet denominational and seminary requirements. In 400 hours of supervised ministry, CPE students learn through the action/reflection method of leaning to further integrate personal history, beliefs, and the behavioral sciences. The program includes visitation, individual and group reflection, didactics, written materials, and pertinent readings. For more information about CMMCs Clinical Pastoral Education program, contact Rev. Turner at 795-2291.
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New Wellness Center Group Fitness Classes Begin September 10
09/04/2012
Central Maine Medical Centers Health and Fitness Center is offering the following group exercise programs beginning September 10:
A Taste of Ballroom - This four-week session introduces the basics of the waltz and the swing. Come with a partner. Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. beginning September 28. The instructor is Diane Williams.
Ballroom Dance Workshop - A one-time workshop for those who have prior dance instruction and are dancing at an advanced beginner or intermediate level. Participants can brush up on several dances and learn new combinations with ballroom instructor Diane Williams. September 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Register by September 14 at noon.
Bellydancing - This exciting bellydance class, taught by longtime instructor Lisa Cummings, aka Imari, is suitable for all, from beginner to advanced. Six-week session begins September 12. Wednesdays from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Cardio Sculpt - This ongoing series combines low-impact moves with weight training targeting major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Ian Barclay.
Core and Sweat - This ongoing series, lead by Ian Barclay and Lin Bourque, features weight training that targets major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Functional Fitness - Learn to increase both core and upper body strength and improve the stability of abdominal and low back muscles. Participants will discover how to prevent injury due to improper body mechanics and repetitive motion. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Happy Hearts - A class designed for people with a cardiac event history -- including angioplasty, stents, heart attack, cardiac arrest, valve surgery,coronary artery bypass, stable angina, and transplants -- who have completed a cardiac rehabilitation program and are looking for a maintenance program. The class includes general supervision and individual, independent cardiovascular and strength training. It also incorporates group weight training and self-safety skills. The instructor is Sue Driscoll. Mondays, Wednesdays andFridays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
It Fits You! - Try the workout that will get you fit, because you took the time to fit it in with instructor Glenn Atkins. The class features 16 minutes of high intensity strength, endurance, and cardio training followed by 14 minutes of complete stretching. Sundays from8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Moms Power Hour - New and expecting moms can get and stay fit with this cardio, resistance and stretching routine. Designed especially for muscular conditioning and endurance in preparation for labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery. Instructor is Brandi Eastman. Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Personal Fitness - Begins with a one-on-one evaluation and program development session with a personal health counselor, then progresses to a structured group exercise plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Pilates Plus - This ongoing class challenges the trouble areas: hips, thighs, and triceps, as well as the abdominal and back core areas. Most exercises are performed on a mat. Mats and light weights are provided. Thursdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., with Jen Swift.
Power Plus - Weight training and simple cardio moves that incorporate every muscle group to elevate metabolism and burn fat. The results are lean muscles, not bulk.Gentle cool down includes yoga stretch. This ongoing class is led by Rick Jalbert. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
StepAerobics - A heart-pumping, muscle-moving workout that alternates step with muscle work. Led by Sue Driscoll, this cardio workout is a head-to-toe bodystrengthener. Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
TNT - Come tone N tighten those problem areas in this new class with instructor Lin Bourque. Class will focus exclusively on the hips, thighs, gluteals, abdominals, and waist. The results: a well-defined, shapely and toned lowerbody and midsection. Saturdays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., beginning September 15.
Trimnastics - A low-impact, total-body circuit workout targeting all major muscle groups. Tone muscles and burn calories in this exciting class, led by instructor Lin Bourque. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Yoga - Certified yoga instructor Marcy Covey leads this series of yoga classes. Participants will learn to center and balance themselves through poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation. Tuesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Zumba - This Latin-inspired dance exercise program uses a variety of basic dance styles set to international music such as merengue, salsa, and reggaeton. Using principles of aerobic-fitness interval training and resistance training, Zumba is great for burning calories (up to 500 per class) while sculpting and toning the body. This six-week program is led by Cynthia Nicholas. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning September 10.
All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.
Fees are assessed for participation in these programs and must be paid prior to beginning the program. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Membership in the CMMC Health and Fitness Center is open to the public.
Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information is also available through the Events Calendar at www.cmmc.org
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CMMC Welcomes New Gastroenterologist
09/04/2012
Richard Ferstenberg, M.D., a gastroenterologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing with Central Maine Gastroenterology at Topsham.
Prior to joining the Brunswick-Topsham areamedical community, Ferstenberg practiced for nearly 20 years in Freeport, N.Y. He was a member of the medical staff at South Nassau Communities Hospital, Oceanside, New York.
A graduate of Columbia University in New York City, he earned his medical degree at Faculte Libre de Medecine in Lille, France. He completed internal medicine residency training through McGill University in Montreal and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland. She served a gastroenterology residency and a two-year gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Miami School of Medicine Division of Gastroenterology in Miami.
In addition, he served an endoscopy fellowship with University Hospital of Hamburg in Hamburg, West Germany, and a biliarytherapeutic endoscopy fellowship at the St. Lukes Hospital Digestive Diseases Center in Racine, Wis.
He is certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Ferstenberg has special interest in disorders of the liver and pancreas, including hepatitis C. He has extensive experience performing various gastrointestinal procedures, including endoscopies, colonoscopies and endoscopic removal of large polyps.
He lives in Brunswick, Maine.
Central Maine Gastroenterology at Topsham is located at 4 HortonPlace, Suite 201, in Topsham. The practice can be reached at 798-6225.
Central Maine Gastroenterology's main office is located at 77 Bates Street in Lewiston. Other care providers affiliated with the practice are Oswaldo Bisbal, M.D., Mark T. Branda, M.D., John F. Lewandowski, M.D., Catherine H. McCrann, M.D., Michael R. Sivulich, M.D., and nurse practitioner Theresa Taylor-Libby.
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Parkview Adventist Medical Center to Join Central Maine Healthcare
08/30/2012
Certificate of Need Application Has Been Filed
Parkview Adventist Medical Center leadership announced today that Parkview will join Central Maine Healthcare, a multi-hospital integrated health system located in Lewiston.
Central Maine Healthcare and Parkview have filed a Certificate of Need Application seeking state approval for this simple but vital change of control transaction. There are no capital costs, new equipment, any change of services or number of beds at Parkview associated with this project.
Parkview will be maintained as a healthcare organization in its current form. Responsibility for the day-to-day operational control of Parkview will reside with Parkview, subject to ultimate oversight by Central Maine Healthcare. Parkview retains ownership of its assets and its tax-exempt charitable status.
We are very excited to take this very positive step of becoming a member of the most progressive healthcare system in Maine, said Mike Ortel, Parkview Board Chair. This is by far the best option for both Parkview and the communities we serve as we go forward in the 21st century. Area residents will continue to have the very important local choice of hospitals. Parkview will continue to improve quality, control our costs and increase local access to care everything the community is asking us to do. This is a marvelous step forward for Parkview.
We welcome Parkview as the fourth hospital in our system, said Paul Dionne, Central Maine Healthcare Board Chair. Parkview is a fine hospital that shares our values and aspirations and our drive for current and future excellence. We continue to be respectful of the Seventh Day Adventist mission and values.
Independent hospitals across Maine and the US are joining larger healthcare systems to survive and thrive in todays challenging environment. Parkviews decision to join Central Maine Health is hardly unique as four other Maine community hospitals have joined larger systems in the last 5 years alone.
We have worked closely and very successfully with Central Maine Healthcare for over a decade, said Randee Reynolds, Parkview President. They helped us bring LifeFlight of Maine to our campus and the Telestroke service in collaboration with The Massachusetts General Hospital. Physicians specializing in cardiology, orthopedic surgery, emergency medicine, family medicine and gastroenterology have joined us which greatly expands our range of services. They have proven to be an outstanding health care partner and we look forward to our future association which will bring us so many benefits. We have been able to improve our financial performance and operations with their assistance in the areas of purchasing, financial management and other support services.
Central Maine Healthcare has gained a reputation for being a high value health system as measured by high quality and lower costs. Central Maine Medical Center is the lowest cost tertiary hospital and Bridgton and Rumford are two of the lowest cost community hospitals in Maine.
Central Maine Healthcare was invited into the Brunswick community nearly a decade ago to provide ED physician services. We have responded to requests from Parkview for collegial support and assistance in a number of ways just as we have done with Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital prior to joining us in 1999, said Peter Chalke, Central Maine Healthcare President and CEO. We have a long tradition of helping local hospitals greatly increase the scope and quality of their services. Parkview and Central Maine Healthcare agree that now is the time to move to the next level of cooperation as we work together to improve the health of the people of Maine.
About Parkview Adventist Medical Center
Parkview Adventist Medical Center is a 55-bed, acute care non-profit hospital which was opened in 1959 to care for the greater Brunswick community. In addition to treating patients in its Emergency Department, Parkview has earned a reputation for excellence in its Oncology/Hematology Unit, as well as Cardio-Pulmonary, Sleep Lab, Urology, Orthopaedic and Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging Departments. Parkview is a major employer in the Brunswick area, with 196 employees.
About Central Maine Healthcare Corporation
Central Maine Healthcare (CMHC) is the non-profit parent of a family of premier healthcare organizations serving western, central and coastal Maine. Major affiliates include: Central Maine Medical Center, a 250 bed tertiary medical center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital, Rumford Hospital, Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions, Central Maine Medical Group, one of the largest multi-specialty physician groups in Maine, and long-term care facilities, and specialty outreach clinics. Collectively they provide an expansive scope of healthcare services, health professions training and clinical research opportunities. CMHC is the co-owner of LifeFlight of Maine with one of the two helicopters is based in Lewiston. CMHC is a major employer with over 3,200 employees working at locations throughout the region.
For more information contact:
Tory Ryden, Director Marketing & Community Relations Parkview Adventist Medical Center 373-2160
Chuck Gill, Vice-President for Public Affairs, Central Maine Healthcare 795-2711
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Healthy Eating = Quality of Life" is Topic of Four-part Series Presented by CMMC's executive chef Oleg Opalnyk
08/24/2012
"Healthy Eating = Quality of Life" is the topic of a four-part series being presented in September by Central Maine Medical Center's executive chef Oleg Opalnyk.
When the healthy eating series was offered earlier this year, public response was overwhelming. As a result, the program format was expanded and an extra session was added.
The two September series will each consist of four two-hour classes. Opalynk says by extending each class to two hours, the series will offer "much more hands on cooking experience."
"Healthy Eating = Quality of Life" highlights the basics for making meals that are both tasty and nutritious, focusing on vegetarian fare that is filling and satisfying.
Individual classes will focus on particular aspects of healthy eating, especially the use of various grains and vegetable proteins. The series will also include a class about healthy desserts. The concluding session will focus on a "grocery tour" that will provide practical information about purchasing the ingredients for healthy food that satisfies.
"High quality ingredients and simple preparation can produce exceptional meals," Opalnyk says. "And if you want to eat less meat in an effort to make alternative nutritional, environmental, or ethical dietary choices, a vegetarian approach can be very useful."
"Whatever your reasons for introducing a more vegetarian element to your diet, it's got to taste good," Opalnyk says. The series of classes will show participants how to turn a meat-filled recipe into a vegetarian delight with simple substitutions -- including tofu, beans, nuts, and grains - that can make "crowd pleasing" vegetarian dishes.
Vegetarian cuisine, he says, can help people reduce their cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and better manage their weight.
Opalnyk, who recently joined the CMMC Food Service management staff, has introduced a number of well-received changes to the hospital's menu. His specialties include vegan and vegetarian dishes fused with world cuisine influences.
During his five years as chef at Parkview Adventist Medical Center in Brunswick, Opalnyk played a central role in the hospital's Lifestyle Choices Program. Clinical testing demonstrated that those who participated in the Lifestyle Program experienced improvements in their health.
A native of Ukraine, Opalnyk spent his later youth in Moscow. He trained at The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, an affiliate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, also in Chicago. He has worked in Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Belize, but settled in Maine in 2002 as kitchen manager at Freeport'sHaraseeket Inn. Prior to beginning his work in the healthcare setting, he was executive chef at Kristina's Restaurant and Bakery in Bath and later at Bull Feeney's in Portland.
The classes will be offered on September 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on September 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The September 4 through 25 series will begin in the Chairmen's Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. The September 6 through 27 series will begin in Chairmen's Room C on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.
There will be a $25 fee for participating in either four-part series. The fee covers the cost of presenting the program, including the cost of food products.
Those interested in attending the classes are urged to register by calling 795-8448 or emailing prevention@cmhc.org
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Everything But the Kitchen Sink" is Topic of Informational Session Set for September 10
08/24/2012
"Everything But the Kitchen Sink" is the topic of an informational session set for September 10 at Central Maine Medical Center.
Certified athletic trainer Greg Jancaitis from Central Maine Sports Medicine will discuss any cycling topics of interest to participants, include bike fit, riding techniques, cycling injuries and what to do for them, fueling and hydrating. Participants should come armed with questions.
Jancaitis is a USA Cycling certified cycling coach whose clients range from racers looking to take their training to the next level to those getting into cycling for the first time. He is an avid bicycle commuter and competes in ultra-endurance mountain bike races.
The program may be of particular interest to those participating in The Dempsey Challenge in October.
"Everything But the Kitchen Sink" will be presented free of charge in Chairmen's Room A on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, located next to CMMC in Lewiston. The presentation will begin at about 5 p.m. and last about 30 minutes.
For more information, call Greg Jancaitis at 795-8465 or email him at jancaigr@cmhc.org
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CMMC Welcomes New Endocrinologist
08/22/2012
Laura E. Trask, M.D., an endocrinologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Active Medical Staff. She is seeing patients at the Central Maine Endocrinology and Diabetes Education Center in Lewiston.
Before joining the greater Lewiston-Auburn medical community, she completed fellowship training in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.
A cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, she earned her medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vt. She completed an internal medicine residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland, serving as chief resident during her final year of training. She was presented Maine Medical Center's Edmund W. Hardy Memorial Award for Internal Medicine in 2003.
From 2003 to 2010 she served as an instructor in medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. She has held a similar position at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center since 2011. She has co-authored a number of articles on research topics related to endocrinology.
From 2004 until she began her fellowship training, Trask practiced with Pen Bay Internal Medicine in Rockport, and provided patient care at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport and Islesboro Health Center in Islesboro.
She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Endocrine Society, American College of Physicians, and American Medical Association.
She lives in Minot with her husband, David, and their daughter, Mabel.
Trask practices in association with endocrinologists Wesley P. Fairfield, M.D., and Maylene C. Peralta, M.D., at the Central Maine Endocrinology and Diabetes Education Center, providing specialty care for patients 16 years of age or older who are living with such health issues as diabetes, thyroid disease, cholesterol disorders, pituitary disease, reproductive disorders, adrenal tumors, hyperparathyroidism, obesity, and metabolic bone disorders, including osteoporosis.
The center is located at 287 Main Street, Suite 301, in Lewiston, and can be reached at 795-7520.
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CMMC Welcomes New Neurosurgeon
08/15/2012
Daniel Lacerte, M.D., a neurosurgeon, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing in association with Central Maine Neurosurgery in Lewiston.
Prior to relocating to the Lewiston-Auburn area, he practiced neurosurgery in El Paso, Texas. He served as an associate professor and chief of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Neurosurgery Division in El Paso, Texas.
As a member of the medical staff at El Paso University Medical Center, he introduced many surgical techniques, including endoscopic approaches to minimal skull base surgery and pituitary tumor surgery, epilepsy surgery and implantation of vagal nerve stimulator, and deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Over the last seven years, he developed significant expertise in complex and minimally invasive spine surgery.
His professional background includes several years as neurosurgery program director and assistant professor at Enfant-Jesus Hospital, an affiliate of Laval University School of Medicine in Quebec. He was co-founder and chief neurosurgeon of Enfant-Jesus Hospital's comprehensive epilepsy surgery program. In Quebec he also helped develop a new stereotactic apparatus using three-dimensional angiography for CT-guided stereotactic procedures that was later developed into a commercial product.
Lacerte earned his medical degree from Laval University School of Medicine in Quebec, where he also served a neurosurgery residency. He completed fellowship training in functional stereotactic and epilepsy at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital in Montreal.
He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.
A fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, he is also a member of the Association of Neurosurgeons of Quebec, Canadian Medical Society, American Society for Neuro Oncology, and the American Board of Neurological Surgeons.
He is a past member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Residency Review Committee and the Royal College Board of Medical Examiners.
His interested in medical-surgical education has led to his participation in countless educational programs at a variety of professional conclaves. He has also authored or coauthored a number of scholarly articles that have been published in various professional journals and textbooks. He has worked as a principal investigator for clinical trials and drug studies.
He is fluent in English and French.
He is practicing in affiliation with Patricio H. Mujica, M.D, and Guillermo J. Candia, M.D., and nurse practitioner Jessica Richardson at Central Maine Neurosurgery's Lewiston office, located in Suite 401 of the 12 High Street medical office building, next to CMMC. The practice can be reached at 795-2494.
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CMMC Family Medicine Residency Recognizes Seven Third-year Family Medicine Residents at Recent Graduation
08/09/2012
The Central Maine Medical Center Family Medicine Residency recognized seven third-year family medicine residents at a recent graduation program.
Honored at commencement exercises were family physicians Stephanie Aung, M.D., Harpreet Ghotra, M.D., Swapna Gummadi, M.D., Petrona Manasseh, M.D., Huy Nguyen, M.D., Annamarie Pond, D.O., and Ravi Sathya, M.D. Residency Program Director Donald Woolever, M.D., and residency faculty members presented the graduates their diplomas.
The graduation ceremony was attended by CMMC Family Medicine Residency faculty, residents, staff at the residency and Oscar Treat Turner Family Medicine Center, CMMC Medical Staff representatives, and families and special invited guests. Alan Verrill, M.D., gave the commencement address "May I See the Menu Please". CMMC President Laird Covey also congratulated the graduates with a message on behalf of the medical center.
Several awards were made during the ceremony. The Dr. Bruce Johnson Residency Teacher of the Year Award was given to John Dickens, M.D. This award honors the physician who, as voted by the graduating senior residents, made the most outstanding contribution to their family medicine residency education. The Family Medicine Hospitalist Fellow Diploma was presented by Claudia Geyer, M.D., to William Peternel, D.O.
Other awards presented at the ceremony included:
Lewiston Campus
- Preceptor of the Year, Trisha Gushue, D.O.
- Faculty of the Year, Gary Rivard, D.O.
- Exemplar of Family Medicine Award, Edmund Claxton, M.D.
- Best Pediatric Teacher, nurse practitioner Heidi Toews
- Patron of Food for Thought and Comfort, Robin Soucy, CMMC Food Service
- Best Residency Mom, Michelle Tower, recruiting coordinator
- Best Vigilant Maintenance Engineer Award - Bob Breton, Environmental Services
Swift River Health Care
- Support of the Rural Track, Dieter Kreckel, M.D., rural track director
- Commitment to the Education of Rural Track Family Medicine Residents, Al Riel, M.D., and the Rumford Emergency Department
- Best Obstetrical Teacher Award, Siad Daoud, M.D.
- Foundational Rock of the Rural Track, Sharon Rickards, rural track coordinator
Awards presented at the residency program's graduation dinner were:
- Nurse of the Year Award, Karen Becker, R.N.
- Best Systems Based Practice Award, Jen Fish, licensed social worker Saviour of Time Award, Kim Elliott, scheduler
- Best Clinic Multitasker Award, Roxanne Couillard, referrals specialist
Program graduate Stephanie Aung, M.D., is planning to practice in Vancouver, Canada. Harpreet Ghotra, M.D., has joined Danforth Medical Centre, Toronto. Swapna Gummadi, M.D., will join Central Maine Medical Center as a hospitalist fellow. Petrona Mannaseh, M.D., is planning to practice in Toronto. Huy Nguyen, M.D., is planning to Practice in Vancouver, Canada. Annamarie Pond, D.O., will join Naples Family Practice in Naples; and Ravi Sathya, M.D., has joined Dartmouth-Hithcock Clinic in Hudson, N.H.
CMMC created the Family Medicine Residency Program in 1978 to support the training of family physicians in order to provide well trained family doctors to the Lewiston-Auburn area as well as to other areas of Maine. Graduates of the CMMC Family Medicine Residency practicing locally include
CMMC created the Family Medicine Residency program in 1978 to support the training of family physicians in order to provide skilled family doctors to the Lewiston-Auburn area, as well as to other areas of Maine. Graduates of the CMMC Family Medicine Residency Program practicing locally include: Peter Beckel, M.D., Tom Bosma, M.D., Charles Burns, M.D., Denise Cogle, D.O., Steve Fairchild, M.D., Manju Hilary, M.D., Shannon Kenney, D.O., Cortney Linville, D.O., Margaret Matthews, M.D., Lisa McAllister, D.O., Shauna McElrath, D.O., Steven Molnar-Gabor, M.D., Kurt Oswald, M.D., Nathan Raby, D.O., Gary Rivard, D.O., Sarah Skelton, M.D., Terry Ann Scriven, M.D., Ray Tardif, M.D., Fred Van Mourik, M.D., and Stephanie Youd, M.D.
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"How Cardiovascular Implanted Electronic Devices Are Monitored" is Topic of August Central and Western Maine ICD Support Group Meeting
08/09/2012
"How Cardiovascular Implanted Electronic Devices Are Monitored" will be the topic of a presentation set for the August 16 meeting of the Central and Western Maine ICD Support Group.
Deborah Freeman, a certified advanced practice registered nurse, will discuss how implanted electronic devices are monitored in both the office setting and remotely.
Freeman graduated from the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Hanover, N.H., and later from the University of Southern Maine family nurse practitioner program. She also holds a bachelor's degree in health education from the University of Maine at Farmington. In addition to her many years as a primary care provider, she has some seven years recent experience in cardiac services. She manages cardiovascular electronic implantable device follow up for Central Maine Heart Associates-Auburn.
The Central and Western Maine ICD Support Group is for individuals who have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Family members and other support persons are also welcomed to attend. The meeting provides a forum for discussion regarding experiences with an ICD and presents learning opportunities not only about living with the devices, but about cardiac health issues.
The meeting will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute first-floor conference room.
The program is being offered free of charge.
For more information, call or email physician assistant Joe Sala at 753-3900 or salaj@cmhc.org
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CMMC Woman's Hospital Association Awards $105,000 to the Hospital
08/08/2012
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Nancy Wilkins, past president of the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association (front row, second from left) visited CMMC recently to present "the big check" to CMMC President Laird Covey at a celebration of the CMMC WHA's 2011-2012 fund-raising year. The organization awarded $105,000 to the hospital. Among the CMMC projects supported by the WHA in the past year was the refurbishment of the Special Delivery Family Birthing Center. The WHA donated some $51,000 to the project from funds raised through the CMMC WHA Gift Shop, Annual Spring Gala, Tree of Love, and various sales events. Other large donations included $10,000 for a patient overhead lift and transfer system and $9,500 for a patient breathing machine for the Respiratory Therapy Department. In addition to assisting with various equipment purchases, the WHA directly supported the needs of cancer patients and funded scholarships at the Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions. For more information about the CMMC Woman's Hospital Association, call Deborah Haire at 754-2909 or email her at debhaire4@yahoo.com
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Central Maine Medical Center receives Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Bronze Quality Achievement Award
08/07/2012
Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Bronze Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes CMMC's commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.
"With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Bronze Quality Achievement Award addresses the important element of time," said Daniel Bobker, M.D., CMMC's Inpatient Neurologist. Central Maine Medical Center has developed a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having neurologists available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.
To receive the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Bronze Quality Achievement Award, CMMC consistently followed the treatment guidelines in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program for 90 days. These include aggressive use of medications like tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs, and smoking cessation. The 90-day evaluation period is the first in an ongoing self-evaluation by the hospital to continually reach the 85 percent compliance level needed to sustain this award.
"We commend Central Maine Medical Center for its success in implementing standards of care andprotocols," said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the national Get With the Guidelines Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.. "The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients."
Get With The Guidelines-Stroke uses the "teachable moment," the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals' guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second stroke. Through Get With The Guidelines-Stroke, customized patient education materials are made available at the point of discharge, based on patients' individual risk profiles. The take-away materials are written in an easy-to-understand format and are available in English and Spanish. In addition, the Get With The Guidelines Patient Management Tool provides access to up-to-date cardiovascular and stroke science at the point of care.
"The time is right for Central Maine Medical Center to be focused on improving the quality of stroke care by implementing Get With The Guidelines-Stroke. The number of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population," said Dr. Bobker.
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
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LifeFlight's Judge Recognized with National Leadership Award
08/07/2012
Fitch & Associates, one of the world's largest and most respected emergency-services consulting firms, recently announced that it has named Thomas Judge as the winner of the Pinnacle Exemplary Leadership Award.
Awarded in recognition of an EMS community leader's efforts in advancing emergency and out-of-hospital care and transport, the Pinnacle Exemplary Leadership Award is presented annually at the Pinnacle EMS Leadership Forum for nationally changing the understanding and practice of the emergency care system.
Addressing an audience of some 400 EMS chiefs, CEOs and directors, Fitch & Associates partner Christine Zalar praised Judge's accomplishments. "Mr. Judge has an unbelievable litany of activities, achievements and works in progress," Zalar said. Judge serves as executive director of LifeFlight of Maine, a non-profit, hospital-based air- and ground critical-care system serving the entire state of Maine.
"Guided by Tom's leadership, LifeFlight has implemented innovative programs to help evaluate and mitigate risk; established a statewide navigation and weather reporting infrastructure to create a safer aviation environment; and developed a medical training outreach program that helps strengthen the entire emergency healthcare network," Zalar said.
Judge, who was taken by surprise with the award, noted how honored he was to be recognized by respected peers from across the country. However, he went on to add, "The real recipients of this leadership award are the tremendous team of people that I work with at LifeFlight and at my local volunteer ambulance service in St. George. They make a difference in people's lives every day and it's a gift to work with such an amazing and talented group. We meet patients and families on the worst day of their life and it's our job to try and give them that day back. To make that happen we need to continually find ways to measurably improve the emergency care system."
"Passion for the patient has always been a driver for the tireless hours Tom spends serving his program, foundation, state, at the national level, and internationally on EMS and air medical related projects," Zalar said. "His feverish drive for improving the system--all the moving parts--is contagious."
Zalar also praised Judge for his work over the past four years as chair of the Association of Critical Care Transport (ACCT). "Tom's leadership at ACCT is the most recent illustration of how his vision and unwavering intensity for developing a system to reliably and consistently provide safe, quality care for critical care patients," she said.
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CMMC Hosting "Fueling for the Dempsey Challenge!" Informational Session
08/07/2012
"Fueling for the Dempsey Challenge!" is the topic of an informational session set for August 13 at Central Maine Medical Center.
Certified athletic trainer Greg Jancaitis from Central Maine Sports Medicine will discuss strategies for eating and hydrating for longer cycling events.
Jancaitis is a USA Cycling certified cycling coach whose clients range from racers looking to take their training to the next level to those getting into cycling for the first time. He is an avid bicycle commuter and competes in ultra-endurance mountain bike races.
The program may be of particular interest to those participating in The Dempsey Challenge in October.
"Fueling for the Dempsey Challenge!" will be presented free of charge in Chairmen's Room A on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, located next to CMMC in Lewiston. The presentation will begin at about 5 p.m. and last about 30 minutes.
For more information, call Greg Jancaitis at 795-8465 or email him at jancaigr@cmhc.org
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New Vascular Surgeon Joins Central Maine Medical Center Staff
07/31/2012
Michael A. Ricci, M.D., a vascular surgeon, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing in association with Central Maine Cardiovascular Surgery in Lewiston.
Prior to joining the greater Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Ricci practiced at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, VT, the major teaching hospital for the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He also provided consultative services at Alice Hyde Hospital in Malone, N.Y., and Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, N.Y.
Ricci has extensive experience as a practicing surgeon and surgical educator. In Vermont, he started the first vascular lab in the State and initiated the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms in that region. At the College of Medicine, Ricci taught medical students, residents, and nurses, most recently serving as the inaugural Director of the Clinical Simulation Laboratory, having also received a $1.7 million grant to support that entity. He previously served as a Vice Chair and Director of Surgical Research for the Department of Surgery. He is a co-author of more than 100 scientific articles on vascular surgery, telemedicine, simulation, and operating room safety.
Dr. Ricci also serves with the Vermont Air National Guard where he is the Commander of the 158th Medical Group, holding the rank of Colonel. He has served as a flight surgeon and a vascular surgeon in both the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Ricci will continue his service from Maine and recently led the Vermont National Guard on a humanitarian mission to Senegal.
A graduate of Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., Ricci earned his medical degree at the State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, N.Y. He served an internship in general surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center in Syracuse, N.Y., and completed a general surgery residency at Robert Packer Hospital/Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Penn. He completed a vascular surgery fellowship at McGill University in Montreal.
Ricci is certified by the American Board of Surgery, with added qualifications in critical care and vascular surgery. He is also certified as an Advanced Trauma Life Support instructor.
He lives in Poland with his wife, Angela, and their son, Justin.
He practices in association with vascular surgeons Allan M. Ingraham, M.D., April E. Nedeau, M.D., Pamela R. Rietschel, M.D., nurse practitioner Patricia Hutchins, and physician assistant Kevin T. Quiqley at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, 60 High Street in Lewiston. The office can be reached at 795-8260.
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Central Maine Bariatric Surgery Hosting Upcoming Information Sessions at CMMC and Topsham Family Medicine
07/17/2012
Central Maine Bariatric Surgery will host an informational program about weight loss surgery on August 1 and again on August 20.
The presentation will feature bariatric surgeons and other members of the bariatric surgery program's professional staff. They will provide a general overview of obesity and weight loss surgery options. The program will include a question and answer session.
The August 1 live program will be held at Central Maine Medical Center and simultaneously videoconferenced to Topsham Family Medicine. The August 20 program at CMMC will not be videoconferenced.
The live event at CMMC will be held in the Chairmen's Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. Preregistration is not required for the Lewiston event. Those wishing to register for the videoconference in Topsham should call Central Maine Bariatric Surgery at 795-5710.
The presentation begins at 6 p.m. and concludes about 8 p.m. Seating at the event is limited, so early registration is advised.
There is no charge for participation.
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Paralympian Matt Updike Joins Dempsey Challenge
07/17/2012
U.S. paralympian handcyclist Matt Updike of Denver, Colorado, will take part in this year's Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen. The non-competitive run, walk and cycling event benefiting The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing will take place Oct. 13 and 14 in Lewiston, Maine. Updike will represent the U.S. in the London Paralympic Games beginning Aug. 29 where more than 4,000 athletes from 160 countries are expected to compete.
"I am honored to be invited to participate in such a great event," said Updike. "Having to overcome a huge adversity in my own life when I was paralyzed, while certainly not the same, I feel I can relate to someone receiving the diagnosis of cancer. And having two close friends pass at an early age because of the disease recently, I want to support the fight against it in any way I can."
Updike was injured in an automobile accident in 1997 which left him paralyzed from the chest down. An avid skier and cyclist prior to the accident, Updike made his way back into his two passions and began professional handcycling in 2000.
Updike earned a bronze medal at the 2002 IPC Cycling World Championships in Germany and has been a regular on the US National team for the past decade. In 2005, Updike broke the 24-hour distance world record, handcycling over 287 miles through the Dutch countryside.
He competed in his first Paralympic Games in Beijing, China in 2008. In 2011 he took first place at the U.S. Paralympics Road Cycling National Championships, Augusta, Ga. and earned a silver medal at the Parapan American Games, Guadalajara, Mexico. He is sponsored by Hincapie Sportswear and currently works as a mortgage banker for Universal Lending Corp. in Denver. As a volunteer at Craig Hospital, Updike helps kids get started in Paralympic cycling.
The Dempsey Challenge offers the Electricity Maine 5K and 10K run/walk on October 13 and Fundraising Rides presented by Exergy Development Group of 10, 25, 50, 70 and 100 miles on October 14. All events will begin and end at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston. The weekend will include a family friendly Festival in the Park which plays host to the Concentra Health and Wellness Expo, TD Bank KidZone, vendor fair and live entertainment. The Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk highlights the weekend.
Participants are encouraged to create or join teams through the Dempsey Challenge website to build camaraderie and assist their fundraising efforts. For more information, including participant, volunteer and fundraising information, log on to www.dempseychallenge.org.
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New Wellness Center Group Fitness Classes Begin July 23
07/17/2012
Central Maine Medical Center's Wellness Solutions is offering the following group exercise programs beginning July 23:
Cardio Hip Hop - This new class fuses basic hip-hop choreography with calorie burning cardio-aerobic steps to create a fun and effective workout. Mondays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. beginning July 23. Instructor is Amber Lussier.
Cardio Sculpt - This ongoing series combines low-impact moves with weight training targeting major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Ian Barclay.
Core and Sweat - This ongoing series, lead by Ian Barclay and Lin Bourque, features weight training that targets major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Functional Fitness - Increase both core and upper body strength and improve the stability of abdominal and low back muscles. Participants will learn how to prevent injury due to improper body mechanics and repetitive motion. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m
Happy Hearts - A class designed for people with a "cardiac event" history -- including angioplasty, stents, heart attack, cardiac arrest, valve surgery,coronary artery bypass, stable angina, and transplants -- who have completed a cardiac rehabilitation program and are looking for a "maintenance" program. The class includes general supervision and individual, independent cardiovascular and strength training. It also incorporates group weight training and self-safety skills. The instructor is Sue Driscoll. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
"It Fits You!" - "The workout that will get you fit, because you took the time to fit it in," says instructor Glenn Atkins. The class features 16 minutes of high intensity strength, endurance, and cardio training followed by 14 minutes of complete stretching. Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., beginning July 29.
Mom's Power Hour - New and expecting moms can get and stay fit with this cardio, resistance and stretching routine. Designed especially for muscular conditioning and endurance in preparation for labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery. Instructor is Brandi Richards. Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Personal Fitness - Begins with a one-on-one evaluation and program development session with a personal health counselor, then progresses to a structured group exercise plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Power Plus - Weight training and simple cardio moves that incorporate every muscle group to elevate metabolism and burn fat. The results are lean muscles, not bulk. Gentle cool down includes yoga stretch. This ongoing class is led by Rick Jalbert. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Step Aerobics - A heart-pumping, muscle-moving workout that alternates step with muscle work. Led by Sue Driscoll, this cardio workout is a head-to-toe body strengthener. Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Trimnastics - A low-impact, total-body circuit workout targeting all major muscle groups. Tone muscles and burn calories in this class led by instructor Lin Bourque. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Zumba - This Latin-inspired dance exercise program uses a variety of basic dance styles set to international music such as merengue, salsa, and reggaetone. Using principles of aerobic-fitness interval training and resistance training, Zumba is great for burning calories (up to 500 per class) while sculpting and toning the body. This six-week program is led by Cynthia Nicholas. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
All programs are offered in the CMMC Wellness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.
Fees are assessed for participation in these programs and must be paid prior to beginning the program. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Membership in the CMMC Wellness Center is open to the public.
Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information is also available through the Events Calendar at www.cmmc.org
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Painter and Photographer-painter Now Featured at the CMMC Woman's Hospital Association Rotating Art Gallery
07/06/2012
The works of a painter and a photographer-painter are now being featured at the Central Maine Medical Center Woman's Hospital Association (WHA) Rotating Art Gallery.
Paintings by Vyonne Spaar and photographs and paintings by Kathy Cain are on display at CMMC.
"The interplay of form, color, textures, light and movement of ocean, sky and forest is the stimulus for my seascapes and landscapes. Being able to bright it all together in my paintings is my passion," says Auburn resident Vyonne Spaar.
Spaar has studied at the Maine College of Art in Portland and The Baum School of Art in Allentow, Pa.
Kathy Cain of Oxford holds degrees in art education and nursing. She has worked as a medical illustrator and her work has been published in medical journals and textbooks.
Her interest in photography arose from her work as a painter and illustrator and she pursued education in photography, developing a special interest in the use of filters to "create an emotional context to her subjects." In 2006 she won a blue ribbon at the Maine Sportsman's Show for landscape photography.
Work by Vyonne Spaar and Kathy Cain will be on display through July 28.
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Avon Foundation Presents Grant to CMMC
07/03/2012
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Carol Kurzig, left, president of the Avon Foundation for Women, presents a "big" check to Christine Hayden, breast health outreach patient navigator at the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. The $250,000 grant was part of nearly $3 million in grants that the Avon Foundation recently made to 10 New England organizations that serve the needs of breast cancer patients, either through research or direct services to patients. The grant to CMMC will provide continued support for the Dempsey Center breast health navigator and allow the purchase of a new dedicated breast ultrasound unit. "Our beneficiaries here in New England are leaders from your communities who are dedicated to the fight against breast cancer," said Kurzig. "These organizations are providing breast cancer screening, care and support services every day. They are also researching the causes and improved treatments for breast cancer, but also a way to someday prevent it altogether." The grant to the Dempsey Center was one of four grants to New England hospitals in the Avon Safety Net program, all part of a 70-hospital nationwide network created to ensure access to high quality breast cancer services to women and men who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the healthcare system. The Avon Foundation announced the grant during its recent Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston. The walk raised $4.8 million.
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Four-part Series on Healthy Eating and Cooking being Presented by CMMC Executive Chef
07/03/2012
"Healthy Eating = Quality of Life" is the topic of a four-part series being presented in July by Central Maine Medical Center's executive chef Oleg Opalnyk.
These hour-long cooking classes will highlight the basics for making meals that are both tasty and nutritious, focusing on vegetarian fare that is filling and satisfying.
The series will begin with a discussion of how the essentials of good health can be well served by a vegetarian diet.
"High quality ingredients and simple preparation can produce exceptional meals," Opalnyk says. "And if you want to eat less meat in an effort to make alternative nutritional, environmental, or ethical dietary choices, a vegetarian approach can be very useful."
"Whatever your reasons for introducing a more vegetarian element to your diet, it's got to taste good," Opalnyk says. The series of classes will show participants how to turn a meat-filled recipe into a vegetarian delight with simple substitutions -- including tofu, beans, nuts, and grains - that can make "crowd pleasing" vegetarian dishes.
Vegetarian cuisine, he says, can help people reduce their cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and better manage their weight.
Opalnyk, who recently joined the CMMC Food Service management staff, has introduced a number of well-received changes to the hospital's menu. His specialties include vegan and vegetarian dishes fused with world cuisine influences.
During his five years as chef at Parkview Adventist Medical Center in Brunswick, Opalnyk managed the hospital's Lifestyle Choices Program. Clinical testing demonstrated that those who participated in the Lifestyle Program experienced improvements in their health.
A native of Ukraine, Opalnyk spent his later youth in Moscow. He trained at The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, an affiliate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, also in Chicago. He has worked in Russia, Canada, Mexico, and Belize, but settled in Maine in 2002 as kitchen manager at Freeport's Haraseeket Inn. Prior to beginning his work in the healthcare setting, he was executive chef at Kristina's Restaurant and Bakery in Bath and later at Bull Feeney's in Portland.
The classes will be offered free of charge on July 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Atrium kitchen on the third-floor of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute at 60 High Street in Lewiston.
Those interested in attending the classes are urged to register by calling 795-8448 or emailing prevention@cmmc.org
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"Rehabilitation Exercises and Cross Training For Cyclists" is Topic of July Informational Session
06/25/2012
"Rehabilitation Exercises and Cross Training For Cyclists" is the topic of an informational session set for July 9 at Central Maine Medical Center.
Certified athletic trainer Greg Jancaitis from Central Maine Sports Medicine will review how the repetitive motion of pedaling and leaning forward can lead to muscular tightness and imbalances. He will review the benefits of resistance and cross training for the cyclist, examine strength training exercises that benefit the cyclist, and consider rehabilitative exercises to address common cycling injuries.
Jancaitis is a USA Cycling certified cycling coach whose clients range from racers looking to take their training to the next level to those getting into cycling for the first time. He is an avid bicycle commuter and competes in ultra-endurance mountain bike races.
The program may be of particular interest to those participating in The Dempsey Challenge in October.
"Rehabilitation Exercises and Cross Training For Cyclists" will be presented free of charge in Chairmen's Room A on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, located next to CMMC in Lewiston. The presentation will begin at about 5 p.m. and last about 30 minutes.
For more information, call Greg Jancaitis at 795-8465 or email him at jancaigr@cmhc.org
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The Central Maine Medical Center Volunteer Services Department has been recognized by a regional professional organization for innovative program development.
06/25/2012
The Central Maine Medical Center Volunteer Services Department has been recognized by a regional professional organization for innovative program development.
The New England Association for Directors of Hospital Volunteer Services (NEADHVS) awarded CMMC the 2012 President's Award for Outstanding Program Development. The award is presented annually to recognize a new innovative hospital volunteer program in New England. CMMC Director of Volunteer Services Susan Hedrich accepted the award at the NEADHVS's annual meeting.
CMMC's "WorkForce RX Volunteer Equipment Shopping" program was implemented to solve a labor inefficiency - that nurses spent valuable time searching for equipment such as wheelchairs, stretchers and commodes when their services were needed at the bedside, Hedrich explained.
"The program started small and now includes medical-surgical areas, emergency, surgical services, and Same-Day Surgery. Volunteers carry beepers and phones were set up with a speed dial number to make calling the volunteers easier," said Hedrich.
"Green tape was added to the floor on the nursing units to identify the drop off area for equipment that the volunteers return to sterile processing on an hourly basis. The volunteers are also involved in identifying wheelchairs that need repair and getting the work done before items are returned to the units," she added.
A volunteer comes in two nights a week between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. to gather scattered equipment and return it to the appropriate areas so that nurses do not have to search for it in the morning. The service allows nurses to spend more time with their patients, thus improving customer service while conserving resources, Hedrich said.
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CMMC's Hematology-Oncology Associates practice has been recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI® ) Certification Program
06/19/2012
Central Maine Medical Center's Hematology-Oncology Associates practice has been recognized by the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) Certification Program, an affiliate of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The QOPI® Certification Program provides a three-year certification for outpatient hematology-oncology practices that meet the highest standards for quality cancer care.
"Our physicians and staff are thrilled to receive this recognition of our commitment to provide the best possible care for our patients," said Kathleen Vieira, nurse manager at Hematology-Oncology Associates.
"Cancer patients and their families should expect nothing less than accountability and the highest standards from their cancer care providers," said Allen S. Lichter, M.D., chief executive officer of ASCO and president of the QOPI Certification Program. "QOPI participation reflects a commitment to quality of care that leads to fundamental changes in the clinical practice of oncology. Oncology practices that commit to quality and safety are those that provide the most optimal cancer care. The certification program helps practices determine whether they are providing the best treatment and care possible to their patients, and demonstrates a commitment to excellence and ongoing quality improvement in the hematology-oncology outpatient practice."
QOPI is a voluntary, self-assessment and improvement program launched by ASCO in 2006 to help hematology-oncology and medical oncology practices assess the quality of the care they provide to patients.
The QOPI Certification Program (QCP) was launched in January 2010. This certification for outpatient oncology practices is the first program of its kind for oncology in the United States. Oncologists can achieve certification by demonstrating practice consistent with the highest standards of care. The QCP seal designates those practices that not only scored high on the key QOPI quality measures, but also meet rigorous safety measures established by ASCO and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Central Maine Medical Center's Hematology-Oncology Associates practice is one of only three practices in Maine and one of 124 practices nationwide that have received certification.
QOPI analyzes individual practice data and compares these to more than 100 evidence-based and consensus quality measures. The information is then provided in reports to participating practices. Individual practices are also able to compare their performance to data from other practices across the country. Based on this feedback, doctors and practices can identify areas for improvement.
To become certified, practices have to submit to an evaluation of their entire practice and documentation standards. The QCP staff and steering group members then verify that the evaluation and documents are correct and that the practices met core standards in all areas of treatment, including: treatment planning; staff training and education; chemotherapy orders and drug preparation; patient consent and education; safe chemotherapy administration; monitoring and assessment of patient well-being.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who care for people with cancer. With nearly 30,000 members, ASCO is committed to improving cancer care through scientific meetings, educational programs and peer-reviewed journals. For ASCO information and resources, visit www.asco.org. Patient-oriented cancer information is available at www.Cancer.Net
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The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will host an information session followed by free vein screenings on June 20
06/08/2012
The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will host an information session followed by free vein screenings on June 20.
Cardiothoracic surgeon Carmine Frumiento, M.D., will speak about the current procedures available to reduce the discomfort and appearance of varicose veins. He will also introduce Michael Ricci, M.D., CMHVI's newest vascular surgeon.
The information session will be offered from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the first-floor Young Wing conference room at CMHVI, 60 High Street, Lewiston. The screenings will follow from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the CMHVI Cardiovascular Diagnostic Center, also located on the first floor at 60 High Street.
The screenings are for women between 35 and 64 years of age and men age 40 and up.
The free screening service is available by appointment only. Call 753-3916 to schedule an appointment.
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"Introduction To The Institute Of Heartmath's Techniques For Better Heart Health" is Topic of Presentation Set for June 21
06/08/2012
"Introduction To The Institute Of Heartmath's Techniques For Better Heart Health" will be the topic of a presentation set for the June 21 meeting of the Central and Western Maine ICD Support Group.
Monica Dawe, a certified clinical exercise specialist and member of the cardiac rehabilitation staff at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, will discuss HeartMath's heart-based living techniques that enable the heart "to be in coherence" with the brain and the rest of the body to promote healing and good heart health.
"These techniques will help you create a coherent state, offering access to your heart's intelligence and helping you connect with the energetic heart zone to release stress, balance your emotions, and feel better fast. They use the power of your heart to balance thoughts and emotions, helping you achieve a neutral, poised state for clear thinking," Dawe said.
Dawe is certified as an exercise specialist by the American College of Sports Medicine and has worked in cardiac rehabilitation for over 25 years. She teaches exercise guidelines for cardiac patients, motivation and behavior change, and stress management, including breathing techniques and meditation. She recently studied techniques developed by the Institute of HeartMath that promotes heart-based living that promotes healing and good heart health.
The Central and Western Maine ICD Support Group is for individuals who have an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Family members and other support persons are also welcomed to attend. The meeting provides a forum for discussion regarding experiences with an ICD and presents learning opportunities not only about living with the devices, but about cardiac health issues.
The meeting will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute first-floor conference room.
The program is being offered free of charge.
For more information, call or email physician assistant Joe Sala at 753-3900 or salaj@cmhc.org
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The Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions Graduates 49 Nursing Students
06/08/2012
The Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions (CMMC CONHP) graduated 49 nursing students in a ceremony at the Franco-American Heritage Center in Lewiston.
Having successfully completed the CMMC College of Nursing's two-year nursing education program, the graduates were awarded associate degrees in the applied science of nursing. Erin Elizabeth Cady of Mechanic Falls and Sherryann St.Pierre of New Gloucester were named to the honor list. A number of graduating students received awards during the ceremony.
Cady was honored with the CMMC Board of Trustees Award, presented to the student who exhibits excellence in delivering nursing care. The recipient demonstrates gentleness, independence, understanding, caring, compassion, and love in communicating with and caring for people. She was also presented the CONHP President's Award for the senior student attaining the highest academic achievement.
St. Pierre was the winner of the Central Maine General Hospital-CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Association Award. The winner of the Alumni Association Award is chosen by members of the graduating class as the person they would most like to care for themselves or their family. She also garnered a CMMC Medical Staff Award for Excellence in Nursing for her work in pediatric nursing.
Elizabeth Ann Carroll of Rockland was presented the Charles E. Fortier Jr. Memorial Award, given to the student whose "behavior as a whole is indicative of a people-oriented person," who directs "his or her expression in action rather than denying its existence,� and whose �sense of humor permeates all of his or her activities."
Erin Nancy Dodd of Naples was given the Samuel L. Singer and Ruth Small Award. This award is presented to a student who will become a credit to herself and her profession, who shows pride as a representative of the CMMC CONHP, and maintains good academic standing.
Heidi Lee MacLean-Marafa of South Portland was presented the CMMC CONHP Board of Trustees Award, given each year to the student who demonstrates leadership qualities, displays concern and understanding for others, makes decisions and assumes responsibility for his or her actions, and establishes trust in interactions.
The Mary Ann Strout Memorial Award was presented to Rose Mary Poirier of Peru.
CMMC Medical Staff Awards for Excellence in Nursing were presented to the following graduates: Isabelle Babette Troadec of Greene, mental health nursing; Meredith Louise Hatch of North Conway, N.H., medical nursing; April Lee Evans of Ogunquit, surgical nursing; and Jennifer Joy McCausland, obstetrical nursing.
Also comprising the CMMC College of Nursing Class of 2011 are: Craig William Bender, Rachael Lee Lewis, Gail Ashley Palmer, and Melanie Ruth Siegle, all of Auburn; Peter Bartholomew Brigham of Augusta; Stacey Michele Wheeler, Bowdoin; Kelly Lynn Danielson, Buckfield; Michelle Denise Howard, Chesterville; Katherine Teresa Perkins and Victoria E. Triffin, Durham; Susan Frances Sebestyen, Gray; Ashlee Marie Madore, Greene; Bonnie Annola Trundy, Hebron;Lisa Jean Marshall, Hiram; Barbara B. Grant, Leeds; Lindsey Beth Anderson, Jamie Dawn Bannister, Eliza Ellen Burke, Ashley Marie Cioffa-Orr, Shannon Louise Craig, Lisa Marie Girouard, Adrianne Lee Mercier, Joshua Stephen Peters, Kasey Lynn Smith, and Jordan Michael Stewart, all of Lewiston; Denise MarieDeAngelis, Lisbon; Lynne Marie Decesere, Lovell; Nicole Elizabeth Nason, Minot; Erin Elyse Swett, New Gloucester; Rebecca Lynn Leighton, Poland; Nicole Marie Roberts, South Paris; Julie A. Rogers, Standish; Ryan James Berube, Christina Marie Lavoie, and Cheri Kim Gagnon, all of Turner; Katie Michelle Brown, Waterville; Amy Heather Moody, Wells; Elizabeth Jean Seabury, Yarmouth; and Candie May Bailey, Newburgh, N.Y.
CONHP President Susan Baltrus welcomed those attending the ceremony, including: Central Maine Healthcare President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Chalke; CONHP Board of Trustees Chairperson Marsha Auster; Rev. James Weathersby of Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta; CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Association Vice-President Patricia Dyer; CMMC Board of Trustees Chairman Richard Roy; and John D. Dickens, Jr, M.D., a CMMC hospitalist. Rev. Jay Turner offered the invocation and benediction.
Weathersby gave the commencement address: The Heart of Nursing. "Nurses are the heart of hospital institutions, facilities, forward military units and even first responders; because they provide that life-giving touch and humanity to otherwise cold and sterile environments," he said.
After presentation of the awards, lights in the performance hall were dimmed for a candlelight ceremony, during which the graduates recited a nursing pledge.
The Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions offers an associate in the applied science in nursing degree program. Program graduates who pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) become registered nurses. For more information about programs at CMMC CONHP, visit cmmccollege.edu or call 207-795-2840.
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Summer Group Fitness Schedule
06/08/2012
Central Maine Medical Centers Wellness Solutions is offering the following group exercise programs beginning in June:
Advanced Bellydancing -- This series of classes is for those who have completed intermediate-level bellydancing classes and wish to take it to the next level, which includes choreography by Imari. Requirements: Intermediate level bellydancing training and one year prior experience. Thursdays from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Bellydancing Aerobics -- This class, led by Lisa Cummings aka Imari, is an exhilarating and fun way to trim and tone using basic slow and fast bellydancing movements. No prior dance experience required. Wednesdays from 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m
Cardio Sculpt -- This ongoing series combines low-impact moves with weight training targeting major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Ian Barclay.
Core and Sweat -- This ongoing series, lead by Ian Barclay and Lin Bourque, features weight training that targets major muscle groups while addressing hard to reach spots. The routine includes extensive floor work. Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Functional Fitness -- Learn to increase both core and upper body strength and improve the stability of abdominal and low back muscles. Participants will discover how to prevent injury due to improper body mechanics and repetitive motion. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Happy Hearts -- A class designed for people with a cardiac event history -- including angioplasty, stents, heart attack, cardiac arrest, valve surgery, coronary artery bypass, stable angina, and transplants -- who have completed a cardiac rehabilitation program and are looking for a maintenance program. The class includes general supervision and individual, independent cardiovascular and strength training. It also incorporates group weight training and self-safety skills. The instructor is Sue Driscoll. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Moms Power Hour -- New and expecting moms can get and stay fit with this cardio, resistance and stretching routine. Designed especially for muscular conditioning and endurance in preparation for labor, delivery, and post-partum recovery. Instructor is Brandi Richards. Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Personal Fitness -- Begins with a one-on-one evaluation and program development session with a personal health counselor, then progresses to a structured group exercise plan. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Power Plus -- Weight training and simple cardio moves that incorporate every muscle group to elevate metabolism and burn fat. The results are lean muscles, not bulk. Gentle cool down includes yoga stretch. This ongoing class is led by Rick Jalbert. Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Step Aerobics -- A heart-pumping, muscle-moving workout that alternates step with muscle work. Led by Sue Driscoll, this cardio workout is a head-to-toe body strengthener. Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Trimnastics -- A low-impact, total-body circuit workout targeting all major muscle groups. Tone muscles and burn calories in this exciting new class led by instructor Lin Bourque. Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Yoga -- Certified yoga instructor Marcy Covey leads this series of yoga classes. Participants will learn to center and balance themselves through poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation. Beginning July from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Zumba -- This Latin-inspired dance exercise program uses a variety of basic dance styles set to international music such as merengue, salsa, and reggaetone. Using principles of aerobic-fitness interval training and resistance training, Zumba is great for burning calories (up to 500 per class) while sculpting and toning the body. This six-week program is led by Cynthia Nicholas. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
All programs are offered in the CMMC Wellness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.
Fees are assessed for participation in these programs and must be paid prior to beginning the program. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Membership in the CMMC Wellness Center is open to the public.
Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information is also available through the Events Calendar at www.cmmc.org
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CMMC's Trauma Program
06/01/2012
Fully Operative and Supported by Board-Certified Surgeons
Recent media accounts have implied or directly stated that Central Maine Medical Center's Trauma Program does not have trauma surgeons. These accounts are incorrect.
CMMC's Trauma Program is fully operative and is supported by board-certified surgeons. In fact, the surgical coverage schedule for trauma in June presently includes nine surgeons working together to provide around-the-clock coverage. Some of these surgeons are full-time CMMC employees, others are temporary employees contracted to serve patients at CMMC for periods ranging up to six months.
"CMMC's Trauma Program is intact and serving patients. The service has been operative since its founding in the early 1990s and it is operative today. Statements to the contrary are simply wrong," said Chuck Gill, vice president for public affairs at CMMC.
CMMC recently saw the departure of three trauma-general surgeons. Circumstances leading to this departure are personnel issues about which CMMC cannot offer public comment. A fourth surgeon is expected to leave the organization later this summer.
"At no time was the quality of service provided by the trauma program compromised. CMMC is meeting and has always met all nationally-accepted standards for supporting a trauma program. The departure of the surgeons is a personnel matter. The only comment we can offer is that the organization's vision of the trauma program's future differed from that of some of our surgeons," said Gill.
CMMC recently completed an agreement with the Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Trauma that will bring one of the nation's leading trauma physicians to CMMC to assist with future development of the program.
George Velmahos, M.D., chief of the MGH Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, will serve as CMMC's Acute Care Surgery Program Director.
Velmahos, an internationally recognized authority on trauma and surgical critical care, will oversee program development, quality improvement, educational programs and physician recruitment at CMMC.
"We are very excited about developing a collegial, interactive professional relationship with the world-renowned MGH medical staff," said Larry Hopperstead, M.D., CMMC's Trauma Program Founder and Acting Director. "Our patients will have access to the highest quality of specialized quaternary care for those few patients who are in need of such services."
"CMMC has a rich history in trauma care. Mass General is committed to supporting CMMC's trauma mission and collaborate meaningfully in all aspects, with emphasis on education and quality control. There is no doubt that this collaboration will be of great value to the end recipient: the patient of Central Maine," said George Velmahos, M.D.
CMMC and MGH will also jointly recruit an experienced trauma and emergency surgery surgeon to serve as the Director for the trauma and acute care surgery program at CMMC. This surgeon, while living and practicing locally, will have joint medical staff privileges at CMMC and MGH, and will be eligible for a teaching appointment at Harvard Medical School.
"We will benefit from ongoing educational and professional-growth opportunities for Trauma Surgeons, Critical Care Specialists, Anesthesiologists, and other specialists," said CMMC President Laird Covey. "MGH will provide invaluable assistance in recruiting exceptional physicians and providing ongoing quality and educational oversight. I believe our Trauma Program will be stronger in the future as a result of this leadership."
Contact Information:
Chuck Gill, 795-2711
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Six Students from Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology at CMMC College of Nursing and Health Professions Win Academic Awards
05/28/2012
Six students from the Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology at Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions won academic awards at the annual meeting of the Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT).
Margaret Clark of Portland, a senior radiography student, won first place and $300 in the MSRT Student Essay Contest for her essay, "Rare Earth Crisis: China's Impact on America's Imaging." Clark also won second place and $200 in the scientific exhibit for her entry, "Rare Earth Crisis: China's Impact on America's Imaging."
Jared Lapointe, a senior radiography student from Fairfield, won third place and $100 in the MSRT Student Essay Contest for his essay, "Computed Tomography Angiography versus Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Diagnosing Acute Neurovascular Diseases."
Amanda LaPorte, a senior radiography student from Readfield, took third place and $100 in the student scientific exhibit for her display, "Attack of the Seizure: MRI and PET to the Rescue!"
Senior radiography student Alyssa Dufour of Augusta received honorable mention for her exhibit, "Medical Care for One, Medical Care for All - Advancements in Diagnostic Radiology."
Senior radiography student Megan Goudey of Portland received honorable mention for her exhibit, "Diagnosis and Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Radiology Department."
Junior radiography student Brianna Beisaw of Jay received honorable mention for her essay, "Diagnosing Brain Aneurysms with Radiologic Technology."
The CMMC School of Radiologic Technology was founded by the late Clark F. Miller, M.D., in 1949. It was the first school of its kind in Maine. Students take courses at the College in Lewiston and complete clinical rotations at CMMC and affiliates in central Maine or at Mercy Hospital and affiliates in southern Maine.
The awards were presented at the Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists' annual conference at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. The contest is open to all students enrolled in radiology science programs in Maine.
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"BackPain: Is Surgery the Answer?" is the topic of a special presentation set for June 5 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston
05/28/2012
"BackPain: Is Surgery the Answer?" is the topic of a special presentation set for June 5 at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.
Orthopaedic surgeon Michael F. Regan, M.D., and physical therapist Jason Burtchell will discuss the surgical and non-surgical treatment of back pain.
"There is no cookie-cutter approach to successfully managing back pain," says Regan, one of the region's experts on back problems. "Sometimes surgery is the best option for treating back pain, but sometimes conservative treatment with physical therapy is the best course of action. Appropriate evaluation of each patient is essential to determining the best care plan."
Regan says the June 5 program will be informative not only for those who have diagnosed back problems, but also for individuals experiencing leg, neck or arm pain, or numbness and/or tingling in their extremities.
Regan is a fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery, general orthopaedics and total joint surgery. He practices with Central Maine Orthopaedics and Maine Spinecare, both in Auburn.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Mass. he served his orthopaedic surgery residency and orthopaedic spine fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh.
He is certified by The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Jason M. Burtchell is a licensed physical therapist who has some 15 years experience working in clinical settings in Maine, Massachusetts, and Washington. He is a member of the professional staff at Central Maine Therapy Services in Lewiston
Burtchell earned a bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Northeastern University in Boston. His post-graduate studies have included specialized training in mechanical diagnosis and therapy for back and extremity problems.
The June 5 presentation is free and will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Chairmen's Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building on the Central Maine Medical Center campus.
Anyone wishing to register for the session or seeking more information about the program is urged to call Central Maine Therapy Services at 795-2122.
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