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Central Supply

Changes name to Sterile Processing and Distribution

Central Maine Medical Center’s Central Service has gone national. Well . . . actually, it’s adopted the name used by most hospitals nationwide: Sterile Processing and Distribution (SPD).  

“The new name better describes the role of the department,” says David Andrews, R.N., the department’s clinical coordinator. “The change stems from a recent employee survey that revealed that SPD employees didn’t feel other hospital employees knew what is done in the department. This perception was proven true recently when we received a telephone for repair and were asked if we fixed vacuum cleaners.” SPD’s primary role is the cleaning and sterilization of surgical equipment and supplies. This process involves several techniques, including exposure to ultrasonic sound waves to remove minute debris, washing in super-heated water, and exposing the instruments to high-temperature, pressurized steam (autoclaving).

The department is equipped with an array of special equipment that is used to clean surgical apparatus ranging from forceps to surgical instruments like retractors and clamps to delicate instruments such as iris scissors for eye surgery and the equipment necessary to repair a leaking heart valve.

In the past few years, SPD has become increasing high-tech with the introduction of more effective and safer equipment. “For example, gas sterilization has been replaced by a process called Sterrad that uses small amounts of hydrogen peroxide. It is safer for both employees and the environment; releasing only oxygen and water vapor into the air as the end products. Also, we just installed a system that fills and empties the washer-decontaminators automatically and even brings the racks from one room to another,” says David.

Though the Surgical Services Department is the SPD’s “biggest customer,” the department also sterilizes instruments kits for Minor Surgery-Endoscopy, Special Delivery, the Emergency and Radiology-Medical Imaging departments, the nursing units and D.F.D. Russell Medical Center in Leeds and Turner.

The SPD staff includes Vicky Roy, a certified sterile processing and distribution supervisor who serves as the department’s lead technician. Other staff members are: Fran Moulton, Mary Lutz, Mila Raymond, Sharon A. Grant, Monique Levasseur, Diane Smith, Jay Beck, Tom Bolduc, Kevin Lapoint and Jim Strout. Nine SPD employees are certified sterile processing and distribution technicians and sport the acronym CSPDT on their nametags. One employee is eligible to take the certification exam in October. The newest staff members aren’t eligible to take the test until 2004.

02/16/2005

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New Jersey Man

Is first LifeFlight patient to undergo cardiac surgery at CMHVI

New Jersey man is first LifeFlight patient to undergo cardiac surgery Lewiston crew plucks man from mountainside in western Maine.

Jack Kubovcik got a rare – thankfully – look at Central Maine Medical Center’s capabilities as a budding tertiary care center in July when he became the first emergency cardiac patient to undergo open-heart surgery at CMMC after transport by LifeFlight.

The 63-year-old Rockaway, N.J., resident was hiking a segment of the Appalachian Trail with his son, Eric, 33, when he collapsed. But even though the two men were several miles from the nearest road, a fortuitous combination of events would save Jack’s life.

First visit in 35 years

Jack and his wife, Angela, last visited Maine some 35 years ago. When they returned this summer, the plan was that Jack would meet their son and the pair would hike the Appalachian Trail from Grafton Notch to Mount Katahdin; Angela would drive back to New Jersey with their daughter, Amy.

Outwardly, Jack didn’t appear to be the “typical” cardiac patient, though experts agree appearance can be deceiving when cardiac health is concerned. Lean and seemingly good-natured, Jack was by all accounts in good health. A former bicyclist who covered some 6,000 miles annually, his interest in outdoors activities shifted to hiking about six years ago. The 260-mile hike that he and his son planned through Maine didn’t seem particularly daunting to him. The two expected that it would take them 29 days to reach the peak of Katahdin.

A hot, humid day takes its toll

The Kubovcik’s brief Maine hike began on July 4, one of the hottest and most humid days of the summer. Under a hazy sky, temperatures were cresting in the mid- and even high-90s at various locations statewide. The air was thick and oppressive as Jack and Eric made the summit of West Bald Pate and descended the “saddle” approaching East Bald Pate. As the terrain grew steeper, Jack began feeling poorly. At first, Jack says he attributed the nausea he felt to the heat and possible dehydration. He had something to eat and drink, but it didn’t alleviate the symptoms. Eric had ranged ahead of him on the trail and Jack called out for him to come back. Eric reached his father just in time to catch him as he passed out.

Eric had only recently completed a Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course in his adopted state of Washington and had made just a half-dozen calls. But he knew from his training that it was important to make sure his dad’s airways were clear. Jack’s breathing was shallow and his pulse weak. Eric says his first conclusion was that his father had heatstroke, but symptoms didn’t quite match up with the diagnosis. “His skin was cool and clammy,” he recalls, “that’s not a sign of heat exhaustion, so then I figured it could be shock.”

As luck would have it

As Eric was tending his father, another hiker came along. When Eric suggested the possibility that his dad was having a heart attack, the woman screamed. But she quickly regained her composure and offered to call 911 on her cell phone. “I told her to tell 911 to be prepared for flight out,” he said.

Soon another hiker came along. His name was Jeremy Wirth of Falmouth, and as providence would have it, he was also an EMT. With a bit more experience under his belt and the ability to assess things a little more dispassionately, Jeremy attended to Jack while Eric talked with rescuers.

After discussing Jack’s signs and symptoms, Eric, Jeremy and the dispatcher concluded that he might indeed be in the midst of a heart attack. The dispatcher then had to determine how to respond to the emergency . . . that’s when Jack, who’d regained consciousness, began to make his concerns clear.

“I told them, ‘I’m not going to make it if they try to get me out by board,” Jack recalls. Throughout the ordeal, Jack says he felt a sense of doom. “I kept saying to Eric, ‘I have to get out of here.’ ” The others concurred. It would take rescuers on foot several hours to carry Jack to the closest access point on Route 26. They didn’t have several hours. The dispatcher connected the men with Game Warden Rick Mills, who asked about accessibility by air. When they determined that a safe landing could be made on one of the mountain’s bald spots, LifeFlight was called. “Rick, the warden, said LifeFlight would be there in 30 minutes,” Eric recalls.

As the Lewiston LifeFlight crew took to the air, an emergency rescue team from Bethel was also dispatched in case a landing was not possible.

“We heard them coming in low.”

“We heard them coming in low; they didn’t know exactly where we were,” says Eric, who tried to get the flight crew’s attention by waving a handkerchief. Pilot Karl Hatlemark spotted the landing zone but pulled out of his first landing attempt before setting the airship down. Flight paramedic Bob Johnson and flight nurse Cathy Case, were apprised of Jack’s condition by Eric and Jeremy. Then the four loaded him into the helicopter. They set a course for CMMC.

Relieved that Jack was literally out of the woods but concerned about what would come next, Eric and Jeremy set off down the trail to Jeremy’s vehicle. The pair drove to CMMC.

In good hands

Jack says his most vivid memory of the flight to CMMC is the whir of the helicopter rotors. “I felt disappointed in my body,” he recalls. “I felt left down. But, actually, I felt pretty good . . . I was in good hands.”

At CMMC, Jack under went two EKGs and an enzyme test that confirmed that he was having a heart attack. William Phillips, M.D., director of diagnostic and interventional cardiology at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI), performed a catheter exam and detected a blockage. He completed an angioplasty to restore blood flow, but more work would be needed. Jack was introduced to Pat Cochran, M.D., CMHVI’s director of cardiac surgery.

“They were tremendous,” Jack says about the care providers at CMMC and CMHVI. “I considered going home for surgery, but they made me feel so comfortable.” On July 7, Dr. Cochran performed a quadruple bypass. Jack’s recovery went very well and less than a week later he was on his way home.

“Nothing you could do any better.”

While Jack was a patient in the Single Stay Unit at CMHVI, his family stayed at the Arbor House, CMMC’s temporary housing facility. They were impressed with both resources.

“The Arbor House program is really incredible,” Eric says. “The staff and the Single Stay Unit are tremendous,” Jack adds. “There’s really nothing you could do any better.”

Making good luck

The Kubovcik family knows that Jack’s survival and recovery is largely a factor of good luck. They also know that in many ways, people set the conditions for good luck. Eric’s recent certification as an EMT . . . the creation of LifeFlight a few years ago . . . the availability of sophisticated cardiac care at CMMC . . . were all factors in Jack’s rescue and recovery. Nonetheless, the story’s essentially happy ending still reduces to good luck. But it’s a lucky streak the Kubovciks will gladly accept.

02/16/2005

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Diane M. MacKinnon, M.D.

Joins Central Maine Family Practice

Diane M. MacKinnon, M.D., a family physician, has joined Central Maine Family Practice, a clinical division of Central Maine Medical Center.

Prior to beginning her work with Central Maine Family Practice, MacKinnon practiced for three years with Family Health Associates in Auburn, a well-respected group physician practice.

A graduate of Providence College in Providence, R.I., MacKinnon earned her medical degree at State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn College of Medicine in Brooklyn, N.Y., where she received numerous academic awards. She completed a residency in family practice at the Central Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program.

MacKinnon previously worked as a medical editor at the New York Orthopedic Hospital Research Laboratory in New York City, and as a research assistant at Children’s Hospital in Boston.

She is certified by the American Board of Family Practice, and is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, Maine Medical Association, and American Society of Colposcopists and Cervical Pathologists.

MacKinnon is a volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Androscoggin County.

She is practicing in association with Central Maine Family Practice, a group practice comprised of Trisha A. Gushue, D.O., J. Scott Patch, M.D., Susan A. Thomas, M.D., Peggy Wyman, M.D., and family nurse practitioners Tracy Creaser and Elizabeth Byard. The group provides a full range of family healthcare services to both children and adults. Central Maine Family Practice's offices are located in Suite 302 at the Twelve High Street Medical Office Complex in Lewiston.

02/16/2005

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State Healthcare plan -- as proposed -- will devastate Maine's hospital system

Many ask: Why the rush?

On May 5, Governor John Baldacci unveiled his promised healthcare reform plan. One week later, LD 1611, the actual bill, was released and immediately followed by news that a public hearing on the measure would be held just three days later on May 15.

This aggressive strategy of introducing a reform plan that will drastically affect a $5 to $6 billion sector of Maine’s economy and moving it forward for a quick vote certainly had its intended effect on the state’s hospital community. Hospital governing boards and management teams statewide barely had the chance to review the massive bill before they found themselves testifying before a select legislative committee at a hastily scheduled public hearing.

Stunned by the bill’s complexity, countless shortcomings and generally punitive tenor, hospital leaders throughout Maine questioned why the proposal was being pushed so fast and so hard.

(Click here to learn how you can help Maine's hospitals protect themselves from this potentially devastating proposal.)

Why the rush?

The answer lies in the bill itself.

LD 1611 “An Act To Provide Affordable Health Insurance to Small Businesses and Individuals and To Control Health Care Costs,” as it is currently drafted, is the most potentially devastating legislation ever aimed at Maine’s healthcare system.

Central to the plan is a provision that establishes a “global budget” for all of Maine’s hospitals. According to the formula that establishes this budget, in the first year of the plan’s operation, there will be a $750 million dollar gap between what it will cost to deliver services statewide and what state government will allow hospitals to recover. This funding shortfall is approximately equal to the annual budgets of the state’s 24 smallest hospitals.

A second key component of the plan is a proposal to institute a “voluntary” hospital rate freezes of three percent. If the voluntary approach fails, the state will impose rate regulation. The obvious failing of this component of the plan is that it does nothing to constrain the costs actually incurred by hospitals in delivering healthcare services.

Another provision of the reform plan places a moratorium on all Certificate of Need (CON) applications for one year and establishes a cap on all future CON projects. Since the state has indicated it will initiate an extensive healthcare planning process to augment the CON process and hospital leaders are in general agreement with this approach, a CON capital investment cap is unnecessary.

Hospital executives, governing board members, physicians and others in the healthcare field have suggested that supporters of the plan are pushing for very fast action on the bill because they believe it won’t stand up to public scrutiny. Even the bill’s most ardent supporters seem to realize that it is flawed.

While acknowledging in a Kennebec Journal opinion piece that the plan “is not perfect,” Assistant Senate Majority Leader Ken Gagnon of Waterville, a Democrat who cosponsored the plan, warned that “there will be limited patience” for those who have opinions contrary to the reform proposal. Other legislators have been quoted as saying it is important “to pass the bill now and then go back and fix any problems later.”

Fix problems later?

Maine hospitals are questioning the wisdom of enacting such radical legislation without due consideration of its consequences. They also express doubts that reversing the bills most damaging features can be done quickly enough to avert its catastrophic consequences.

While the state’s hospitals agree that aspects of the Maine’s healthcare system, like aspects of the nation’s healthcare system, are in need of repair, they are united in their objection to many elements of Maine’s proposed reform bill

(Click here to learn how you can help Maine's hospitals protect themselves from this potentially devastating proposal.)

02/16/2005

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Why Does Health Care Cost So Much?

By Dr. David Stuchiner

Governor Baldacci has introduced a very ambitious plan to provide healthcare coverage to uninsured Maine citizens. This proposal was met with considerable alarm from hospitals, doctors, some businesses, and insurance companies. Why the controversy? Are these groups not interested in the plight of the uninsured? No, I don’t think so. However, to understand why health insurance is so expensive, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how America’s healthcare system is financed.

The federal government pays for the Medicare program, the nation’s biggest healthcare insurance program. Even though Medicare patients pay 20 percent of their bills, the amount they pay, combined with the amount the Federal government pays, covers only a portion of the actual cost of care. Medicare also pays different rates to hospitals in every state. Maine’s hospitals are near the bottom of that list – receiving among the smallest payments for Medicare services in the United States!

Medicaid is another large government health insurance program. Medicaid is funded by the federal Government, with additional contributions from states. MaineCare is a similar program that was created to help pay for healthcare for low income Maine people. These two programs also don’t come close to paying what it actually costs to care for their clients.

What about the uninsured? Many uninsured Mainer’s don’t get the preventive care they need, and that is a tragedy that needs to be addressed. But they do get free care at our emergency rooms, hospitals, and hospital clinics,

Who pays for what the federal government doesn’t pay? Who pays for what the state of Maine doesn’t pay? Who pays for the free care? Sadly, it is commercial insurance – the kind that small businesses and the uninsured are offered. They shoulder the costs that Medicare and Medicaid and MaineCare and the uninsured don’t pay!

Is this system ridiculous? Of course it is! Trish Riley, director of the Governor’s Healthcare Policy Office, says that when everyone has healthcare insurance, the costs will go down. But insurance costs can’t really go down until the state and federal government shoulder their full burden! “Cost shifting” from government programs businesses and individuals represents a hidden state and federal tax!

What do Maine hospitals spend their money on? Could we spend less money? Is there a “medical arms race”?

People make up the largest expense for hospitals. Good healthcare requires good people. Salaries have to be paid to nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, housekeepers, maintenance operators, and in some cases, physicians. These people are the lifeblood of healthcare in Maine. They are your friends, neighbors and relatives who dedicate their lives and careers to taking care of their communities. Hospitals want and need well trained nurses. There is a severe nursing shortage in America that will continue for many years. Nursing salaries are rising as hospitals around the country compete for this scarce resource. Maine hospitals have to be able to attract high quality nurses who have the skills we need to care for our aging population.

We all know that medications are expensive. Hospitals can’t go to Canada to buy their drugs. Maine people deserve to have the best medications to fight disease. Many new treatments are developed every year that require costly new medicines to save lives. Maine people are living longer, more productive lives because these treatments are available.

Hospitals can’t skimp on modern diagnostic tools either. These are the tools that doctors and patients ask for. These are the CT scanners and MRI machines that give us diagnostic answers more quickly, more accurately and with less discomfort than previous methods.

Many hospitals employ physicians to provide needed services such as primary care in remote areas, and some specialty services. Low reimbursement rates for these specialties prevent these physician practices from standing on their own. Many rural areas of America do not have primary care practices but Maine is better off than most because of hospital support.

Hospitals also have to pay for electricity, heating oil, food, maintenance and repairs to aging buildings and equipment.

What else do hospitals pay for? Lifeflight of Maine, for example – the statewide helicopter air ambulance service available for all Mainers. How about the Maine Trauma System? The integrated Trauma System provides care to critically injured or ill individuals throughout the state. Maine is the only state in America where all hospitals participate in a voluntary system of trauma care. This goes a long way toward saving lives.

Many Maine hospitals are investing in computer technology that has been shown to increase quality of care and reduce costly and dangerous medical errors. These systems cost millions of dollars. You would think that the federal government and the state would help to pay for these systems directly, since they ultimately reduce costly errors that Medicare and Medicaid have to pay for. But the sad fact is that the state and federal governments are not directly paying for any of these systems. Instead, hospitals are investing in them simply because it is the right thing to do. But hospitals need to have a financial “profit”, so they can plow that money back to buy all this expensive equipment that improves our healthcare.

So how does Maine stack up against other states on things like quality? The federal government recently rated Maine’s healthcare system as the third best in the country! And Maine has avoided many of the serious problems my colleagues are dealing with around the country … like the Nevada Trauma Center that had to close because it did not have the surgeons it needed to care for patients … or in West Virginia, where patients cannot get routine surgery. In many cities, ambulances drive around for hours looking for an emergency room that can take their patients. In many parts of the country, patients who do make it into the ER may spend days on a gurney waiting for an available inpatient bed. Thankfully, we don’t have these problems in Maine. But the high quality system we have and deserve costs money.

I am proud that Maine people have a healthcare system that the rest of the country recognizes as one of the best. That is due in part because Maine hospitals and Maine doctors have worked together to ensure that their communities have the medical resources they need and deserve. It is also because Maine’s hospitals are community based charitable organizations with community governing boards that determine the needs of their communities. Our healthcare system may seem expensive, but I don’t believe Mainers would tolerate the problems that other Americans face from their healthcare system.

So as we try to find ways to pay for the uninsured, we must not forget to preserve what we have built. As the line from the song goes … “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone…”.

I invite Trish Riley and the Governor to acknowledge their responsibility to adequately fund the current Medicare, Medicaid and MaineCare programs – only then can small businesses and the uninsured find insurance rates that are affordable. Destroying the quality of healthcare in Maine is no way to save money.

02/16/2005

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CMMC School of Radiologic Technology

Students Receive Awards

Students from the Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology at Central Maine Medical Center School took four awards at the annual meeting of the Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Patty Leslie of Topsham, a junior radiography student, received second prize in the Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) Student Scientific Exhibit for her exhibit, “Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty.” The exhibit took the $250 prize.

"Positron Emission Tomography," an entry by senior radiography student Jonathan Turner of Jay, took second place in the MSRT Student Essay Contest. The entry received a $150 prize.

Senior radiography student Doug Clark of Auburn received third place and a $100 prize for his essay, “The Use of Intravascular Brachytherapy in Preventing Restenosis.”

Irene Dube of Auburn, a junior radiography student, won an honorable mention for her essay entitled, “Radioimmunotherapy in the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.”

The Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists student exhibit is open to all students currently enrolled in a radiologic science program. There are five schools of radiologic science in Maine.

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.

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New Monitoring System

Improves Patient Safety and Enhances Care

Central Maine Medical Center has implemented a new monitoring system that care providers say improves patient safety and enhances care.

The newly installed Philips OB Trace Vue fetal monitoring system allows CMMC care providers to monitor laboring mothers-to-be from multiple locations, better assuring that changes in health status will be promptly detected. The system also allows care providers to complete patient charting by entering clinical information directly into a customized digital medical record that can be called up at the patient’s beside.

“I can’t say too much about how much I love this new system,” says registered nurse Susan Clough of CMMC’s Special Delivery Family Birthing Unit. “It’s really unbelievable. It’s the best thing to come down the pike in a long time.”

Susan Clough, a 31-year maternity nursing veteran who holds special certification in obstetrical nursing, says the eight fetal monitors in use at CMMC have improved patient safety, streamlined the patient record-keeping process, and granted nurses more time to spend with patients. The system even charts what Clough calls “patient episodes,” such as labor checks and other events that happen separately from the mother’s actual admission to give birth.

“Everything is now right there at your fingertips at the bedside,” Clough says. “This fetal monitoring system is top-notch. We can enter information into a patient's chart right in her room, making it easier to keep the chart up to date. All the statistics, all the charting information is now available in one location and an authorized care provider can access everything at once. The system has streamlined the charting process and eliminated a lot of paperwork. But the best thing is, I think, it lets you spend more time with the patient.”

The Philips OB Trace Vue is a fetal monitoring system that records heartbeat rhythms and uterine contractions. It also provides information about the mother’s blood pressure and blood oxygen levels. Finally, the system can display information about basic cardiac functions on a flat-panel display, although “hard copies” can be produced if required.

In addition to providing patient information at the bedside, the fetal monitoring system is connected to a central monitoring system at the Special Delivery Unit’s nursing station. Each patient’s obstetrician or midwife can also access real-time information at their office and even at their home through a secure broadband connection. To assure patient confidentiality, patient information can be easily hidden from view. As with paper records, digital medical records regarding each patient must be approved by a physician.

All patient charts entered into the OB Trace Vue system are archived on compact disc. These records are also backed up every 24 hours and again at year’s end. Clough says the system installed at CMMC has the capacity to store 300,000 patient records.

Moira Shanahan, M.D., chief of the CMMC Obstetrics-Gynecology Department, says the fetal monitoring system offers advantages for both care providers and patients.

“It’s a very convenient system to use. I have much better access to patient information when I’m working in my office. The information can’t be lost and is literally only a couple clicks away. It promotes much better chart reviews for quality assurance purposes, particularly in regards to reviewing heart monitor strips. Now, I can go back for a day or six months and pull up a record. This is all extremely helpful for case review and teaching purposes. It’s a great system,” Shanahan says.

Photo caption: Susan Clough, a 31-year maternity nursing veteran who holds special certification in obstetrical nursing, says the eight fetal monitors in use at Central Maine Medical Center have improved patient safety, streamlined the patient record-keeping process, and granted nurses more time to spend with patients.

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LifeFlight of Maine Earns Award

LifeFlight of Maine earned a special Merit and Leadership Award at the Mid Coast Emergency Medical Services (MCEMS) annual conference and banquet earlier this month. The conference, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport attracted nearly 500 EMS providers from across the state.

During the award presentation, MCEMS noted that in reviewing every submission for the Extraordinary Call category, the judges noticed a common theme of LifeFlight being an integral component of each story. Additionally, the group praised LifeFlight's educational outreach efforts, building Maine's air medical system, and the ecumenical approach that LifeFlight takes in managing patients and putting the patient first.

In the past 24 years, MCEMS has awarded the Merit and Leadership Award only three times-LifeFlight's Merit and Leadership award marks the first time an organization has been honored. LifeFlight of Maine executive director Tom Judge said, " It's a great honor to be recognized by our colleagues. And it was both humbling and gratifying for us to receive a standing ovation from the entire room as the LifeFlight crew accepted this prestigious award."

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CMMC to Ban Use of Tobacco Products

Beginning November 18th

Central Maine Medical Center will ban the use of tobacco products on its entire campus beginning November 18.

To ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone at Central Maine Medical Center, the facility will become tobacco free on the day of the Great American Smokeout. The ban will include all tobacco products and will extend to all Central Maine Medical Center-Central Maine Healthcare property.

During the transition to a tobacco-free environment, the hospital will offer assistance to smokers who would like to quit.

For more information, call Healthy Androscoggin at 795-5990, visit

www.healthyandroscoggin.org or access the Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230.

Other resources

CMMC Health and Wellness Services 795-2473

American Cancer Society 1-800-464-3102

American Heart Association of Maine

1-800-937-0944

American Lung Association of Maine

1-800-499-5804

Thank you for not smoking at CMMC.

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Matthew D. Flaherty, M.D

Joins Central Maine Heart Associates

Matthew D. Flaherty, M.D., a cardiac anesthesiologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing with Central Maine Heart Associates and is a member of the physician staff at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Insititute.

Prior to beginning his practice in the Lewiston-Auburn area, Flaherty practiced with Greeley Anesthesia Specialists at North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) in Greeley, Colo., where he served as director of Surgical Services. During his time at NCMC he held several medical staff positions, including chief of staff.

He was also an assistant professor of anesthesiology at Denver General Hospital’s Department of Anesthesiology, which is affiliated with the University of Colorado.

Flaherty hold’s a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., and a master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver.

His academic achievements were recongized with a number of awards, including an Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award and an Outstanding Resident of the Year Award from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

Flaherty served an internship in general surgery at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver and a residency in anesthesiology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, also in Denver.

He is certified in anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology. He is also certified as an Advanced Burn Life Support provider and instructor and an Advanced Cardiac Life Support provider.

Central Maine Heart Associates also includes Richard P. Cochran, M.D., CMHVI’s director of cardiac surgery, William J. Phillips, M.D., CMHVI’s director of interventional and diagnostic cardiology, cardiac surgeon Carmine Frumiento, M.D., interventional and diagnostic cardiologist Mark E. Lanzieri, M.D., cardiologists Richard F. Klonoski, M.D., Frances A. DeRook, M.D., and Keith A. Comess, M.D., and cardiac anesthesiologist Christopher A. Mills, M.D.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, a division of CMMC, offers a comprehensive program for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease. The CMHVI single-stay unit features a unique nursing care model that adjusts to the patient’s evolving needs, allowing the patient to remain in one room from admission to discharge. CMHVI also maintains a prevention and screening program highlighted by the ScoreKeeper, a sophisticated cardiac risk assessment service.

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CMMC Junior Volunteers

The Central Maine Medical Center Junior Volunteer Program includes both new youngsters and “seasoned” volunteers. Junior volunteers at CMMC range from 13 to 17 years of age. Each summer juniors contribute up to 6,000 hours of service to CMMC by running errands, performing clerical functions, covering information desks, as well as many other duties They are oriented and trained to provide volunteer services in ancillary and direct patient care areas throughout the hospital. The youngsters are encouraged to develop learning skills, make new friends, interact with employees and senior volunteers, ask questions, and most of all, have fun. The volunteer experience also encourages them to learn about career opportunities in healthcare and to job shadow in both clinical and non-clinical disciplines. If they wish, they may volunteer at CMMC during school vacations and teacher workshops. Applications for next summer’s Junior Volunteer Program will be available on January 1.

Participating in this summer’s CMMC Junior Volunteers Program were the following: Floor, front row left to right, Brian McKeown of Lewiston, Rachel Larkin of Lewiston, Mindy Hodgkin of Lewiston, Heidi Bean of Leeds, Nina DeSoi of Greene, Ariane Bowie of Greene, Sucheta DeSai of Auburn, Ashley LaGrange of Lewiston, Lindsey Freeman of Minot, Megan McDonald of Hebron; back row, left to right, Sue Bowie, Director of Volunteer Services, Alyssa Barnies of Lewiston, Rudy Cyr of Auburn, Randi Record of Lewiston, Jasmine McLoughlin of Auburn, Joanna Hughes of Auburn, Andrew Eldridge of Gray, Lauren Carmichael of Poland, Bobby Logan of Lisbon, Zeke Pendexter of New Gloucester, Joe Ripley of Gray, Nathan Laliberte of Greene, David John of Monmouth

Stairs, left to right, Eric Prue of Auburn, Emily Law of Lisbon, Morgan Nuzzo of Litchfield, Dustin Oberlander of Lewiston, Spencer Teixeira of Sabattus, Courtney Stewart of Lisbon, Kaylee Rushton of Lewiston, Kristina Chick of Lewiston, Christine Chamberland of Auburn, Michael Girouard of Mechanic Falls, Kyla Nutting of Lewiston, Becky Pelletier of Lewiston, Erica Belanger of Lewiston, Sara Rohman of Auburn, Jennifer Rancourt of Lewiston, Tyler Snow of New Gloucester

Absent from photo, Krysten Applegate of Lewiston, Brooke Bernier of Greene, Morgen Bernier of Greene, Tammy Fecteau of Lewiston, Jessica Fields of Greene, Aaron Gilks of Sabattus, Bethany Goodwin of Lisbon, Courtney Haskell of Auburn, Katelyn Kirk of Leeds, Kayla Lajoie of Lewiston, Matthew Leveille of Lewiston, Amy Marron of Auburn, Kevin McKeown of Lewiston, Karin Skalina of Portland

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Thank You Central & Western Maine

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute in Lewiston recently celebrated its first anniversary. We want to acknowledge all of the people who have made our program a success.

Our thanks to the more than 130 physicians who referred patients from nearly every community in the region to CMHVI.

Thanks also to the staffs at Bridgton, Franklin Memorial, Maine General, Miscast, Rumford, and Stephens Memorial hospitals, Parkview Adventist Medical Center, and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, where patients were first treated and later transferred to CMHVI for advanced cardiac care.

We extend our gratitude to the governing boards, staffs, and our physician colleagues at the Central Maine Medical Family.

And most of all, our thanks to the patients and family members who trusted us to provide the very highest level of cardiac patient care.

CMHVI provides diagnostic cardiology, cardiac catheterization, cardiac angioplasty and stents, including drug-eluting stents, cardiac bypass surgery, valve surgery, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, and vascular surgery.

Since opening in May 2003, the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute has:

  • Performed over 400 cardiac angioplasty and cardiac surgery procedures
  • Offered emergency cardiac angioplasty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Scored in the top 1% of all cardiac programs for customer satisfaction

Best of all, the overwhelming majority of patients referred to CMHVI remain close to home while receiving advanced cardiac care.

That’s what you asked for and we are delivering on our promise.

CMHVI is open to all patients and accepting referrals from any physician.

Central Maine Heart & Vascular Institute
Medical Office Complex
300 Main Street, Lewiston
207-753-3900
www.cmhvi.org

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CMMC Family Practice Residency Program

Welcomes New Family Residents

Seven new medical school graduates have joined the Central Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program. Beginning their training in the three-year residency program are the following: from left, front row, Christopher Cieurzo, M.D. (University of Vermont College of Medicine); Manju Hilary, M.D. (Kasturba Medical College); Catherine Harrington, M.D. (Ross University School of Medicine); and Christine Tremblay, D.O. (University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine); back row, Stephen Kulcsar, D.O. (Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine); Shakeel Kahn, M.D. (Central America Health Sciences University); and Kirk Silver, M.D. (University of Kentucky College of Medicine). In order to be eligible to gain certification from the American Board of Family Practice, the residents must complete a three-year postgraduate residency training program. Each doctor will provide care to a group of patients-families from various life stages. Their training experience will include pregnancy, managing labor and delivering the baby, as well as infant care, and care of children, adolescents, adults and elder adults. They work at both the CMMC Oscar Treat Turner Family Practice Center at 76 High Street in Lewiston and at CMMC. Their teachers include primary care doctors and sub-specialist physicians. The mission of CMMC’s Family Practice Residency Program, now in its 27th year of operation, is to graduate highly trained physicians who are prepared to begin family practices in a rural area.

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CMMC Adult Volunteers

Annual Appreciation Banquet


From left, Dick Leavitt; Jane Holmes; Harold Lucas; Maryanne Jackman; Pam Heald; Roy Lowe; Gretchen Ward of Lewiston; Susan Bowie, director of Volunteer Services at CMMC; and Edgar Lane

Central Maine Medical Center’s adult volunteers gathered recently at the hospital for their annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.

Among those honored was Anthe James of Lewiston, who has given 58 year of service as a Woman's Hospital Association Gift Shop volunteer.

CMMC’s adult volunteers were collectively honored for giving over 58,000 hours of service to the hospital last year.

A number of CMMC managers acknowledged individual volunteers in a post-dinner ceremony. Many of those who recognized their volunteers spoke of how important volunteer support is in maintaining day-to-day activities at CMMC.

“The evening was a splendid affair with entertainment provided by singing duo Side By Side. The event’s theme was “casino,” complete with decorations and gifts in ‘Vegas style,’ ” said CMMC Volunteers Director Susan Bowie.

The following volunteers were honored at the Appreciation Banquet:

100 hours or less of service

Debra Angelides and Snoopy (service dog) of Sidney, 36 hours; Joline Beaudoin, 81 hours; H.W. Beatty of Windham, 70 hours; Connie Bishop of Auburn, 67 hours; Crystal Brown, 62 hours; Gisele Chabot of Lewiston, 44 hours; Joe DeFilip, 61 hours; Sarah Deletetsky of Auburn, 75 hours; Siggy Fields of Auburn, 25 hours; Esther Gould of Brunswick, 99 hours; Debra Hamner, five hours; Phyllis Henderson of Auburn, 92 hours; Jane Holmes of Norway, 23 hours; Barbara Kern of Auburn, 12 hours; Kim Knight of Auburn, five hours; Jean Libby of Auburn, 25 hours; Ruth Michaud of Auburn, 26 hours; Troy Morgan of Auburn, eight hours; Sue Peters of Lewiston, 16 hours; Ben Roberts of Litchfield, 40 hours; Carla Scott, 93 hours; Valerie Seamon, 15 hours; Jane Stone of Raymond, 30 hours; Carla Thibault of Auburn, 11 hours; Marilyn Vanier of Auburn, 25 hours; Bud Wilcox of Lewiston, 55 hours; Ruth Young of Naples, 25 hours; and Mike Zubiate of Auburn, 50 hours.

100 to 500 hours of service

Anne Ceplikas of Auburn, 278 hours; Priscilla Band of Lewiston, 345 hours; Lorraine Bolen of Lewiston, 107 hours; Dick Bussiere of Auburn, 464 hours; Henry Coombs of Auburn, 227 hours; Lillian Coombs of Auburn, 356 hours; Judy Carver of Poland Spring, 824 hours; Pat Duval of Auburn, 289 hours; Lorraine Hamann of Lewiston, 388 hours; Virginia Jones of Rumford, 130 hours; Priscilla Lavoie of Lewiston, 197 hours; Marsha McKenna of Rumford, 156 hours; Claire Naum of Auburn, 162 hours; Sue O'Leary of Lisbon, 134 hours; Tonie Ramsey of Auburn, 352 hours; Lorraine Samson of Lewiston, 175 hours; Janice Sites of Lewiston, 107 hours; Anne Tetreault of Lewiston, 184 hours; Art Turley of Lewiston, 372 hours; Lorraine Vaillancourt of Auburn, 130 hours; Vergie Wade of Monmouth, 480 hours; Pam Washington of Rumford, 130 hours; Gretchen Ward of Lewiston, 336 hours; and Ruth Young of Naples, 25 hours.

500 to 1000 hours

Rita Beaulieu of Lewiston, 874 hours; Joe Bennett of Lewiston, 511 hours; Carol Berg of Auburn, 784 hours; Pete Bouchard of Lewiston, 692 hours; Betty Bubier of Greene, 560 hours; Pauline Burns of Auburn, 949 hours; Gillian Curtis of Greene, 727 hours; Larry Doble of Lisbon Falls, 570 hours; Sylvia Fisher of Hartford, 676 hours; Lorna Fournier of Auburn, 742 hours; Dale Gowell of Auburn, 842 hours; Jean Hamel of Auburn, 650 hours; Pam Heald of Buckfield, 650 hours; Judy Holbrook of Auburn, 874 hours; Barbara Lander of Auburn, 974 hours; Jeanne Laliberte of Auburn, 842 hours; Norm Laliberte of Auburn, 903 hours; Veny Lavoie of Lewiston, 781 hours; Frank McAvoy of Lewiston, 771 hours; Roger Nadeau of Lewiston, 791 hours; Joan Neal of Auburn, 830 hours; Claire Poirier of Auburn, 724 hours; Bob Saindon of Auburn, 716 hours; Ann Walton of Lewiston, 603 hours; Evelyn Thomas of Lewiston, 655 hours; and Harold Warner of Auburn, 666 hours.

1,000 to 2,000 hours:

B. Bernier of Litchfield, 1,454 hours; Marie Banville of Lewiston, 1,688 hours; Janice Bilodeau of Auburn, 1,818 hours; Pauline Blais of Lewiston, 1,460 hours; Connie Brann of Auburn, 1,830 hours; Florence Chandonnet of Lewiston, 1,568 hours; Mildred Dumais of Auburn, 1,064 hours; Jean Gilbert of Turner, 1,941 hours; Carol Kypta of Lewiston, 1,937 hours; Ed Lane of Turner, 1,103 hours; Bruce Macomber of Auburn, 1,032 hours; Mary Morgan of Greene, 1,358 hours; Pat Records of Turner, 1,494 hours; Glenys Ryder of Danville, 1,019 hours; Wes Ryder of Danville, 1,049 hours; Ray Turcotte of Lewiston, 1,787 hours; Brenda Weeks of Auburn, 1,269 hours; and Don Weeks of Auburn, 1,825 hours.

2,000 to 3,000 hours

Muriel Adams of Auburn, 2,101 hours; Betty Audet of Lewiston, 2,235 hours; Bruce Bartlett of Auburn, 2,590 hours; Cep Ceplikas of Auburn, 2,077 hours; Joan Levenson of Auburn, 2,400 hours; Judy Moreau of Lewiston, 2,300 hours; Mildred Rideout of Greene, 2,850 hours; Jackie Thornton of Lewiston, 2,516 hours; Ken Thurlow of Mechanic Falls, 2,943 hours; Dick Therrien of Lewiston, 2,280 hours; Bea Wailus of Greene, 2,648 hours; and Nancy Warner of Auburn, 2,854 hours.

3,000 to 4,000 hours

Mike Bussiere of Lewiston, 3,348 hours; Lennie Butler of Auburn, 3,569 hours; Jackie Culina of Auburn, 3,734 hours; Pauline Fournier of Lewiston, 3,839 hours; Betty Giroux of Lewiston, 3,398 hours; Helen Hewins of Greene, 3,372 hours; Harold Lucas of Auburn, 3,356 hours; Jim McDonough of Auburn, 3,148 hours; Louise Plouff of Greene, 3,375 hours; Esther Robinson of Auburn, 3,771 hours; Ellie Rolerson of Lewiston, 3,055 hours; and Lucille Welch of Lewiston, 3,860 hours.

4,000 to 5,000 hours:

Mary Brogan of Greene, 4,211 hours; Lora Clark of Auburn, 4,436 hours; Dick Gould of Brunswick, 4,567 hours; Jackie Harkins of Mechanic Falls, 4,498 hours; Roy Lowe of New Gloucester, 4,183 hours; Don Nason of Auburn, 4,369 hours; and Glen Spiller of Lewiston, 4,008 hours.

5,000 to 6,000 hours

Annette Dubuc of Lewiston, 5,883 hours; Marion Hammond of Greene, 5,274 hours; and Phyllis Latlippe of Auburn, 5,712 hours.

6,000 to 7,000 hours

Ray Ames of Lewiston, 6,987 hours; Mary Ann Jackman of Minot, 6,250 hours; Dick Leavitt of Auburn, 6,190 hours; and Gabe Parent of Auburn, 6,132 hours.

7,000 to 8,000 hours

Hartley Fogg of Auburn, 7,135 hours

Over 8,000 hours:

Marie Vickery of Auburn, 9,330 hours; Helen McGuire of Lewiston, 10,164 hours; Eileen Danforth of Lewiston, 11,206 hours; Aneta Belanger of Greene, 13,470 hours; and Mary Nichols of Lewiston, 14,474 hours.

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CMMC named a "Compassionate Friend"

By national group

Central Maine Medical Center was recognized recently by The Compassionate Friends, an Oak Brook, Ill. — based international support organization with nearly 600 chapters in the United States, including an office in Maine.

CMMC was one of 46 Compassionate Friends award-winners recognized nationwide “for showing extra sensitivity to workers who have suffered the death of a child, sibling, or grandchild,” according to the organization.

The award recognizes the reaction of CMMC’s first-floor Thompson Wing (T1) Medical-Surgical Nursing Unit staff to the death of one of its member’s son in September 2001. The T1 staff rallied around Shari Herrick, R.N., after the devastating loss of her 15-year-old son, Scott Hill, in an accident. Shari later recommended CMMC for the award.

Employers are generally nominated by the persons they have directly helped. The Compassionate Employer Recognition Award for 2003 was made to employers nationwide “for going above and beyond the normal policies . . . in helping their employees when the death of a child occurred,” the organization said in announcing the award.

The criteria for Compassionate Employer Recognition are:

• Corporate policies that reflect a compassionate attitude toward bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents.

• Personal support extended by the management team toward the bereaved on staff following the child’s death.

• Caring attitude demonstrated by employer’s entire work force.

• Flexibility in work assignments and evaluation of job performance during the stress and personal pain associated with the death of a child.

• All other acts of compassion that bereaved parents and siblings will forever remember.

“Sherri really felt that we were there for her. She was just thankful for all of us being supportive to her,” said T1 Manager Karen Richardson.

“For many newly bereaved parents, coping with a job is one of the harshest of their new realities,” explained Compassionate Friends Board President David Pellegrin in announcing the recipient companies. “Employer sensitivity can have a tremendously positive impact on workers directly affected by the tragic loss of a child. So it’s especially gratifying to see such an increase in the number of employers receiving recognition for their compassion.”

Other New England-based recipients of the 2003 Compassionate Employer Recognition award are: Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Mass; Federal Express, Framingham, Mass; Pepperell Family Practice, Inc. Pepperell, Mass; and Surebridge, Inc., Lexington, Mass.

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CMMC's Woman's Hospital Association

Presents contribution

Sharon Poulin, president of the Central Maine Medical Center Woman’s Hospital Association (WHA), presents a check for $28,300 to CMMC President and Chief Executive Officer Peter E. Chalke.

During the 2002-2003 fiscal year, the WHA contributed $50,763 to the Medical Center. WHA funds supported several projects and activities, including the Arbor House Endowment and the Cancer Immediate Needs Fund.

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Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center offers IMRT

A new radiation therapy treatment for cancer

Central Maine Medical Center’s Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center is the first radiation therapy center in Maine to use intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a precise and advanced approach to 3-D radiation therapy.

Doctors have long used radiation to destroy cancers in their patients. But a barrier to even wider use of radiation as a cancer-fighting tool has been the limitations on the ability to target tumor cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue.

CMMC’s Rydholm Center recently became the first cancer treatment center in Maine to treat patients with IMRT. Radiation oncologists at the Lewiston hospital are using IMRT technology to deliver uniform doses of radiation to tumors while sparing surrounding, normal tissues. IMRT uses a computer-controlled device called a multi-leaf collimator to change the beam intensity across the surface of the tumor. This method of treatment delivers an appropriate dose of radiation to the cancer, but spares normal tissue. In many cases, radiation delivered very precisely by IMRT can be used to destroy a tumor instead of only reducing it.

“IMRT allows us to protect healthy tissue while delivering higher radiation doses to the tumors,” says Grenville Jones, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Cancer Center. “Patients will experience fewer side effects and the research data indicates improved cure rates. This technology allows us to treat tumors to a higher dose which results in greater cure rates.”

IMRT is currently being used at CMMC to treat patients with prostate cancer and will be expanded to brain, head and neck, breast, lung, pancreatic, and other cancers in the future.

Central Maine Medical Center has been designated as a comprehensive community hospital cancer program by the American College of Surgeons. Some 800 new cancer patients diagnosed or treated at the hospital each year. The Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center treats 500 patients each year and offers a comprehensive scope of services including traditional radiation therapy, radioactive seed implants, and now IMRT.

For further information call the Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center at (207) 795-2440

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CMMC Medical Imaging Schools

Graduate Eight Students


From left, first row, Morgan Smith of York; Sarah Wing of Richmond; and Diana York of Belgrade; second row, Heather Taylor of Fayette; Remicca Levesque of Auburn; and Michelle Petela of Gardiner

CMMC medical imaging schools graduate eight students Central Maine Medical Center’s medical imaging schools graduated eight students recently at joint commencement exercises.

The Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology and the School of Nuclear Medicine Technology graduated six radiologic technology students and two nuclear medicine technologists at a ceremony held at the United Baptist Church in Lewiston.

At its 59th commencement exercises, the School of Radiologic Technology graduated students who have completed the school’s accredited 24-month course that emphasizes classroom and clinical training.

Graduating from the School of Radiologic Technology were the following: Morgan Smith of York; Sarah Wing of Richmond; Diana York of Belgrade; Heather Taylor of Fayette; Remicca Levesque of Auburn; and Michelle Petela of Gardiner.

The Central Maine Medical Center School of Nuclear Medicine Technology graduated Tara Anderson of East Millinocket and Robin Richard of Livermore Falls.

The radiologic technology graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination in radiography. Students passing the exam will become nationally certified radiologic technologists. The six students also completed Central Maine Community College’s requirements for associate of applied science degrees, which they were awarded in May.

The nuclear medicine graduates are eligible to take the ARRT certification examination or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board examination in nuclear medicine technology. Given special recognition at the ceremony was Diana York, who was presented with the Clark F. Miller Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. The award goes to the student having the highest overall grade-point average.

Diana was also presented The Student Leadership Award, which is given to the student who demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities in the classroom, in clinical settings and with underclassmen. The winner of this award is determined by a vote of fellow students and the school’s faculty. The award is sponsored by Nycomed Pharmaceuticals in Newburyport, Mass.

Sarah Wing was awarded The Central Maine Medical Center Award of Excellence, which is presented to the student who has contributed the most to the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department during his or her education at CMMC. Each member of the CMMC Radiology and Medical Imaging Department is eligible to vote for the person they feel should receive the CMMC Award of Excellence. The student selected to receive the award is the individual who others feel has displayed the greatest dedication to the department and to the profession of radiologic technology.

Sarah also took the Clark F. Miller Award for Clinical Excellence that is given to the student with the highest clinical scores.The Miller awards are named for the founder of the state’s first radiologic technology school, which was established at CMMC in 1949. Promoted to seniors during the ceremony were: Mary Cadman of Harrison, Douglas Clark of Auburn, Henry Fossett of Augusta, Eric Gagne of Oakland, Lori Guiggey of Auburn, Heather Lagasse of Caribou, Laurie Pelletier of Gray and Jonathan Turner of Jay. All of the graduates have been offered full-time employment in their field.

The CMMC School of Radiologic Technology, founded as Maine’s first radiologic technology program, has graduated 312 students since its establishment in 1949.

Since its creation six years ago, the School of Nuclear Medicine Technology has graduated nine students. It is currently the only program of its kind in Maine.

The CMMC medical imaging schools serve an important role in providing trained imaging professionals to fill a growing number of diagnostic and therapeutic positions throughout the nation. Maine, like most other states, is experiencing a shortage of medical imaging professionals.

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Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology

Welcomes Ingrid A. Maniaci, M.D.


Ingrid A. Maniaci, M.D.

Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology welcomes new doctor Ingrid A. Maniaci, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. She is practicing in association with Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology at 12 High Street, Suite 200, in Lewiston.

She recently completed residency training through the Baystate Medical Center-Tufts University Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program in Springfield, Mass., where she was appointed a clinical associate. She also served as a resident physician at Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, Mich., and Detroit Medical Center-Hutzel Hospital in Detroit.

A graduate of the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, N.D., she earned her medical degree at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing, Mich.

She is the recipient of several academic awards. She is also affiliated with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association.

Prior to beginning her medical studies, Dr. Maniaci worked for 10 years in the healthcare field.

She lives in Auburn with her husband, Antonio. She has two grown daughters.

“Having raised two daughters, caring for women comes naturally to me,” Maniaci says. “Whether a woman is feeling vulnerable or feeling strong, she can face very sensitive issues. She should be comfortable with her healthcare.”

She says she decided to practice in the Lewiston-Auburn area and at Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology, in particular, because of the “incredible collaborative working atmosphere between providers and the welcoming atmosphere of the community.”

Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology is a group practice of physicians, nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners that is dedicated to the healthcare needs of women. The other direct care providers comprising the practice are: obstetrician-gynecologists Thomas E. Page, D.O., Moira A. Shanahan, M.D., and Jennifer Weiner-Smith, M.D.,; gynecologist Susan W. Gaylord, M.D.; gynecologist-infertility specialist Michael T. Drouin, M.D.; certified nurse-midwives Irene M. Meyers and Lori Bellwood; and nurse practitioners Elizabeth A. Smith and Barbara Gervais.

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Franklin ScoreKeeper™

Cardiac Prevention and Early Detection Program Expands to a National Audience


Carol Domingue, R.N., clinical case manager for the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, right, discusses ScoreKeeper results with Sue Turgeon, an employee of Skelton, Taintor and Abbott, an Auburn law firm.

Franklin Memorial Hospital, Central Maine Healthcare, Burgess Record, M.D., and Sandy Record, R.N., today announced the creation of a jointly owned corporation formed to further develop an distribute the Franklin Scorekeeper™ Software and provide related services and consultation to customers in Maine and throughout the nation.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute also announced the appointment of Burgess Record, M.D., as the Medical Director for Prevention and Outreach. Dr. Record has had a distinguished 30-year career in Farmington, and is a leader in community health promotion, disease prevention and chronic illness care.

"Comprehensive prevention is a very important part of the new Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute," said Peter Chalke, President and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare. We searched nationally for the best practice model and found it right next door in Franklin County. We are excited to be working with our colleagues in Farmington. Together we plan to reach the 400,000 people who live in central, western and mid-coast Maine and to respond to requests for this program coming from Maine and from away."

Franklin ScoreKeeper™ cardiac prevention and early detection program facilitates patient, physician and nurse counselor interaction. The initial consumer/nurse encounter ends with a clear assessment of the cardiac risk and produces an individually tailored recommendation for lowering the identified risks. The Franklin Scorekeeper™ program is designed to assist health counselors in helping people improve health behaviors and chronic disease self-management.

"Community based prevention programs like Franklin ScoreKeeper™ are an integral part of our approach to improving the health status of the communities we serve," said Richard Batt, President of Franklin Community Health Network and Franklin Memorial Hospital. There are documented results in Franklin County. We have one of the lowest adult smoking rates in Maine, we have seen a decrease in total and cardiovascular deaths, increased life expectancy and reduced healthcare costs for employers and insurance companies."

Franklin ScoreKeeper™ is much more than a simple screening tool. People are monitored on an ongoing basis. At the end of each encounter, the client is given a personalized health status report, a client-driven plan for modifying health behavioral risk and educational materials. The plan is also mailed to the client's physician.

Franklin ScoreKeeper™ is currently being offered at hospitals, physician practices, worksites, schools and community settings.

This is a program with a proven track record of results and is a useful tool for:

    Employers seeking to moderate their healthcare costs
    Physicians who can now easily monitor a patient’s compliance with their personalized health improvement plan
    Insurance companies seeking to add prevention and risk factor reduction component to their health plans
    People seeking to take personal responsibility for their own health

"Franklin ScoreKeeper™ has been recognized nationally as a model to reduce heart disease and stroke by Rural Healthy People 2010," said Burgess Record, M.D. “Reduced to its simplest terms, Franklin ScoreKeeper™ helps health professionals anywhere accomplish guideline-based health promotion, disease prevention an chronic illness care with ease and expertise. This is a made in Maine product that clearly has national significance.”

For further information contact:
Chuck Gill
Vice-President for Public Affairs:
(207) 795-2711:

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CMHVI’s Program Model

Borrows from Franklin Health Model

Intervention is just one component of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute’s comprehensive cardiovascular care program. Prevention, screening and risk factor control are also central elements of the program.

CMHVI’s prevention and education program incorporates a nationally-recognized model developed just 35 miles north in Farmington, where Burgess Record, M.D., and his wife, Sandy, a registered nurse, created the Western Maine Center for Heart Health. Over a span of nearly three decades, their program has vastly improved cardiac health in the greater Franklin County area. (Click here for more information about ScoreKeeper™, a component of the Western Maine Center for Heart Health program.)

Widely-adopted as a program template, the Franklin Health Model centers on several key concepts, including the use of technology to assure evidence-based care. Evidenced-based care is a central component of the CMHVI’s comprehensive cardiac care program.

Evidence-based clinical practice is oriented around systems of care that have been proven effective. It is a system based on sound research rather than empirical conclusions gathered more by observation than testing. Much of CMHVI’s work is directed by interdisciplinary guidelines based on medical science and tested principles of care.

To accomplish its broad vision for cardiovascular health in central and western Maine, CMHVI adopted the Franklin Health Model and retained the services of Dr. and Mrs. Record.

CMHVI’s enactment of the Franklin Model has included the introduction of numerous prevention and education programs, including:

    Raising Heart Healthy Kids – programs to help children learn about the heart and how to keep it healthy for a lifetime. Topics include: nutrition, physical activity, living tobacco-free, and knowing how the heart works.
    Women’s Heart Advantage – an educational program about prevention and the detection of the risk factors and warning signs of heart disease designed especially for women
    Participation in Healthy Community Coalitions
    Membership in the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council

CMHVI has introduced the Raising Health Heart Kids and Women’s Heart Advantage programs to the greater Lewiston-Auburn region and in the Rumford, Bridgton and Brunswick areas.

The ScoreKeeper™ program, which offers the services of specially trained nurses – supported by Franklin ScoreKeeper™ software – who provide individualized health risk screening, counseling, referral and follow-up, assures a “continuum of care” across many sites.

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ScoreKeeper™

Evolved with Franklin Health Model

In 1974 two healthcare providers affiliated with Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington established the Western Maine Center for Heart Health. The prevention, screening and risk factor control program developed by the center would eventually be recognized as one of the world’s longest lasting and most successful community cardiovascular health initiatives.

With nearly 30 years of proven results, the “Franklin Health Model” – created by Burgess Record, M.D., and his wife, Sandy, a registered nurse – has been associated with improvements in health behaviors (such as smoking cessation), risk factor control (such as high blood pressure), perceived quality of life, health resource utilization (such as preventable hospitalizations), reduced healthcare costs, improved life expectancy and lower death rates.

Adopted as a program template by numerous healthcare and health promotion organizations, including private corporations, the Franklin Health Model employs a strong team approach and centers on several key concepts

    The integration of healthcare, public health and community resources
    Continuous attention to modifiable risk factors among at-risk people
    An intensive education program
    The use of technology to assure evidence-based care

One aspect of the Franklin Model’s outreach and prevention program is the screening program it offers to identify people with risk factors for developing cardiac disease or those who have emergent cardiac disease and might benefit from intervention.

The Franklin Model’s ScoreKeeper™ risk assessment service offers the services of specially trained nurses, supported by Franklin ScoreKeeper software, who offer individualized health risk screening, counseling, referral and follow-up. The ScoreKeeper™ service is now being offered regularly by CMHVI.

The Franklin ScoreKeeper™ software helps individuals, doctors, nurses and other health counselors identify, understand, improve and monitor the many interrelated behaviors, risk factors, illnesses and other factors that contribute to a person’s health status. Using laptop computers, nurses take ScoreKeeper™ to doctors’ offices, worksites, schools and community clinics.

A ScoreKeeper™ encounter can take as little as five minutes or as much as an hour, depending on the location, time available and purpose of the visit. At the conclusion of a ScoreKeeper interview, the individual client receives an easy-to-comprehend personalized report about their health status and their own potential for change. If a person has had several interviews, ScoreKeeper™ will print a flow sheet showing up to the last eight encounters, making it easy to track changes in blood pressure, weight, cholesterol and levels of physical activity. ScoreKeeper™ can also produce a medical report for the individual’s primary care provider.

To date, nearly 600 people have completed the CMHVI ScoreKeeper™ screening process at various locations, including:

Monmouth Health Center

    Bridgton Internal Medicine
    Swift River Health Care, Rumford
    Elsemore Dixfield Center, Dixfield
    Central Maine Cardiology Associates, Lewiston
    Banknorth
    Skelton, Taintor & Abbott, Auburn
    Johns Manville, Lewiston
    American Heart Association screening
    Bureau of Health screening
    Central Maine Medical Center-Central Maine Healthcare

Nearly 40 percent of those who participated in the screening have been referred to their healthcare provider for follow-up care.

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Susan Baltrus, R.N.

Named Educator of the Year


Susan Baltrus, R.N., associate director of the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing

Susan Baltrus, R.N., associate director of the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing, has been named Educator of the Year by the Maine Council of Associate Degree Nursing Programs.

A member of the CMMC School of Nursing faculty for some 24 years, Baltrus has long been one of the school’s most popular teachers. In her role as the school’s associate director, she is responsible for academic and student affairs. She also teaches medical, surgical and critical care nursing in the classroom and instructs a clinical group in the CMMC Critical Care Unit.

“Sue receives the highest praise from students for both lecture and clinical areas. She is also well respected by nurses and physicians because of her knowledge and skills and her superb communication skills. Her standards are high but she is able to motivate and inspire students to perform to the best of their ability and her enthusiasm and commitment is contagious. She’s very deserving of this recognition,” said Sharon Kuhrt, director of the CMMC School of Nursing.

A graduate of the Central Maine General Hospital (now CMMC) School of Nursing, Baltrus earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and business from St. Joseph’s College in Windham. In 1992, she was awarded a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Maine in Portland.

In addition to her extensive experience as a nursing educator, Baltrus served for 10 years in nursing management at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway. She also worked for two years as a staff nurse at Togus Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Togus.

She is certified in medical-surgical nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She is a member of the Maine Association of Associate Degree Nursing Programs (MAADNP). She has been president as well as vice president of that organization.

Her record of community service includes eight years work with the Rape Crisis Hotline and nine years as a March of Dimes Walkathon team captain.

Baltrus lives in Lewiston. She has two grown children; Allison Brown of Woolwich and Matthew Brown of Tucson, Arizona.

Founded in 1891, the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing offers a fully-accredited two-year registered nurse education program leading to an associate degree in the applied science of nursing.

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Yue Guo, M.D.

Named to Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff


Yue Guo, M.D.

Yue Guo, M.D., a medical oncologist-hematologist, has been named to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. She has joined the group medical oncology-hematology component of CMMC’s Comprehensive Cancer Program. The practice has offices at 12 High Street, Suite 205, in Lewiston.

Guo recently completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas.

Prior to beginning her fellowship, she completed a three-year residency in internal medicine at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Guo earned both her bachelor’s degree in medicine and medical degree from Beijing Medical University in Beijing. After graduating from medical school, she worked for four years as a hematology attending physician at The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Beijing Medical University.

She has contributed to several professional publications throughout her years of research at the National Institute of Health, The Schepens Eye Research Institute at Harvard Medical School, and Boston Medical Center.

The hematologist-oncologists associated with CMMC Comprehensive Cancer Program provide care for patients with cancer and blood disorders. The practice is also comprised of Hans L. Boedeker, M.D., Nicholette Erickson, M.D., Jeffrey M. Miller, M.D., and Donna K. Thompson, M.D.

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Carmine Frumiento, M.D.

Joins the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute


Carmine Frumiento, M.D.

Carmine Frumiento, M.D., a cardiac surgeon, has joined the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

Prior to beginning his work at CMHVI, Frumiento completed a two-year cardiothoracic surgery residency at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wis. During the first year of his residency training, he served under the direction of Richard P. Cochran, M.D. Last year, Cochran joined CMHVI as director of cardiac surgery.

Frumiento’s training includes a special emphasis on minimally invasive procedures.

A graduate of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., Frumiento 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. As an intern, he was selected for the Department of Surgery’s Most Outstanding Intern Award.

He also completed a one-year surgical research fellowship at the University of Vermont-Fletcher Allen Health Care.

During the final year of his general surgical residency, he served as chief general surgical resident. He was also a clinical instructor at the University of Vermont College of Medicine’s Department of Surgery.

Frumiento is certified by the American Board of Surgery.

He is the author of a host of scholarly articles and has made numerous presentations to healthcare professional organizations.

Frumiento is practicing with Central Maine Heart Associates, which also includes William J. Phillips, M.D., CMHVI’s director of interventional and diagnostic cardiology, cardiologist Richard F. Klonoski, M.D., and interventional and diagnostic cardiologist Mark E. Lanzieri, M.D.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, a division of Central Maine Medical Center, opened in the spring of this year. Located in a newly-constructed facility adjacent to CMMC, CMHVI offers a comprehensive program for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease. The CMHVI single-stay unit features a unique nursing care model that adjusts to the patient’s evolving needs, allowing the patient to remain in one room from admission to discharge. CMHVI also maintains a prevention and screening program highlighted by the ScoreKeeper, a sophisticated cardiac risk assessment service.

Frumiento lives in Auburn with his wife, Laurie, and their son, Iain, 3, and daughter, Ellena, 16 months.

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CMMC's Family Practice Residency Program

Welcomes New Residents

Seven recent medical school graduates and two advanced level physicians in training have joined the Central Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program. Joining the program are: from left, seated, Geniene E. Wilson, M.D. (American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles), Magili A. Chapman, D.O. (University Health Sciences in Kansas City) and Michael A. Kaylor, M.D. (University of Utah College of Medicine, Salt Lake City); standing, Timothy E. Burdick, M.D. (a graduate of Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, N.H., who transferred to CMMC after successfully completing his first year of residency in Connecticut), Michael Liu, M.D. (East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, N.C.), Narayana K. Padala, M.D. (NTR University of Health Sciences, Warangal, India), Balint L. Budai, M.D. (McGill University School of Medicine in Montreal), Nathan C. Raby, D.O. (University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford). Not pictured is Margarita Perchonok, D.O., (who transferred to CMMC from a family practice residency at Tufts in Boston after completing medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.)

All of these physicians are required to complete a three-year post graduate residency training program in family practice in order to be eligible to become board certified family doctors. Each will provide care to a group of patients/families at all stages of life, including pregnancy. They will also deliver babies. In addition, they will spend time at CMMC learning from primary care doctors and subspecialists physicians. The mission of CMMC’s Family Practice Residency Program is to graduate highly trained physicians prepared to begin family practice in a rural area. This year, the CMMC’s Residency Program celebrates its 25th year of educating new physicians. More than 100 doctors have graduated from the program.

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Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Recertified by AACPR

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute Cardiac Rehabilitation Program has been recertified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACPR).

The CMHVI program is one of only 10 Maine-based programs of its kind that has earned AACRP approval, according to Kelly LeBlond, R.N., CMHVI’s manager of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services.

The certification process, which takes several months to complete, evaluates services using “very strict, best practice-based guidelines,” LeBlond explained. The evaluation considers a program’s policies and procedures, patient satisfaction levels, care outcomes, and long-term program success.

AACRP certification is becoming increasingly important to both healthcare providers and patients, LeBlond said, because in other parts of the country more and more insurance companies are covering only cardiac rehabilitation programs that have earned such a distinction.

The CMHVI Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is a three-phase program that includes both inpatient and outpatient components. Phase I is the bedside component of the program that introduces patients to the concept of cardiac health promotion and prevention prior to discharge. Phase II is conducted immediately after discharge and involves medically-supervised activities in a clinical setting and ongoing risk modification. Phase III is a longer-term exercise program conducted in Central Maine Medical Center Wellness Center.

The CMHVI’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program was established by Central Maine Medical Center some 20 years ago. When CMMC opened CMHVI last spring, the cardiac center assumed management and clinical oversight of the program.

The AACRP is a national, multi-disciplinary association dedicated to the improvement of clinical practice, promotion of scientific inquiry, and advancement of education for the benefit of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation professionals and the patients they serve. The AACRP rigorously reviews cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation programs to determine if they meet essential requirements for standards of care.

Anyone seeking more information about CMHVI’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is urged to call 795-2645.

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Karen Baldacci, Maine's First Lady

Tours CMMC's Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit


Karen Baldacci, Maine's first lady and the state’s honorary chairwoman of the March of Dimes' Prematurity Campaign, offers a rose to Deni Sevit, a 4-year-old who weighed only 15 ounces at birth.

Karen Baldacci, Maine's first lady and the state’s honorary chairwoman of the March of Dimes' Prematurity Campaign, toured Central Maine Medical Center's Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit recently as part of an effort to inform the public about the growing number of premature births.

"What's most striking to me is the increase in premature births. In Maine, that's one in 10 births, and we're up 36 percent in 10 years, and we don't know why," Mrs. Baldacci told a gathering on CMMC Special Delivery Family Birthing Center. "The technology is there; we're sav-ing these babies. Our goal with the March of Dimes campaign is to prevent them from being born too early and too small."

The reason for about half of pre-term births isn’t known, she said. Expectant mothers are eating right, taking their vitamins, seeing their doc-tors, gaining the right weight, "and we're still seeing such large increases in the deliveries of premature babies."

Possible factors, she noted, include women wait-ing longer to have babies, more in vitro fertilizations and multiple births, and problems associat-ed with substance abuse.

"With adequate dollars and research, hopeful-ly we can identify those unknowns out there," she said.

Baldacci said she and the governor have had a personal experi-ence with prematurity.

"My sister-in-law had a premature second ba-by. She was in that undefined category. She had a normal full-term first delivery, and though they did everything they should have done, she still had a baby at 32 weeks," she said.

Each week, some 25 pre-term babies are born in Maine.

Surveys show that most people are not aware of the grow-ing number of premature babies and the related health prob-lems often caused by premature birth. As a result, the March of Dimes has mounted a nationwide campaign to inform the public about the issue.

On her arrival at CMMC, Mrs. Baldacci was presented a bouquet of roses by Deni Sevit, a 4-year-old who weighed only 15 ounces at birth. "Without NICU, I'm sure she wouldn't be here," said Linda Sevit, Deni's mother.

Anyone seeking more information about the March of Dimes effort to inform the public about prematurity can visit www.modimes.org on the Internet or call the organization’s Maine Chapter at 207-474-9292.

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William J. Phillips, M.D.

Keynote Speaker at Breakfast Forum


William J. Phillips, M.D., director of diagnostic and interventional cardiology at CMHVI

William J. Phillips, M.D., director of diagnostic and interventional cardiology at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, will be the keynote speaker at the first Central Maine Healthcare Community Breakfast Forum on October 16.

Phillips will discuss "CMHVI: Heart Care Close to Home," focusing on CMHVI’s role in delivering advanced cardiac services to the residents of central and western Maine. Prior to CMHVI’s opening last spring, many rural Maine residents were forced to travel long distances for sophisticated cardiac care, including open-heart surgery and cardiac angioplasty.

He will also talk about how patients at CMHVI are benefiting from the treatment of heart attacks with cardiac angioplasty. Recent medical studies have confirmed that emergency angioplasty is more effective than clot-busting drugs for treating heart attack patients.

In his work with CMHVI, Phillips has played a key role in planning and developing the full range of cardiac services that are provided by CMHVI.

He came to CMMC 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 has extensive experience in diagnostic and interventional cardiology, including cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, stenting and pacemaker implantation. He also helped create an interventional cardiology program at United Health Services Hospitals in Binghamton, N.Y.

He is certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Phillips is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, Society of Cardiac Angiography and Interventions, and is a member of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the American Medical Association.

He has been involved in many clinical research programs and has coauthored numerous articles that have been published in professional medical journals, including Circulation, American Heart Journal, and Interventional Cardiology

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute focuses on four service components: education and prevention; screening and risk-control services; surgical/clinical intervention; and cardiac rehabilitation and disease management. The program is housed in state-of-the-art facilities located at the corner of Hammond and Lowell streets in Lewiston.

The Community Breakfast Forum is open to the public and will be presented from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Conference Rooms A, B and C on the ground floor of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. Those wishing to attend the breakfast are asked to call 795-2975 by October 10.

The entrance to the 12 High Street Building is located across the street from the CMMC parking garage. Free parking is available in the garage and in adjacent parking lots.

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Central Maine Healthcare

Partners with Rx Cares For ME

Now it’s easier than ever for Maine residents to find free and discount prescription assistance programs. Central Maine Healthcare has joined with other leading Maine health care groups to offer Rx Cares For ME, a new website and toll-free number created by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Rx Cares For ME helps eligible Mainers locate and utilize all prescription assistance programs, including pharmaceutical company programs and state programs.

Rx Cares For ME is a free and confidential service that provides one central point of access for Maine residents to find out if they qualify for prescription assistance. Over 325 assistance programs can be accessed from the website and toll-free number, and more than 1,400 prescription medicines are available to those who qualify.

The only information patients need to find out if they qualify is their age, income, family size, and the name of the prescription medicine they are looking for. After a quick search, detailed information on corresponding programs appears and includes eligibility criteria, contact information and application requirements.

Rx Cares For ME makes accessing prescription assistance programs easier than ever. The service can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.rxcaresforme.org or by calling 1-877-Rx-For-ME.

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Volunteer Appreciation Banquet

Honors Adult Volunteers

VOLUNTEER BANQUET – CMMC’s adult volunteers, who together gave some 58,000 hours of service to the Medical Center last year, were honored recently at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. Among those joining in the festivities were the following: from left, Dick Leavitt of Auburn, 6,190 hours of service; Jane Holmes of Norway, 228 hours; Harold Lucas of Auburn, 3,356 hours; Maryanne Jackman of Minot, 6,250 hours; Pam Heald of Buckfield, 802 hours; Roy Lowe of New Gloucester, 4,183 hours; Gretchen Ward of Lewiston, 336 hours; Susan Bowie, director of Volunteer Services at CMMC; and Edgar Lane of Turner, 1,103 hours

Central Maine Medical Center’s adult volunteers gathered recently at the hospital for their annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.

Among those honored was Anthe James of Lewiston, who has given 58 year of service as a Woman's Hospital Association Gift Shop volunteer.

CMMC’s adult volunteers were collectively honored for giving over 58,000 hours of service to the hospital last year.

A number of CMMC managers acknowledged individual volunteers in a post-dinner ceremony. Many of those who recognized their volunteers spoke of how important volunteer support is in maintaining day-to-day activities at CMMC.

“The evening was a splendid affair with entertainment provided by singing duo Side By Side. The event’s theme was “casino,” complete with decorations and gifts in ‘Vegas style,’ ” said CMMC Volunteers Director Susan Bowie.

The following volunteers were honored at the Appreciation Banquet:

100 hours or less of service

Debra Angelides and Snoopy (service dog) of Sidney, 36 hours; Joline Beaudoin, 81 hours; H.W. Beatty of Windham, 70 hours; Connie Bishop of Auburn, 67 hours; Crystal Brown, 62 hours; Gisele Chabot of Lewiston, 44 hours; Joe DeFilip, 61 hours; Sarah Deletetsky of Auburn, 75 hours; Siggy Fields of Auburn, 25 hours; Esther Gould of Brunswick, 99 hours; Debra Hamner, five hours; Phyllis Henderson of Auburn, 92 hours; Jane Holmes of Norway, 23 hours; Barbara Kern of Auburn, 12 hours; Kim Knight of Auburn, five hours; Jean Libby of Auburn, 25 hours; Ruth Michaud of Auburn, 26 hours; Troy Morgan of Auburn, eight hours; Sue Peters of Lewiston, 16 hours; Ben Roberts of Litchfield, 40 hours; Carla Scott, 93 hours; Valerie Seamon, 15 hours; Jane Stone of Raymond, 30 hours; Carla Thibault of Auburn, 11 hours; Marilyn Vanier of Auburn, 25 hours; Bud Wilcox of Lewiston, 55 hours; Ruth Young of Naples, 25 hours; and Mike Zubiate of Auburn, 50 hours.

100 to 500 hours of service

Anne Ceplikas of Auburn, 278 hours; Priscilla Band of Lewiston, 345 hours; Lorraine Bolen of Lewiston, 107 hours; Dick Bussiere of Auburn, 464 hours; Henry Coombs of Auburn, 227 hours; Lillian Coombs of Auburn, 356 hours; Judy Carver of Poland Spring, 824 hours; Pat Duval of Auburn, 289 hours; Lorraine Hamann of Lewiston, 388 hours; Virginia Jones of Rumford, 130 hours; Priscilla Lavoie of Lewiston, 197 hours; Marsha McKenna of Rumford, 156 hours; Claire Naum of Auburn, 162 hours; Sue O'Leary of Lisbon, 134 hours; Tonie Ramsey of Auburn, 352 hours; Lorraine Samson of Lewiston, 175 hours; Janice Sites of Lewiston, 107 hours; Anne Tetreault of Lewiston, 184 hours; Art Turley of Lewiston, 372 hours; Lorraine Vaillancourt of Auburn, 130 hours; Vergie Wade of Monmouth, 480 hours; Pam Washington of Rumford, 130 hours; Gretchen Ward of Lewiston, 336 hours; and Ruth Young of Naples, 25 hours.

500 to 1000 hours

Rita Beaulieu of Lewiston, 874 hours; Joe Bennett of Lewiston, 511 hours; Carol Berg of Auburn, 784 hours; Pete Bouchard of Lewiston, 692 hours; Betty Bubier of Greene, 560 hours; Pauline Burns of Auburn, 949 hours; Gillian Curtis of Greene, 727 hours; Larry Doble of Lisbon Falls, 570 hours; Sylvia Fisher of Hartford, 676 hours; Lorna Fournier of Auburn, 742 hours; Dale Gowell of Auburn, 842 hours; Jean Hamel of Auburn, 650 hours; Pam Heald of Buckfield, 650 hours; Judy Holbrook of Auburn, 874 hours; Barbara Lander of Auburn, 974 hours; Jeanne Laliberte of Auburn, 842 hours; Norm Laliberte of Auburn, 903 hours; Veny Lavoie of Lewiston, 781 hours; Frank McAvoy of Lewiston, 771 hours; Roger Nadeau of Lewiston, 791 hours; Joan Neal of Auburn, 830 hours; Claire Poirier of Auburn, 724 hours; Bob Saindon of Auburn, 716 hours; Ann Walton of Lewiston, 603 hours; Evelyn Thomas of Lewiston, 655 hours; and Harold Warner of Auburn, 666 hours.

1,000 to 2,000 hours:

B. Bernier of Litchfield, 1,454 hours; Marie Banville of Lewiston, 1,688 hours; Janice Bilodeau of Auburn, 1,818 hours; Pauline Blais of Lewiston, 1,460 hours; Connie Brann of Auburn, 1,830 hours; Florence Chandonnet of Lewiston, 1,568 hours; Mildred Dumais of Auburn, 1,064 hours; Jean Gilbert of Turner, 1,941 hours; Carol Kypta of Lewiston, 1,937 hours; Ed Lane of Turner, 1,103 hours; Bruce Macomber of Auburn, 1,032 hours; Mary Morgan of Greene, 1,358 hours; Pat Records of Turner, 1,494 hours; Glenys Ryder of Danville, 1,019 hours; Wes Ryder of Danville, 1,049 hours; Ray Turcotte of Lewiston, 1,787 hours; Brenda Weeks of Auburn, 1,269 hours; and Don Weeks of Auburn, 1,825 hours.

2,000 to 3,000 hours

Muriel Adams of Auburn, 2,101 hours; Betty Audet of Lewiston, 2,235 hours; Bruce Bartlett of Auburn, 2,590 hours; Cep Ceplikas of Auburn, 2,077 hours; Joan Levenson of Auburn, 2,400 hours; Judy Moreau of Lewiston, 2,300 hours; Mildred Rideout of Greene, 2,850 hours; Jackie Thornton of Lewiston, 2,516 hours; Ken Thurlow of Mechanic Falls, 2,943 hours; Dick Therrien of Lewiston, 2,280 hours; Bea Wailus of Greene, 2,648 hours; and Nancy Warner of Auburn, 2,854 hours.

3,000 to 4,000 hours

Mike Bussiere of Lewiston, 3,348 hours; Lennie Butler of Auburn, 3,569 hours; Jackie Culina of Auburn, 3,734 hours; Pauline Fournier of Lewiston, 3,839 hours; Betty Giroux of Lewiston, 3,398 hours; Helen Hewins of Greene, 3,372 hours; Harold Lucas of Auburn, 3,356 hours; Jim McDonough of Auburn, 3,148 hours; Louise Plouff of Greene, 3,375 hours; Esther Robinson of Auburn, 3,771 hours; Ellie Rolerson of Lewiston, 3,055 hours; and Lucille Welch of Lewiston, 3,860 hours.

4,000 to 5,000 hours:

Mary Brogan of Greene, 4,211 hours; Lora Clark of Auburn, 4,436 hours; Dick Gould of Brunswick, 4,567 hours; Jackie Harkins of Mechanic Falls, 4,498 hours; Roy Lowe of New Gloucester, 4,183 hours; Don Nason of Auburn, 4,369 hours; and Glen Spiller of Lewiston, 4,008 hours.

5,000 to 6,000 hours

Annette Dubuc of Lewiston, 5,883 hours; Marion Hammond of Greene, 5,274 hours; and Phyllis Latlippe of Auburn, 5,712 hours.

6,000 to 7,000 hours

Ray Ames of Lewiston, 6,987 hours; Mary Ann Jackman of Minot, 6,250 hours; Dick Leavitt of Auburn, 6,190 hours; and Gabe Parent of Auburn, 6,132 hours.

7,000 to 8,000 hours

Hartley Fogg of Auburn, 7,135 hours

Over 8,000 hours:

Marie Vickery of Auburn, 9,330 hours; Helen McGuire of Lewiston, 10,164 hours; Eileen Danforth of Lewiston, 11,206 hours; Aneta Belanger of Greene, 13,470 hours; and Mary Nichols of Lewiston, 14,474 hours.

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CMMC School of Nursing

Holds Graduation


Carrie Walker of Livermore Falls is “pinned” by her daughter, Kaylyn, at the recent Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing graduation ceremony.

The Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing graduated 47 students Thursday (May 6) in a ceremony held at the Bates College Chapel in Lewiston.

Peter R. Miller, RN, MSN, ON-C, faculty member of the CMMC School of Nursing, delivered the commencement address. Peter E. Chalke, president of the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing and president and chief executive officer at Central Maine Medical Center, offered the welcoming remarks.

Having successfully completed the CMMC School of Nursing’s (SON) two-year, four-semester registered nursing education program, the graduates were awarded associate degrees in the applied science of nursing. A number of graduating students received awards during the ceremony.

The CMMC School of Nursing’s President’s Award for the senior student attaining the highest academic achievement went to Kimberly J. Papsadora of Rumford.

Papsadora was also the winner of a CMMC Medical Staff Award for Excellence in Nursing in surgical nursing. Papsadora was also recognized as a high honors student.

Charity McKay Norris of New Gloucester was the recipient of the Dr. Mary Ann Burn Award for service beyond the call of duty, and for unusual thoughtfulness, gentleness and kindness.

Greg Andrew LeClair of Lewiston was presented the Central Maine General Hospital-CMMC School 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 have take care of themselves or their family. LeClair was also recognized as a honors student.

Melissa Ann Bourgeois of Hallowell was honored with the CMMC Board of Trustees Award, which is awarded to the student who demonstrates gentleness, independence, understanding, caring, compassion and love in communicating with and caring for people. The recipient must also exhibit excellence in delivering nursing care. Bourgeois was also recognized as a honors student.

Diane C. Thorpe of Union was presented the CMMC SON Board of Trustees Award, which is given each year to the student who demonstrates leadership qualities, displays concern and understanding for others, makes decisions and assumes responsibility for his actions, and establishes trust in interactions.

The Dr. Donald H. Horsman Memorial Award was presented to Aleta Joy Cugno of Bowdoin. She was chosen for the award by the nursing school faculty on the basis of a number of personal and professional criteria.

Daniel Andrew Elliott of Rumford was given the Samuel L. Singer and Ruth Small Award, which is presented to a student who will become a credit to himself and his profession, and who shows pride as a representative of the CMMC SON and maintains good academic standing.

Clifton Edward Fournier of Mechanic Falls was presented the Charles E. Fortier Jr. Memorial Award, which is 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.“

CMMC Medical Staff Awards for Excellence in Nursing were also presented to the following graduates: Bobbie Jean Olsen of Canton, pediatric nursing; Elizabeth Ann Como of Lovell, mental health nursing; Robin Ellen Levasseur of Turner, medical nursing; and Laura Suzanne Dolan of Auburn, obstetrical/gynecological nursing.

Also comprising the CMMC SON’s Class of 2004 are: Tanya Marie Bartlett, Poland; Jessica Sarah Bilodeau, Lewiston; Shandi Lee Blanchette, Canton; Terry J. Bronson, Brunswick; Linda Raye Rogers Doiron, Steep Falls; Lynne Marie Dostie, Raymond; Ashley Christina Doyle, Lisbon Falls; Jenna Lynn Fleury, Lewiston; Cynthia Suzanne Gahagan, Lewiston; Kimberly Ann Hall, Livermore; Kelly Jean Hatch, Hebron; Jennifer Pauline Hebert, Lewiston; honors student Harold Herschlag, Bryant Pond; Nicole Marie Johndro, Detroit; Jennifer Rebecca Jones, Stoneham; Denise M. S. Kidder, Dixfield; Ryan Marshall Kimball, South Paris; Kim Roy Kunkel, Scarborough; Shane Michael Levasseur, Turner; Anna Elizabeth McCabe, Gray; Heather A. Morin, Auburn; Laurie Ann Murphy, Lewiston; Debora Jean Ouellette, Turner; Amy Nicole Remillard, Leeds; Jeffrey Rowe, Norway; Jill Choiniere Smith, Leeds; Colette Sparks, Bailey Island; Debbi Lynn Tiner, Lewiston; Tammy Lynn Vigue Twombly, Old Orchard Beach; Carrie Julia Walker, Livermore Falls; Melanie Lee Whited, Minot; Alyson Elizabeth Whiting, Lewiston; Samantha Jeanne Whittier, Lewiston; Marie C. Wilday, Bryant Pond; and Charlene Kemp Willette, Sabattus.

Presenting the awards at the commencement ceremony were the following: CMMC School of Nursing President Peter E. Chalke; Sharon Kuhrt, director of the School of Nursing; Susan C. Baltrus, associate director of the CMMC School of Nursing; CMMC Medical Staff President Lanny Oliver, M.D.; Michael J. Monzel, M.D., chairman of the CMMC Nursing Scholarship Committee; Dorothy Crowley-Noel, President, CMGH/CMMC School of Nursing Alumni Association; and Pauline V. Beale, O.D., chairman of the CMMC Board of Trustees. Therese Demers, Assistant Chaplain, CMMC Pasoral Care, gave the invocation and benediction.

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LifeFlight of Maine

Has Fifth Anniversary

LifeFlight of Maine, at five-year mark, has served over 2,700 patients

By Tom Judge, Executive Director, LifeFlight of Maine

Five years ago, Maine was the only state in the country without access to a dedicated, statewide air medical system. But LifeFlight of Maine has since delivered the promise of critical care plus the speed of medical helicopters to over 2,700 patients.

Attended by critical care registered nurse-paramedic flight teams, these patients have been transported from every hospital in Maine and directly from more than 600 accident scenes in over 200 communities in Maine’s 16 counties, including coastal islands. Nearly one third of all LifeFlight patients are under 25 years of age. Some 60 percent of patients have severe injuries requiring sophisticated healthcare services.

LifeFlight has been successful in accomplishing its goal of improving access to critical care, especially for patients in the most rural areas of Maine. Overseen by specialist and emergency medicine physicians from across the state, LifeFlight supports the care delivered by EMS providers and community hospital physicians, physician extenders, and nursing personnel on scene and during patient transport.

When LifeFlight started operations, only two hospitals in Maine — Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport and Goodall Hospital in Sanford — had on-site, dedicated, lighted helipads. But through the Community Helipad Project, LifeFlight has provided technical and fund-raising assistance to 15 hospitals and communities for building on-site helipads. Seventeen additional hospitals are actively planning to build on-site helipads.

LifeFlight has also created innovative partnerships with the cities of Bangor, Lewiston and Auburn to build dedicated hangar and maintenance facilities at Bangor International Airport and the Auburn/Lewiston Airport. Fuel and weather reporting systems have been installed at LifeFlight’s hospital base facilities at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston and Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

LifeFlight has also just received a national award for “significant contributions to the enhancement, development or promotion of aviation or aviation safety in the air medical transport community.”

Despite all that LifeFlight of Maine has accomplished in five short years, the team is looking optimistically to the future with more plans, goals and ideas. But first and foremost, LifeFlight recognizes that individual services and providers are the links in the chain of survival for critically ill or injured patients. LifeFlight’s success comes through the combined efforts of everyone in Maine’s emergency medical and public safety communities working together to make a difference.

So, on our fifth anniversary we want to say “thank you” for such resounding support from the people of Maine. LifeFlight has accomplished great things since its first flight from the woods of Deblois in 1998!

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CMH-CMMC 54th Annual Appreciation Dinner

Honors 183 Long-Term Employees

Central Maine Healthcare-Central Maine Medical Center honored 183 long-term employees at its recent 54th Annual Appreciation Dinner.

Among those recognized for their long records of service to CMH-CMMC was Ina Brainerd, social work director at Bolster Heights Healthcare Facility in Auburn, who has dedicated 40 years to caring for patients in residential care settings.

Also honored was 35-year veteran Charlotte Haskell, a certified surgical technologist in the CMMC Surgical Services Department.

Thirty-year employees feted at the annual dinner included: Robert Brown, a boiler operator in the Plant Operations Department; Cheryl Burgess, a medical secretary-transcriptionist in the Pathology Department; Sherrilyn Estes, Pathology Department office coordinator; Bambi Hathaway, R.N., manager of the CMMC Intensive Care Unit; Sheryl Ouellette, R.N., of the Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit; Richard Potter, a food service aide in the Food Service Department; and Josephine Swett, R.N., Special Delivery.

Ina Brainerd says she was “brought up in the healthcare field,” working first at Pease Nursing Home which was owned and operated by her family, and later at Greene Acres, which purchased her family’s business. “When I went for my interview I was holding my son, Bob, in my lap. He was under a year old,” she recalls. (Bob Brainerd is director of Health and Wellness Services at Central Maine Medical Center.)

Eventually, Ina became the administrator at the now-defunct Grandview Boarding Home, which at that time served as both a nursing home and boarding home. She was Grandview’s administrator for 20 years.

When Grandview closed in October 1998 and the facility’s residents were moved to Bolster Heights, Ina transferred to the Auburn facility, where she began work as a licensed social worker.

“Retirement is not yet in my vocabulary. I have worked as a C.N.A., a medication technician, activity director, administrator, and licensed social worker. It has given me great pleasure and satisfaction,” Ina says.

Also recognized at the dinner were the following individuals:

25 years of service

Susan Clough, R.N., Special Delivery; Gail Clukey, information associate, Bladder Control Center; Lana Driscoll, R.N., Same-Day Surgery; Lorraine Fournier, R.N., charge nurse, Endoscopy-Minor Surgery; Susan Gajarski, C.T. scan aide, Radiology-Medical Imaging; Penny Goodwin, R.N., Emergency Department; Gale Groves, lead registrar-phlebotomist, Pathology; Cynthia Harradon, manager, Radiology-Medical Imaging; Joyce Hume, patient account representative, Patient Financial Services; and Anna Jipson, care associate, Oncology Nursing Unit.

Barbara Johnson, certified residential medication aide, Bolster Heights; Rachel Lavertu, care associate, Oncology Nursing Unit; Ann McKenney, clinical coordinator, Special Delivery; Mary McRae, clinical coordinator, Cardiopulmonary; Mona Murphy, technologist supervisor, Pathology; Erin Pendexter, R.N., Cardiopulmonary; Diana Poliquin, infection control coordinator, Quality Services; Kathryn Rousseau, R.N., Endoscopy-Minor Surgery; Mary Beth Small, R.N., Single Stay Unit; Bonnie Sollien, reimbursement analyst, Finance; Valerie St. Clair, R.N., Special Delivery; and Cheryl Turcotte, R.N., Special Delivery.

20 years

Nancy Bennett, R.N., Endoscopy-Minor Surgery; Peter E. Chalke, president and chief executive officer, Central Maine Healthcare; Nancy Chasse, unit secretary, Endoscopy-Minor Surgery; Beverly Chipman, physical therapist, Physical-Occupational Therapy; Paul Dagneau, painter, Plant Operations; Nancy Duchesneau, unit assistant, Medical-Surgical Nursing Unit; Alma Jordan-Ames, mammography technologist, Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center; Juli Kane, CT scan technologist, Radiology-Medical Imaging; Cynthia MacLean, R.N., Same-Day Surgery; and Richard Marsh, M.D., Central Maine Pediatrics.

Guy Perry, residential floor technician, Bolster Heights; Jody Scrutchfield, senior laboratory technologist, Pathology; Sandra Shapleigh, case manager, Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute; Claire Smith, R.N., medical oncology; Kim Sutton, assistant manager, Physical-Occupational Therapy; David Walter, M.D., Central Maine Pediatrics; and Ona Winslow, linen service aide, Bolster Heights.

15 years

Michael Barnies, director, Security and Support Services; Lisa Bonang, radiologic technologist, Radiology-Medical Imaging; Carrine Brunetti, unit secretary, Same-Day Surgery; Cynthia Bruno-Chessey, NOVA representative, Patient Financial Services; Sandra Burgess, secretary, Pathology; Crystal Conant, office coordinator, Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology; Rita Coolidge, care associate, Cardiopulmonary; Kathryn Crocker, R.N., Central Maine Rehabilitation Center; Marcia Cylik, secretary-patient registrar, Emergency Department; and Lynda Dow, collection representative, Advanced Collection Services.

Charles Goodwin, certified residential medications assistant, Bolster Heights; Heather Gould, radiologic technologist, Radiology-Medical Imaging; Jayne Hollstein, certified residential medications assistant, Bolster Heights; Janis Hunter, senior diagnostic sonographer, Radiology-Medical Imaging; Babette Ann Irwin, manager, Physician Recruitment; Kimberly Jacques, R.N., Pediatrics Nursing Unit; Dianna Keich, R.N., clinical supervisor, Central Staffing; Brenda Kimball, secretary, Radiology-Medical Imaging; and Walter Klymman, environmental services technician, Environmental Services.

Doris Lemaster, R.N., Emergency Department; Laurel Letourneau, L.P.N., Family Practice Residency Program; Donna Libby, information associate, Cardiac Care Unit; Lisa Mathieu, R.N., Outpatient Rehabilitation Services; Arlene McConnell, unit secretary, Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center; Clarence Meservey, environmental services technician, Environmental Services; Charles T. Orne, executive vice president for finance, Central Maine Healthcare; Suzanne Pomerleau, office manager, Bolster Heights; Norene Rand, food production assistant, Food Services; and Brenda Rivard, transcriptionist, Radiology-Medical Imaging.

Karen Short, residential activity assistant, Bolster Heights; Susan Sproul, clinical assistant, Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology; Michael Tremblay, supervisor, Environmental Services; John W. Welsh, chief executive officer, Rumford Hospital; Stephen Weymouth, technical associate, Surgical Services; Ann White, R.N., Endoscopy-Minor Surgery; Patricia Wilkins, payroll supervisor, Finance; Debra Wilkinson, transcriptionist, Health Information Management; and Cynthia Williams, accounts payable supervisor, Finance.

10 years

Stephanie Anderson, medical technologist, Pathology; Dean Blanchard, medical technologist, Pathology; Jane Brodsky, R.N., Post-Anesthesia Care Unit; Denise Brooks, R.N., clinical coordinator, Central Maine Internal Medicine; Thomas Byrne, M.D., Family Practice Residency Program; Alice DiPaolo, clinical information specialist, Information Services; Donna Dube, medical technologist, Pathology; Neil Duval, M.D., Pulmonary-Critical Care Associates; Sharon Grant, certified sterile processing and distribution technician, Sterile Processing and Distribution; and Sandra Harris, M.D., Infectious Disease Practice.

Julianna Hayes, R.N., Intensive Care Unit; Jennifer Jordan, R.N., clinical assistant, Infectious Disease Practice; Melissa Labrecque, regional budget analyst, Finance; Joan Larson, food service aide, Food Service; Elaine Law, R.N., Special Delivery; Paul Leclair, systems programmer, Information Services; Cheryl Ann Letourneau, transcriptionist, Radiology-Medical Imaging; Aline Mailhot, clinical assistant-medical assistant, Central Maine Internal Medicine; John McGoldrick, M.D., Emergency Department; and Bethany McGrail, R.N., Intensive Care Unit.

Joel McMullin, respiratory therapy practitioner, Respiratory Therapy; Patricia Morin, R.N., clinical assistant, Central Maine Internal Medicine; Karen Pacheco-Corwin, R.N., Special Delivery; Joan Parker, R.N., Medical Oncology; Julie Rowe, clinical coordinator, School of Radiologic Technology; Carrie Steele, radiation therapist, Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center; and Darlene Tabor, information associate, Central Maine Rehabilitation Center.

Five years

Tracy Ackley, radiation therapist, Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center; Nicole Anderson, speech therapist, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services; Tom Armor, senior nuclear medicine technologist, Nuclear Medicine; Robert Armstrong, director of long-term care, Bolster Heights; Mae Audibert, emergency technician, Emergency Department; William Baker III, senior security officer, Security; Sherron Bassett, R.N., Intensive Care Unit; Gina Bauer, PC-network specialist, Information Services; Jean Bear, clinical data coordinator, Quality Services; and Daniel Beaule, supervisor, Security.

Linda Beaulieu, human resources assistant, Human Resources; Ann Bedard, environmental services aide, Environmental Services; Eric Belanger, supply chain coordinator, Materials Services; Michael Boutin, R.N., Cardiac Care Unit; Michelle Bowie, charge respiratory therapist, Respiratory Therapy; Gail Breton, claims processor, Patient Financial Services; Denise Brown, supervisor, Environmental Services; Kathy Burnham, critical care technologist, Intensive Care Unit; Judith Cartmel, R.N., Cardiac Care Unit; and Gisele Castonguay, lymphedema specialist, Outpatient Rehabilitation Unit.

Brian Chipman, R.N., Intensive Care Unit; Wanda Clark, phlebotomist, Pathology; James Cole III, PC-network specialist, Information Services; David Cowan, coordinator, Environmental Services; Kathleen Allen-Dyke, senior accountant, Finance; Tammy Edwards, bookkeeper-clerk, Advanced Collection Services; Sharon Folker, outpatient coder, Health Information Services; Pamela Fortier, certified surgical technologist, Surgical Services; Michael Friendly, M.D., Emergency Department; and Deborah Gould, staff accountant, Finance.

James Hagen, vice president, Central Maine Healthcare administration; Michael Hamel, PC-network specialist, Information Services; Robin Jarvis, R.N., Emergency Department; Jennifer Jordan, engineering-maintenance technical secretary, Plant Operations-Biomedical Engineering; Timothy Kelly, physician assistant, Emergency Department; Tina Kelly, human resources coordinator, Human Resources; Dianne Keys, film/microfile clerk, Radiology-Medical Imaging; Paula King, physical therapy assistant, Physical-Occupational Therapy; Claire D. Koski, clinical assistant, Central Maine Pediatrics; and Susan Lafrance, critical care technologist, Intensive Care Unit.

Jacqueline Litif, R.N., Post-Anesthesia Care Unit; David Low, supervisor, Biomedical Engineering; Dawn-Rae Mailhot, phlebotomist, Pathology; Gina Mallozzi, team leader, Neurology Medical Practice; Michelle Mann, R.N., Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory; Rhonda Martineau, clinical assistant, Central Maine Pediatrics; Warren McCrater, environmental services aide, Environmental Services; Kimberly McGraw, paramedic, LifeFlight; Marjorie McLellan, activities coordinator, Bolster Heights; and Keith McLeod, technical services manager, Information Services.

Evelyn Mitchell, information associate, Cardiopulmonary; Patricia Murphy, dosimetrist, Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center; Betty Ouellette, guest relations-dietary coordinator, Bolster Heights; Brenda Page-Melotto, R.N., Special Delivery; Carol Parker, payroll specialist, Finance; Peter Pelletier, respiratory care practitioner, Respiratory Therapy; Claudette Poulin, care associate, Medical-Surgical Nursing Unit; Jessica Richardson, clinical coordinator, Surgical Specialists; Danice Rinderknecht, M.D., CMMC Family Practice Residency Program; and David Roberts, retail operations supervisor, Food Service.

Loni Romestan, transcriptionist, Health Information Management; Jennifer Ryder, R.N., Cardiopulmonary; Tammy Sharma, environmental services aide, Environmental Services; Jennifer Stapleton, medical information secretary, Health Information Management; Katie Tibbetts, switchboard operator, Security; Darlene Tremblay, R.N., Emergency Department; Carol Trexler, certified surgical technologist, Surgical Services; Jacqueline Turcotte, R.N., Cardiac Care Unit; Dulsie Varney, R.N., Pediatrics Unit; and Keith Wilkes, respiratory care practitioner, Respiratory Therapy.

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LifeFlight of Maine

Earns National Accreditation

In just five short years, LifeFlight of Maine has earned full accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS). Similar to the strict assessment of hospitals by the Joint Commission of Accredited Healthcare Organizations, CAMTS Accreditation is a voluntary external assessment of quality in all aspects of operations. While all ambulance services must be licensed, earning this accreditation means LifeFlight has earned the “gold standard” in critical care medical transport.

Norm Dinerman, MD, FACEP, medical director for LifeFlight commented, “Accreditation is another ‘mile marker’ in assuring a state of the art air medical system for Maine. Achieving this goal is especially satisfying as we just received the Jim Charlson National Safety Award at the annual air medical meeting and Maine voters overwhelming approved the transportation bond issue that will allow us to further enhance the critical care services we provide to the people of Maine.”

The transportation bond includes a public-private initiative to help LifeFlight improve air medical infrastructure across the state. That includes new hospital helipads, more sophisticated weather prediction systems at airports in central, eastern, and northern Maine, on-site refueling at hospitals in Aroostook County, and seed money for a critical care continuing education outreach program.

The staff and crews from LifeFlight of Maine invited the quality assessment from an outside review agency to benchmark their performance against the highest standards and best programs in the world. LifeFlight is the first ambulance service in Maine to achieve this recognition in medical transport. Only one in five critical care transport services nationwide have achieved full accreditation to date.

Staff from LifeFlight spent the last eight months preparing for the comprehensive survey process. Surveyors from CAMTS spent the last week in September in an on-site review of all operations, including medical oversight, quality assurance, patient and aviation safety, clinical care, aviation management and maintenance, communications, and community service. Surveyors commended the program on medical oversight, quality management, safety, and community outreach noting that the ‘quality management program was the best they had ever seen in a survey.’

In addition to the flight program and communications center, the Commission accredited LifeFlight’s ground critical care transport program that partners with United Ambulance in Lewiston and Meridian Mobile Health in Bangor.

“Our motto this year is ‘Raise the Bar’,” said Norman Lewdin, President and CEO of Eastern Maine Healthcare. We believe this brief mission statement eloquently sums up what we are trying to do for the people of Maine.”

“The CAMTS accreditation validates what we already believed … the LifeFlight team is one of the best in the country,” says Peter Chalke, President of Central Maine Healthcare. Every member of the LifeFlight team deserves the credit for this wonderful achievement. We are proud to play a role in the development of a program that has saved lives and continues to serve the people of Maine with distinction.”

Tom Judge, executive director of LifeFlight of Maine, noted, “we are very strong believers in external assessment of quality. Our parent organizations, Eastern Maine Healthcare and Central Maine Healthcare set achieving accreditation as a goal for LifeFlight from the beginning. Our performance should be measured against the best of the best. We are extremely proud of achieving this goal on behalf of all the patients we serve.”

Mr. Tom Judge was also recently elected President of the Association of Air Medical Services. This professional association is composed of 270 air medical service members in the United States and some 30 international members. This organization has it’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

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Parul T. Kohli, M.D.

Joins CMMC Medical Staff

Parul T. Kohli, M.D., an internist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. She is practicing in association with Central Maine Internal Medicine at 12 High Street, Suite 400, Lewiston.

She completed residency training in internal medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo. While serving her residency, she worked as a clinical instructor at the university.

A graduate of the Delhi Public School, New Delhi, India, she majored in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and English with honors. She earned her medical degree at R. G. Kar Medical College at the University of Calcutta in Calcutta, India, where she ranked number three in her class and was recognized with a scholarship for her academic achievements.

She completed a rotating internship at General Hospital, Chandigarh, India, and served on the medical staffs at Government Medical College and Hospital and City Hospital and Heart Care Center, both in Chandigarh, India.

She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and is a member of the American College of Physicians.

She lives in Auburn with her husband, Sumit Kohli, M.D., a gastroenterologist who practices with Central Maine Gastroenterology Associates in Lewiston.

Central Maine Internal Medicine is a group physician practice also comprised of Oscar S. Cabatingan, M.D., James G. Joseph, M.D., David N. Lauver, M.D., William M. Lee, M.D., Phuong-mai Pham, M.D., Pamela E. Ross, M.D., Alan D. Verrill, M.D., and nurse practitioners Mary Ellen Davis, R.N., and Deana C. Albert, R.N. The practice can be reached at 795-5700.

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CMMC and Bridgton Hospital

Public Flu Shot Programs


DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE – Elaine Drew, R.N., far left, and John Ludwig, R.N., far right, provide door-to-door service for Charles Taylor, left, and Matthew Smith, right, who drove up from Portland to Bridgton for Bridgton Hospital’s flu shot clinic.

Central Maine Medical Center and Bridgton Hospital together provided flu vaccinations to more than 600 people at two early November events.

On November 1, the first day of Maine’s hunting season, Bridgton Hospital held its 2nd Annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic and served more than 300 people.

BH’s drive-through flu shot program ties in not only with the opening day of Maine deer hunting season – a major holiday for tens of thousands of hunters – but with the opening of the holiday shopping season as the Bridgton merchants have a special ‘Early Bird’ promotion in the downtown corridor.

The reaction to the BH clinic has been very positive. Matthew Smith, who lives in Portland and learned about the flu shots from his mother, summed up the feelings of many: “It would be difficult for me, during the week, to get to my doctor for a flu shot. Offering this on a Saturday, plus making it so easy with no waiting, is awesome. I didn’t mind driving to Bridgton. What a great community service the hospital is providing.” BH is already planning to offer the drive-through clinic again next year.

Central Maine Medical Center’s Family Practice Residency Program provided flu shots to some 300 people at the Central Maine Medical Center Family Health Expo held November 2 at the Auburn Mall.

“This year’s Expo flu shot clinic went very smoothly due, in part, to the relocation of the site and a streamlined intake process. The Family Practice Center staff did an outstanding job keeping up with the strong demand for the service,” said CMMC Communication Specialist Sue Smith, who organized the event.

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CMMC Achieves Highest Possible Customer Satisfaction Scores

For Nursing and Medical Staff


CMMC employees gather in the hospitals new Main Lobby to celebrate the medical center’s recent patient satisfaction score.

Central Maine Medical Center has achieved the highest percentile rank possible for patient satisfaction with its nursing and physician staffs.

Press Ganey, Inc., the nation’s largest hospital patient survey organization, has notified CMMC that for the January-March survey period the hospital scored in the 99th percentile for patient satisfaction with CMMC nursing and physician staffs. This result was drawn from a survey of 861 hospitals, including some of the nation’s most prestigious healthcare organizations.

Overall patient satisfaction with Central Maine Medical Center during the same time period registered in the 98th percentile, according to Press Ganey results. The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, which opened in May 2003, earned a patient satisfaction score in the 98th percentile as compared with 70 other cardiac programs nationwide.

The Press Ganey survey process involves the objective assessment of patient satisfaction though a third-party survey process. Patients are asked to answer more than 50 questions concerning the care they received at the hospital. The surveys are collected, tallied and analyzed by Press Ganey, which returns survey reports to hospitals on a quarterly basis.

CMMC began working with Press Ganey some seven years ago as part of a commitment to monitor and improve patient care. The medical center scored in the mid-80s for overall patient satisfaction at the outset of the survey process.

“We have been working for a number of years to improve patient care by using the Press Ganey survey results as a guideline. It’s been an incremental process with the goal of making steady progress over an extended time period. I think these latest results show that the process is working. We are very pleased to achieve such results,” said Jeri Maurer, CMMC’s guest relations coordinator.

Maurer said a major patient care focus at CMMC during the past few years has been recognition of each patient’s emotional and spiritual needs. She also said that CMMC has made a sustained effort to eliminate barriers to service and reduce inconveniences for patients. Once such initiative, called Renew, has involved hospital staff in intensive four-day workshops designed to help care providers look at their lives and their work in a spiritual context with the intent of helping them better relate to their patients on a spiritual level.

Improved communications between staff and patients has been central to the hospital’s long-term effort to enhance patient satisfaction. “When you listen to your patients, they really become much more comfortable with their hospital stay,” Maurer says.

Founded in 1985 by Irwin Press, Ph.D., and Rodney F. Ganey, Ph.D., to provide information for the assessment and enhancement of the health care experience, Press Ganey has developed national databases of comparative satisfaction information that enables its clients to benchmark their results with peer organizations.

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CMMC Cardiopulmonary Nursing Unit

Selected as Best Nursing Team


From left, Nancy Ouellette, R.N., Erin Pendexter, R.N., Paul Gerencser, Advance for Nurses representative, and Sharron Seileman, vice president for nursing at Central Maine Medical Center.

A Central Maine Medical Center nursing unit has been named one of Advance for Nursing magazine’s Best Nursing Teams for 2004.

The CMMC Cardiopulmonary Nursing Unit was selected as Best Nursing Team – Knowledge/Recruitment and Retention by Advance for Nursing’s three-person panel of judges. All the judges were registered nurses.

Five New England hospitals, including CMMC, were selected for Advance for Nursing awards. Other winners were Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Conn., Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Conn., Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and Marlborough Hospital in Marlborough, Mass.

“We are extremely proud of our M-4 nursing staff,” said CMMC President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Chalke. “This staff reflects the values and dedication demonstrated on a daily basis by all of CMMC’s employees, so it is gratifying that an independent organization has recognized their professionalism.”

The CMMC Cardiopulmonary Unit was selected for the award based upon information provided by CMMC cardiopulmonary nurse Erin Pendexter, R.N., who nominated the nursing unit.

“I personally have experienced nursing care for sick family members at other hospitals,” wrote Pendexter. “Given the choice my family members would be cared for by this nursing team. They don’t just provide care; they care for the mind, body and spirit of their patients and family members.” This commitment to well-rounded nursing care is what the judges found appealing about CMMC’s Cardiopulmonary Nursing Unit.

“One area that our nursing unit is unique is the level of spirituality we provide for our patients with our nursing care, for families who are dealing with very sick and sometimes dying loved ones, and with each other,” Pendexter wrote.

Several of the CMMC Cardiopulmonary Nursing Unit team members have completed an intensive four-day workshop on spirituality that included a three-month practicum. The workshop included a Myers Briggs personality inventory and training to help nurses recognize the various ways they make decisions, process information, learn new technology, and better understand each other and the way in which they function.

Pendexter’s nomination highlighted the nursing unit’s focus on staff education, which is reflected in the number of staff members who have earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or are working to attain one.

The judges found that several aspects of the CMMC Cardiopulmonary Nursing Unit bolster its impressive recruitment and retention efforts. Notable is an extensive recognition program for RNs.

The nursing unit’s quarterly Best Fish award is goes to a staff member who’s been nominated by his or her peers for promoting teamwork and excellent patient care. Attendance awards, public bulletin boards and other initiatives emphasize the continued contributions of nurses at the hospital.

Recruitment is promoted through the team’s enthusiastic work with nursing students completing clinical rotations at the facility.

“We are the favorite unit because of our love of teaching and sharing knowledge,” Pendexter wrote. “Therefore we always have more applicants from graduating nursing students than we have positions.”

Cardiopulmonary nurses at CMMC are also active members of their communities.

“Many members of the team serve their communities in many ways, through church groups, food pantries, scouting groups, ‘Make-a-Difference’ day activities, lunches and door prizes for an apartment of low-income individuals, health fairs and blood pressure clinics,” Pendexter wrote.

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Lewiston/Auburn will "Go Red"

During American Heart Month


2/13/04

News Release from the American Heart Association.

Mayor Lionel Guay of Lewiston and Norm Guay of Auburn issued proclamations today declaring February as American Heart Month and encouraged all citizens in the twin cities to wear red during February to raise public awareness about the leading killer of women in Maine - heart disease.

This year, the American Heart Association is celebrating American Heart Month by launching a new campaign - Go Red For Women - to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to make positive lifestyle changes that will help reduce their risk of heart disease. To raise awareness, February 12 has been designated as the Wear Red for Women Day in Central Maine. Both mayors are supporting this effort by urging everyone in the twin cities to wear red in recognition of family, friends and neighbors who have suffered from heart disease.

"Red is a powerful color. It makes a bold statement, "said Dennise Whitley, the American Heart Association spokesperson. "We hope the people, both men and women, of the twin cities will make their own statement by wearing red and showing their support in the fight against heart disease. Thanks to both mayors for setting the stage and recognizing this important month. And, a special 'thank you' to the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute for their excellent community programs to create awareness about the risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of American women. Heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases claim the lives of more than half a million women each year- about a death a minute. That's more lives than the next 7 causes of death combined, and nearly twice as many as all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Heart disease is also the leading killer in Maine , claiming the lives of more than 2,200 women each year.

"Our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are all at risk for heart disease," Whitley said.

"There are many ways that local and state leaders in Maine have helped reduce risk across all populations and help save lives, such as providing smoke-free work places and utilizing Maine's tobacco settlement money for health related efforts and many others. The American Heart Association looks forward to continuing to work with the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute and the cities of Lewiston and Auburn to accomplish these goals."

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MaineCare Budget Crisis

It's Time for a Permanent Solution

Mission

Our mission is to provide the highest quality care for sick and injured patients. Central Maine Medical Center and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center have been faithfully serving our community for over 110 years. Physicians, nurses and other health professionals provide care to several hundred thousand people each year. We treat each patient compassionately and professionally regardless of their ability to pay for their care.

Resources to Fulfill our Mission

Our continued ability to offer a comprehensive scope of clinical services and quality patient care is directly related to having adequate resources available to fulfill our mission. Hospital operations are financed almost entirely by charges to patients covered by private insurance, Medicare and MaineCare (Medicaid).

Most people would expect that each health plan should pay at least the cost of a patient’s care. Not so with Medicare and MaineCare. Both government programs pay hospitals far below the cost of care. MaineCare is already the worst offender even before the current round of proposed cuts. Hospitals end up shifting patient care costs to private insurance plans to make up for underpayment (losses) from Medicare and MaineCare. People with private insurance are already paying higher charges that are, in essence, hidden taxes being imposed by the federal and state government.

Budget Band-Aids

Maine has serious fiscal problems due in part from ongoing MaineCare budget deficits. Hospitals have already felt the impact of the MaineCare budget problems as we were forced to absorb $58 million in MaineCare cuts last year and further cuts under the 3.5% Dirigo cost cap. The Governor proposed another $25.5 million cut this month. Hospitals are anticipating a cut of a similar magnitude in the 2005 budget as next year’s budget already appears to be out of balance.

The latest idea being floated in Augusta is a “tax and match” program. The state would impose a “sick tax” on hospitals designed to generate additional federal Medicaid dollars. Supposedly, the amount of tax money will eventually be returned to the hospitals. A tax is still a tax. When this was tried in the mid-1990’s, there was a lot more tax than match. History has shown us that when state budgets get tight, the promised match is reduced. Even worse, the federal government may disallow the entire “tax and match” scheme and Maine hospitals would be left with a $16 million tax. In any event, hospitals will be forced to pass along this new tax to the private insurance plans that is yet another increase or “hidden” tax on Mainers paying for their health insurance coverage.

It’s Time for a Permanent Solution

Parallel to growing budget deficits has been the growth of the number of MaineCare enrollees. Historically, about 10% of Maine’s population has been enrolled in MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program). Enrollment has skyrocketed in recent years growing from 175,000 in 2001 to 242,000 today. Both of our local hospitals are seeing more MaineCare patients than ever before. Another 75,000 Mainers become eligible to enroll in MaineCare in July. To put the growth of this program in perspective, 1 out of 4 people in Maine will be eligible for MaineCare as compared to one in ten just a few years ago.

While we support the concept of providing coverage to more citizens, expanding eligibility while reducing budgets doesn’t make sense and is dangerous to the people of Maine. We foresee a never-ending series of cuts to hospitals and other caregivers and the continued necessity to pass along these cuts to private insurers. Maine will also face never-ending MaineCare budget deficits. Arbitrary cuts to providers and budget gimmicks alone will not solve these problems.

Maine hospitals want to be part of a legitimate, permanent solution. We need to bring all healthcare stakeholders together to come up with a strategy that works for all Mainers.

In the meantime, there is a solution to the FY 2004 and FY 2005 MaineCare deficit problem. The federal government sent $53 million to Maine last year specifically targeted for relief from rising Medicaid (MaineCare) costs. The Legislature could use $8.5 million and a similar amount the next fiscal year of these federal dollars currently sitting in a state account to close this year’s budget gap.

Maine hospitals want to be part of the solution, but we can only stretch so far to cover rising costs and higher demand for our services while at the same time receive drastically lower payments. We can and we must do better.

James E. Cassidy, President and CEO, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center
Peter E. Chalke, President and CEO, Central Maine Medical Center

1/30/04

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Frances A. DeRook, M.D.

Joins CMHVI

Central Maine Medical Center is pleased to announce that Frances A. DeRook, M.D. has joined the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

Dr. DeRook will practice diagnostic cardiology with a special emphasis on congestive heart failure and the sub specialty of cardiac imaging which includes ultrasound or echocardiology, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. DeRook is a Fellow in the American Society of Echocardiography and is one of only two physicians in Maine who have achieved this accreditation.

Congestive heart failure or CHF is a result of the heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. CHF affects approximately five million Americans and another 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Over one million Americans are hospitalized annually due to CHF and this diagnosis is one of the most common reasons for hospitalizations for seniors. Patients with CHF can benefit from a dedicated heart failure treatment program that offers drug therapy, sophisticated medical devices and an integrated approach to care that also includes patient and family education.

Dr. DeRook enjoyed a prior professional relationship with Richard 'Pat' Cochran, M.D., the CMHVI Director of Cardiac Surgery when both physicians were in practice at the University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center.

Clinical Experience

  • 12 years of experience in diagnostic cardiology and cardiac imaging
  • Performed thousands of cardiac imaging procedures
  • Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular disease
  • Diplomat and certified ly the National Board of Echocardiography

Professional Experience

  • Dartmouth Medical School/Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
  • University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center
  • Cardiology Fellow, University of Washington
  • Clinical Faculty, Stanford University School of Medicine
  • Internal Medicine Internship and Residency, Santa Clara Valley Medical School, Stanford University Medical School affiliate
  • Medical School, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Recent Academic Appointments

  • Assistant Professor, Cardiology/Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine Dartmouth Medical School
  • Assistant Professor, Cardiology/Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine University of Washington School of Medicine

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Keith A. Comess, M.D.

Joins CMHVI

Central Maine Medical Center is pleased to announce that Keith A. Comess, M.D. has joined the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

Dr. Comess will practice diagnostic cardiology and the sub specialty of cardiac imaging which includes ultrasound or echocardiology, nuclear cardiology and vascular imaging. Dr. Comess is a Fellow in the American Society of Echocardiography and is one of only two physicians in Maine who have achieved this accreditation.

Echocardiography uses high frequency sound waves, commonly referred to an ultrasound, to view the heart chambers, valves, the great blood vessels entering and leaving the heart as well as, the sack around the heart Echocardiography can be used to determine causes for chest pain, to track chronic heart conditions, evaluate the effects of a heart attack, diagnose valve problems and determine the need and/or effectiveness of other forms of cardiac intervention and treatment.

Dr. Comess enjoyed a prior professional relationship with Richard 'Pat' Cochran, M.D., the CMHVI Director of Cardiac Surgery, when both physicians were members of the faculty of the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Clinical Experience:

  • 20 years of experience in diagnostic cardiology and cardiac imaging
  • Performed over 30,000 cardiac imaging procedures
  • Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular disease
  • Diplomat and certified by the National Board of Echocardiography and the American Society of Echocardiography

Professional Experience:

  • Private Practice, Colorado
  • Associate Professor, Dartmouth Medical School/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
  • Associate Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine Associate Clinical Professor, Stanford University/Santa Clara Medical Center
  • Assistant Professor, University of Arizona School of Medicine
  • Cardiology Fellow and Research Fellow, University of Washington
  • Internal Medicine Internship and Residency, University of Arizona

Recent Academic Appointments:

  • Associate Professor, Cardiology/Internal Medicine Department of Medicine, Dartmouth Medical School
  • Associate Professor, Cardiology/Internal medicine Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine

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CMMC and Bridgton Hospital

Recognized as a Healthy Workplace

Central Maine Medical Center and Bridgton Hospital have been recognized for their community health promotion activities.

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports, Health and Wellness has recognized both CMMC and Bridgton Hospital as a Healthy Workplace. CMMC’s Health and Wellness Services has also been named a Work Healthy Award winner by Healthy Androscoggin.

The Governor’s Council Healthy Workplace Award recognized CMMC in the Large Business Award category for its role in supporting a healthy Maine through physical fitness and sports programs.

Bridgton Hospital was recognized the Medium Business Award category for its Wellness Team and Community Health Promotion efforts.

The Healthy Award from Healthy Androscoggin's Worksite Committee recognizes businesses and organizations in Androscoggin County that have placed a high priority on promoting good health for their employees.

CMMC was presented a Certificate of Leadership recognizing its commitment to supporting tobacco-free lifestyles, encouraging physical activity and promoting healthy eating.

CMMC’s employee health and wellness program targets new hires, injured and sick employees, and those employees with unidentified risks. Using an integrated plan that encompasses prevention, assessment, and treatment, CMMC provides employees with a customized wellness plan. Screening programs such as the Scorekeeper cardiac risk assessment and job placement assessments promote early identification of employees at risk of disease and/or injury. Personal health counselors work with employees to help them attain and maintain better health.

“Our goal is to provide a safe and health environment for our employees while encouraging and supporting health life choices,” said Pamela Edgecomb, manager of CMMC’s Health and Wellness Services.

CMMC and Bridgton Hospital are affiliates of Central Maine Healthcare.

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CMMC Relocates Main Entrance

Effective August 18th

On Wednesday, August 18, the CMMC Main Entrance will be moved from its temporary location at 12 High Street to 60 High Street, the ground floor of the recently opened Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute medical office complex.

The new 60 High Street entrance includes a spacious lobby and offers access to the hospital's main building on two levels. A traffic circle will allow patients to be dropped off and picked up at the door. The entrance exterior is sheltered by an extensive canopy system that extends to the street. Across High Street another canopy system continues to the vicinity of the patient parking lot and parking garage, offering visitors protection from the elements and they go to and from the hospital.

The main information desk and hospital switchboard will move to larger facilities at the new 60 High Street entrance. Convenient handicapped parking will be located nearby the new entrance in front of the 76 High Street building (Lot F). Other patient parking areas can be found in the parking garage as well as in lots G and H. Valet parking will be available upon request.

“This is a significant transition for CMMC and the hundreds of people who come here each day. For over a hundred years, the main entrance to the hospital was on Main Street, but we are now moving the permanent front door of the hospital to 60 High Street. Today's announcement is the first step in informing the public of this move,” said Peter E. Chalke, president and chief executive officer at CMMC.

Walk-in access to the CMMC Emergency Department will continue from the portico near Main Street. Emergency Department patient parking can be found in Lot M. The Discharge Lobby, also located on Main Street, will not change locations.

To view the new entrance map click here.

Anyone with questions about CMMC's main entrance relocation should call 795-2711.

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CMHVI Wellness Van

Risk Screening Dates

Central Maine Heart & Vascular Institute Wellness Van to Offer Cardiovascular Health Risk Screenings Throughout the Central & Western Maine Area.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly one million Americans every year. Many people are unaware that, to a large extent, the disease is both modifiable and preventable. That is why CMHVI is providing free cardiovascular risk assessments. By answering a series of questions regarding health, family background and lifestyle habits, the assessment will immediately provide individuals with a personalized report of their specific risk factors for developing heart disease. Included with this service is free blood pressure and osteoporosis screening. Cholesterol testing is also available for a small fee (results are given to people within 5 minutes).

Individuals knowing their personal risk profile will enable them to take control of their health and provide them with the best defense against cardiovascular disease.

CMHVI’s Wellness Van will be at a Wal-mart store near you, from 10am – 3pm.

1st Tuesday of Every Month: Wal-Mart Supercenter Store, 201 Civic Center Drive, Augusta

1st Wednesday of Every Month: Wal-mart Supercenter Store, 1240 Main Street – Route 26, Oxford

2nd Wednesday of Every Month: Wal-mart Supercenter Store, 30 Landing Road.Windham

4th Wednesday of Every Month: Wal-mart Supercenter Store, 258 River Road, Mexico

Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute is committed to improving the health status for individuals who live and work in our communities.

For more information contact Donna Jordan, RN at 795-2614 or email Donna.

Visit CMHVI's website.

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LifePak

Donated to Mechanic Falls Fire and Rescue


From left, Peter E. Chalke, Paul Gosselin, and Matt Fifield, with the LifePak that CMMC recently donated to the Mechanic Falls organization.

Central Maine Medical Center and United Ambulance recently presented Mechanic Falls Fire and Rescue with cardiac equipment that will enable the emergency service to move from an EMT-Basic level to an EMT-Intermediate level.

“We are pleased to present Mechanic Falls Fire and Rescue with a LifePak cardiac defibrillator,” said Peter E. Chalke, president and chief executive officer at CMMC. “Seconds count when someone is having a heart attack. We are hopeful that a life may be saved someday because this new equipment is available during an acute cardiac event.”

United Ambulance also donated a variety of medical equipment that is often used in cardiac emergencies. “We are happy to help,” said United Ambulance Executive Director Paul Gosselin.

“This is a big step forward for our rescue service,” said Auburn firefighter and Mechanic Falls volunteer Matt Fifield. “We have two EMT-Intermediates now and I expect two to three more people would now be motivated to train to be EMT-Intermediates. This cardiac equipment will allow our service to move to the next level. This is great news for the residents of our community.”

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CMMC Achieves Highest Possible Customer Satisfaction Scores

For Nursing and Medical Staff

Central Maine Medical Center has achieved the highest percentile rank possible for patient satisfaction with its nursing and physician staffs for the second consecutive quarter.

Press Ganey, Inc., the nation’s largest hospital patient survey organization, has notified CMMC that for the April-June survey period the hospital scored in the 99th percentile for patient satisfaction with CMMC nursing and physician staffs. This result was drawn from a survey of 896 hospitals, including some of the nation’s most prestigious healthcare organizations.

Overall patient satisfaction with Central Maine Medical Center during the same time period registered in the 97th percentile, according to Press Ganey results.

The Press Ganey survey process involves the objective assessment of patient satisfaction though a third-party survey process. Patients are asked to answer more than 50 questions concerning the care they received at the hospital. The surveys are collected, tallied and analyzed by Press Ganey, which returns survey reports to hospitals on a quarterly basis.

CMMC began working with Press Ganey some seven years ago as part of a commitment to monitor and improve patient care. The medical center scored in the mid-80s for overall patient satisfaction at the outset of the survey process.

Founded in 1985 by Irwin Press, Ph.D., and Rodney F. Ganey, Ph.D., to provide information for the assessment and enhancement of the health care experience, Press Ganey has developed national databases of comparative satisfaction information that enables its clients to benchmark their results with peer organizations.

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Eugene J. Ferguson, M.D.

Joins Central Maine Internal Medicine

Eugene J. Ferguson, M.D., an internal medicine specialist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing in association with Central Maine Internal Medicine at 12 High Suite, Suite 400, in Lewiston.

Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Ferguson completed a residency in internal medicine at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. While serving his residency, he worked as medical instructor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ferguson graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa., and earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. As an undergraduate, he was the recipient of a Loyola Scholarship and a Howard Hughes Research Grant. While attending medical school he worked as a research assistant and was an active volunteer in many community health projects.

He is a member of the American College of Physicians. He is board certified in internal medicine and certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

He lives in Minot with his wife, April Joyce.

Central Maine Internal Medicine is a group physician practice also comprised of Oscar S. Cabatingan, M.D., James G. Joseph, M.D., Parul T. Kohli, M.D., William M. Lee, M.D., Phuong-mai Pham, M.D., Pamela E. Ross, M.D., and nurse practitioners Mary Ellen Davis, R.N., and Deana C. Albert, R.N. The practice can be reached at 795-5700.

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Alyssa E. Goodwin, M.D.

Joins Central Maine Pediatrics

Alyssa E. Goodwin, M.D., a pediatrician, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. She has joined Central Maine Pediatrics, a CMMC-affiliated medical practice located at 12 High Street, Suite 301, in Lewiston.

Goodwin recently completed her residency training at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

An honors graduate of Amherst College in Amherst, Mass., she earned her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. As a medical student she was awarded the Alec Horowitz Academic Grant for two consecutive years.

She has several years experience in medical research, including work at the Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass., the Child Psychiatry Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health in Washington, D.C., and at George Washington University School of Medicine and Children’s National Medical Center.

While earning her medical degree, she worked with Head Start developing a screening and health education curriculum. During her residency, she volunteered at Bread for the City, a free clinic in Washington, D.C.

She has a special interest in adolescent medicine and childhood obesity.

She lives in Durham with her husband, Christopher.

Central Maine Pediatrics is a group physician practice also comprised of the following individuals: pediatricians David R. Baker, D.O., Dan C. Hale, M.D., Diane R. Hemingway, M.D., Stephen B. Jacobs, M.D., Richard J. Marsh, M.D., Aaron Scholer, M.D., pediatric nurse practitioner Jane Marsh and licensed clinical social worker Eileen Fair.

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Deborah Taylor, Ph.D.

Featured Speaker at November 3 Support Group

Psychologist and cancer survivor Deborah Taylor, Ph.D., will be the featured speaker at the November 3 meeting of the Central Maine Medical Center Cancer Wellness and Support Group. She will lead a discussion about the range of thoughts and emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis. She will help those attending the session examine how those reactions affect relationships with family and friends, consider skills that improve communication about cancer, and issues that interfere with such communication.

Taylor is a member of the faculty of Central Maine Medical Center's Family Practice Residency Program. Prior to joining the residency program faculty, she served as director of Psychology Consultation Services at Ohio State University Hospitals in Columbus, Ohio.

She was awarded a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Southern Maine in Portland, and earned a master's degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan. She served a pre-doctoral psychology internship at the Ohio State University in Columbus, and a post-doctoral psychology fellowship at an industrial rehabilitation hospital in Ohio.

The CMMC Cancer Wellness and Support Group is open to people living with cancer, as well as their spouses/partners, family members, and caregivers. The group meets from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the conference room at the Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center at CMMC. There is no charge for participation.

For more information, call CMMC oncology social worker Kerry Irish at 795-7118 or Trisha Warren-Van Horn at 795-2692.

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CMMC's Cancer Care Program

Approved by American College of Surgeons

Central Maine Medical Center’s Comprehensive Cancer Care Program has again been approved by a national healthcare quality review organization.

The CMMC cancer program has once again been 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.

Commission on Cancer approval is awarded only to those facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and undergo a rigorous evaluation process and performance review. To maintain approval, facilities must undergo an on site review every three years.

More than two-thirds of Americans with cancer receive their care in institutions with ACoS approved programs.

Nicholette L. Erickson, M.D., a hematologist-oncologist and chairman of the medical center’s Cancer Committee, said the approval “demonstrates the high quality services offered at CMMC. Our program is reviewed every three years and has received approval since 1937.”

The cancer program has a long-term research affiliation with the world-renowned Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. These attributes of the cancer program mean that patients and families are assured that the care they receive at CMMC is the best cancer care available.

Cancer conferences at CMMC provide educational opportunities for the medical staff and promote consultations between cancer care providers. The conferences cover most cancers, and are attended by physicians from all medical disciplines, nurses, social workers, cancer registrars and other healthcare professionals.

CMMC’s patient care evaluation system identifies ways in which patient care can be improved. The ACoS Commission on Cancer requires that approved programs conduct annual studies to assess treatment processes and outcomes.

The CMMC Cancer Registry collects and manages the data base used to evaluate the cancer program’s effectiveness in treating patients. Each confirmed cancer case is entered into the registry with detailed information on diagnosis, extent of disease, treatment and demographics. A history of medical, family and occupational-industrial factors, and personal habits is maintained. This system provides information on changes in a person’s disease. The registry’s statistical reports enable physicians to evaluate the success of specific cancer treatments and are a valuable resource for cancer researchers. Information collected through the CMMC Cancer Registry allows CMMC to participate in national studies designed to improve patient care. The Cancer Registry at CMMC was started in 1954.

The goals of CMMC’s cancer program are to decrease the incidence of disease and mortality of patients with cancer, improve the medical center’s comprehensive cancer control efforts, and enhance the care of terminally-ill patients.

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1932, the Approvals Program sets standards for cancer programs and reviews the programs to assure conformity with those standards. Receiving care at a Commission on Cancer approved cancer program ensures that a patient will have access to:

  • High quality care close to home.
  • Comprehensive care offering a range of state of the art services and equipment.
  • A multispecialty team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available to cancer patients.
  • Information about cancer clinical trials, education, and support.
  • Lifelong patient follow up through a cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results.
  • Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care.

There are currently more than 1,400 Commission on Cancer approved cancer programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, representing close to 25 percent of all hospitals. This 25 percent of hospitals diagnose and/or treat 80 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients each year.

The Commission on Cancer is composed of Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and other members representing 39 national cancer related organizations. Postgraduate courses, symposia, and programs about cancer are developed by the Commission for health care professionals involved in cancer care.

The Commission, through a joint project with the American Cancer Society, also tracks national, regional, and local cancer care patterns and trends through the National Cancer Database. The Commission sets standards for cancer registry data collection used by all approved cancer programs and conducts national quality management and improvement studies for specific cancer sites. Results of these studies are used by cancer program leadership to monitor and improve patient care.

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Dan C. Hale, M.D.

Joins CMMC Medical Staff

Dan C. Hale, M.D., a pediatrician, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He has joined Central Maine Pediatrics, a CMMC-affiliated medical practice located at 12 High Street, Suite 301, in Lewiston.

Hale recently completed residency training through the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Residency Program at Maine Medical Center's Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. He served as chief resident during the final year of his training.

He is presently a clinical instructor at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vt., and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. He recently worked as a pediatric hospitalist and Newborn Service physician at MMC.

A magna cum laude graduate of Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisc., he earned his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison, Wisc. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his academic achievements and volunteer work.

He is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He also holds certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Fundamental Critical Care Support, and Basic Life Support.

He is a member of the Maine Medical Association, American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, including its Maine Chapter.

Central Maine Pediatrics is a group physician practice also comprised of the following individuals: pediatricians David R. Baker, D.O., Diane R. Hemingway, M.D., Stephen B. Jacobs, M.D., Richard J. Marsh, M.D., Aaron Scholer, M.D., pediatric nurse practitioner Jane Marsh and licensed clinical social workers Eileen Fair and Ursula Hanson.

10/22/04

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Maine Hospitals Face Turbulent Times

Many proposals for reforming Maine's healthcare system are now circulating

It seems that hardly a day goes by without a new idea for reforming Maine's healthcare system being touted in the media. News stories about quality, access and affordability of healthcare appear regularly. Editorial pages in Maine newspapers criticize or support proposed plans to restructure the state's healthcare system. Even Gov. John Baldacci has taken to the airwaves in a TV commercial encouraging people to enroll in the new Dirigo Health Plan.

Central Maine Healthcare's (CMH) leadership believes that all Maine residents have a vested interest in preserving local access to high quality, cost-effective healthcare. Any effort to restructure how healthcare is provided within the state should be rigorously examined in an open public process. It is also critically important for healthcare organization board members, managers, employees, physicians, volunteers and the many “friends” of healthcare organizations to actively participant in this debate that will determine the future of healthcare in Maine.

CMH also believes that citizens should know where their elected officials stand on healthcare issues. To that end, CMH recently mailed a healthcare issues questionnaire to over 60 Maine House and Senate candidates who are competing to represent in the Legislature the people who live in Central Maine Healthcare's service areas. (If you would like to see the results of the survey click here.)

CMH will publish two special editions of the Bulletin during October. This issue recaps some of the major changes in Maine's healthcare environment over the last two years and examines three important healthcare policy issues. In a second special issue Bulletin that will be published at the end of the month the results of the healthcare issues survey will be presented to readers so they may be informed of Senate and House candidates' positions on healthcare issues before the November 2 election.

Dirigo Health

The Dirigo Health program was proposed by the Baldacci Administration and adopted by the Maine Legislature in May 2003. The Governor's Office of Health Policy and Finance (GOHPF) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of Dirigo Health Reform. Directed by Trish Riley, the GOHPF also manages the various Dirigo Health advisory groups. The advisory groups, whose members are appointed by the Governor, started deliberations late last year. These advisory groups are discussing various public policy initiatives that, if implemented, will significantly restructure Maine's healthcare delivery system. It is expected that the Commission to Study Maine's Hospitals will report report its findings in November. The new Legislature will vote on bills to implement some of these recommendations next year.

Governor Baldacci requested in 2003 that Maine hospitals voluntarily comply with a 3.5 percent ceiling on cost increases. Maine hospitals have generally complied with the request and have voluntarily agreed to a 4.5 percent cost increase cap in 2004. To meet these targets, some hospitals have reduced their workforce, limited wage increases and delayed various expenditures.

Dirigo Health also includes a new health plan designed for individuals and small employers. In May 2004 the state sent out request-for-proposals seeking to find insurance companies to sell and administer the Dirigo Health Plan. Anthem Blue Cross was the sole bidder. Anthem will begin selling the state subsidized health insurance product this month with coverage to become effective in January.

Detailed information about Dirigo Health can be found at www.dirigohealth.maine.gov

MaineCare cutbacks

There have been significant MaineCare (Medicaid) cutbacks in the last two years. Maine hospitals were hit with a $58 million MaineCare cutback in 2003. The Legislature's Democratic majority voted in January 2004 to impose a 3/4 of 1 percent tax on hospital net revenues as part of a “tax and match” plan to draw down more federal Medicaid dollars. The plan was adopted on a straight party line vote in both the Maine House and Senate.

At the same time MaineCare cuts were being implemented, the Legislature voted to expand enrollment in the MaineCare program. Currently one out of four Mainers - or some 320,000 people - are eligible for MaineCare. To put this is some perspective, only 90,000 people - or one out of thirteen people - who reside in neighboring New Hampshire are eligible for Medicaid.

Looming state budget crisis

Maine is facing a $1 billion structural gap in the state budget when the Legislature convenes in January. The Legislature will be forced to adopt yet another supplemental budget to close this budget shortfall. Based on recent history, additional MaineCare cuts to healthcare providers and reduction of benefits to MaineCare recipients will likely be proposed. Even more troubling are comments from the Governor's Office of Health Policy and Finance indicating that the need for additional MaineCare cuts is already being discussed.

Closing the budget gap by increasing state revenues through higher income taxes, higher sales tax, and other fees may be very difficult because the current level of government spending is already under intense criticism at both the local and state level. The Maine Municipal Association (MMA) was successful in passing an initiative to force the state to pay for 55 percent of local education, thereby shifting more of the burden for paying for education to the state and away from local property taxes. Even though there has been intense pressure for some action, the Legislature has been unable to reach a consensus on alternatives to Maine's high income, sales and business tax rates. The Legislature was also unable to agree on bond issues that could be voted on the November ballot. The Palesky Amendment, a citizen's initiative on the November ballot that is designed to cap the property tax mil rate and require a 2/3 vote of the Legislature to raise spending limits, has received widespread attention throughout the state.

With no increase in state revenues, education and healthcare will compete for the same human services allocation in an extremely tight state budget.

Improving access to care of the uninsured

The Governor's Office of Health Policy and Finance estimates that 130,000 Mainers are not covered by Medicare, MaineCare or a private health insurance plan. An important goal of the Dirigo Health Reform Act is to “ensure access to coverage for Maine's uninsured.” The Baldacci Administration is pursuing two strategies to decrease the number of insured.

One strategy is to expand MaineCare, the state-federal insurance program for the poor, by raising income eligibility levels so more Mainers can qualify for the program. New MaineCare eligibility standards went into effect in July and some 320,000 Maine residents now qualify for MaineCare.

The second strategy is the Dirigo Health insurance product designed for small employers (companies with 2 to 50 employees). Next year the plan is supposed to expand to include individuals seeking coverage. In 2003, the U.S. Congress voted to send hundreds of million dollars to the states struggling with severe budget deficits in an effort to ease the burden of rising Medicaid costs. The $53 million in federal funds sent to Maine and designated to offset Medicaid costs was instead set aside to subsidize first year Dirigo Health premiums. The success of Dirigo Health will be measured by how many people enroll in the program and the sustainability of the program in future years.

Free market approaches, such as high-risk pools that have been reported to be successful in other states, have not been adopted in Maine.

Hospital cost shifting - The hidden “tax” on private health plans

Hospital operations are financed almost entirely by charges to patients for healthcare services. Most people might expect that every health plan should pay hospitals, physicians and other care providers at least the cost of a patient's care. But the truth is, Medicare and MaineCare pay hospitals far below the cost of care. As a result, hospitals must shift patient care costs to private insurance plans to make up for underpayment (losses) from Medicare and MaineCare. People who purchase individual health coverage and employer-sponsored health plans (both the employer and employees) pay higher hospital charges that are, in essence, hidden taxes being imposed by the federal and state government.

Inadequate government payment has other consequences. Some private physicians have already limited the number of MaineCare and/or Medicare patients in their practices, which effectively reduces patient access to care. The combined effect of expanding the number of MaineCare enrollees and cutting MaineCare payments may actually increase the number of uninsured. MaineCare cuts initiate the dangerous cycle of forcing hospitals to treat more patients below the actual cost of providing care, which in turn requires hospitals to shift even more unfunded costs to private insurance plans, resulting in more companies and individuals dropping health coverage because of steep price increases attributable, at least in part, to cost shifting.

The ability of Central Maine Healthcare hospitals to continue offering a comprehensive scope of clinical services and quality patient care is directly related to having adequate resources to fulfill the system's mission. Hospitals must generate enough patient revenue to provide quality care, invest in appropriate new medical technology, and renovate or replace physical plants and facilities. Hospital cost shifting is a national phenomenon, but the problem is particularly acute in Maine because of low MaineCare reimbursement for hospital services.

Hospital regionalization proposed

The Commission to Study Maine's Hospitals, one of the Dirigo Health advisory groups, is actively considering a plan to group Maine's 39 hospitals into three regions. New regional boards would be created, although the specific authority of these boards has not been spelled out. Some goals of regionalization include reducing medical errors, reducing overall hospital costs, and centralizing certain medical functions. “More centralized/cooperative operations will require fewer people and employ fewer assets overall, but produce superior results in every aspect,” according to commission documents.

Hospital Commission Chairman Bill Haggett, a former chief executive officer of Bath Iron Works, is already on record recommending specific action steps. For example, Mr. Haggett believes hospitals should cut costs by 13 percent or $351 million by 2007. Cuts of this magnitude will result in the loss of an estimated 3,500 hospital jobs. He has also recommended that Parkview Adventist Medical Center in Brunswick and Inland Hospital in Waterville close or merge with another hospital.

CMMC, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital would be part of the Western Central Region, along with Inland Hospital, Franklin Memorial Hospital, Stephens Memorial Hospital, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, and MaineGeneral (Augusta and Waterville). There is some thought that regionalization might be accomplished on a voluntary basis with the creation of an incentive system along the lines of an enhanced MaineCare hospital rates schedule. However, Chairman Haggett has also been quoted as saying “although voluntary participation would be highly desirable, the Legislature should take the appropriate steps to assure that there are no exceptions to this requirement.”

Some other members of the Commission are advocating for significant state involvement or control over the actions of the regional boards, which would diminish control of healthcare as exercised by local hospital boards.

Needless to say, the regionalization concept is highly controversial. Local control over decisions that affect local access to high-quality healthcare is a long-held Maine tradition that will not be easily discarded.

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Tammy Lachance

Keynote Speaker for Breakfast Forum on November 3

Tammy Lachance, trauma program manager at Central Maine Medical Center, will be the keynote speaker at a Central Maine Healthcare Community Breakfast Forum on November 3.

She will discuss "Staying Out of Trauma: Topics In Injury Prevention," focusing on what individuals can do to reduce accidents and injuries.

Lachance has served as trauma program manager at CMMC since 2000. She also worked for a year as a coordinator for LifeFlight of Maine, a medical helicopter service operated jointly by Central Maine Healthcare, CMMC's parent company, and Eastern Maine Healthcare in Bangor. She has worked as an emergency nurse at CMMC and Rumford Community Hospital.

She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Southern Maine in Portland. She is presently enrolled in the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. She is certified as an instructor for the Trauma Nursing Core Course, Emergency Nurse Pediatrics Course, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She is also a certified emergency nurse.

She is a member at-large of the Maine Emergency Nurses Association Board of Directors, and a member of the Emergency Nurses Association, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Society of Trauma Nurses, and the State of Maine Trauma Advisory Committee.

The Community Breakfast Forum is open to the public and will be presented from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the Chairmen's Rooms on the ground floor of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. Those wishing to attend the breakfast are asked to call 795-2975.

The entrance to the 12 High Street Building is located across the street from the CMMC parking garage. Free parking is available in the garage and in adjacent parking lots.

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John D. Dickens, Jr., M.D.

Appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff

John D. Dickens, Jr., M.D., an internal medicine specialist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He will work as a CMMC hospitalist, providing care for inpatients at the request of their primary care physician.

Before joining the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Dickens served a general medicine fellowship at Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland. His professional experience includes nearly three years as a research assistant at MMC's Division of Health Services Research. He also works as a healthcare and medical statistical consultant with Dickens Consulting, L.L.C., a Maine-based company. He is the author or co-author of several scholarly articles on various medical topics.

Dickens graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, where he was presented the Earl Kendall Van Swearingen, Henry Lincoln Johnson and Dr. Ralph Fessenden Goodhue medical scholarships. He was awarded his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vt. He later earned a master's degree in public health from Dartmouth College of Medicine in Hanover, N.H. He completed residency training with the MMC Internal Medicine Residency Program. During the final year of his residency he was awarded the Robert Hillman Award, which recognized him as Senior Resident of the Year.

He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. He is a member of the Society of Hospital Medicine, American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, and Maine Medical Association.

The CMMC Hospitalist Service was created last year to offer patients and their physicians an in-hospital care alternative that assures high-quality clinical care while promoting efficiency and cost savings. Dickens only serves those patients who, in consultation with their personal physician, request her services. Reviews of hospitalist programs nationally show they can reduce the length of patient stays and enhance patient care outcomes by decreasing treatment delays, improving timeliness of diagnostic procedures, focusing attention on changes in a patient's status, and improving communication between the patient, family and physician.

Also serving as hospitalists at CMMC are Bruce Condit, M.D., Claudia K. Geyer, M.D., David Lauver, M.D., and Alan Verrill, M.D.

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Elisabeth M. Britton, M.D.

Appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff

Elisabeth M. Britton, M.D., a family practitioner, has joined Family Health Associates at 190 Stetson Road in Auburn. She has also been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff.

Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn area healthcare community, Britton served as family practitioner at Patuxent River Naval Medical Clinical in Patuxent River, Md.

A graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., Britton earned her medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vt. She served an internship at the San Diego Medical Center in San Diego, and completed her residency training through the Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital Family Practice Residency Program in Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Her professional experience includes work as a clinical researcher at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis., and two years as general medical officer at the Brunswick Naval Air Station's Branch Medical Clinic in Brunswick.

Britton is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. She is also certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

She lives in Freeport with her husband, Christopher E. Cleurzo, M.D., and their son, Eric.

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Claudia K. Geyer, M.D.

Appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff

Claudia K. Geyer, M.D., an internal medicine specialist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. She is working as a CMMC hospitalist, providing care for inpatients at the request of their primary care physician.

Before joining the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Geyer worked with the Maine Hospitalist Service at Maine Medical Center (MMC) in Portland, where she provided both primary and consultative care for adult inpatients.

She has also been actively involved in medical education, and was a member of the MMC Internal Medicine Residency faculty and a clinical instructor at the University of Vermont School of Medicine in Burlington, Vt. She continues to teach at the MMC Family Practice Residency.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Geyer earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh. She completed residency training with the Maine-Dartmouth Family Practice Residency Program in Augusta, where she was recognized with the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Senior Resident Award. She then served a second residency with the MMC Internal Medicine Residency Program. At MMC she served as chief resident in internal medicine.

She has an impressive record of community service, including work as a Portland Community Free Clinic volunteer physician, and a community elder health educator and volunteer with the Maine Service Advocates in Foreign Language and English in Waterville. Her volunteer commitments have included work as a volunteer for organizations serving Native Americans. She has also worked with health services for children and adolescents and with literacy programs.

She is certified by the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is a member of the Society of Hospital Medicine, American College of Physicians, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

The CMMC Hospitalist Service was created last year to offer patients and their physicians an in-hospital care alternative that assures high-quality clinical care while promoting efficiency and cost savings. Geyer only serves those patients who, in consultation with their personal physician, request her services. Reviews of hospitalist programs nationally show they can reduce the length of patient stays and enhance patient care outcomes by decreasing treatment delays, improving timeliness of diagnostic procedures, focusing attention on changes in a patient's status, and improving communication between the patient, family and physician.

Also serving as hospitalists at CMMC are Bruce Condit, M.D., Alan Verrill, M.D., John Dickens M.D., and David Lauver, M.D.

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CMMC School of Nursing

Holds informational sessions about a career in nursing

The Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing will present three informational sessions for individuals interested in learning more about a career in nursing.

The first session will be held at University College, Room A, 13 Brown Street, Mexico on February 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The presentation will include an introduction to the CMMC School of Nursing's two-year associate degree registered nurse program, which is offered via video conferencing to a classroom at University College in Mexico. Rumford Hospital and Rumford Community Home serve as the program's clinical experience sites.

A second session will be held in the Crosby Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington on February 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The presentation will include an introduction to the CMMC School of Nursing's two-year associate degree registered nurse program, which is offered via video conferencing to a classroom at Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH). Students in that program complete clinical training at FMH and the Sandy River Health Care Facility.

The application process, admission requirements, curriculum requirements and other topics will be discussed at both events.

Advanced placement for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and paramedics will be the subject of a presentation set for February 22 at the School of Nursing, 70 Middle Street, Lewiston, at 5:30 p.m. The program will consider how existing qualifications and experience can be converted to an accelerated course of study.

For more information call the CMMC School of Nursing at 795-2858 or e-mail Kathy Jacques at jacqueka@cmhc.org

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Cardiovascular Risk Screening Clinic

Scheduled for March 11

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a Cardiovascular Risk Screening Clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 11 at the Victorian Villa in Canton. The screening will be offered in the CMHVI Wellness Van.

The free cardiovascular health assessment will include: a blood pressure check; cardiac risk screening; and cholesterol screening. The cholesterol screen will be done by appointment and limited to the first 50 registrants. Those interested in participating should call 795-2614 or email Donna Jordan

The CMHVI Wellness Van healthcare professionals will also offer a free osteoporosis screening. Sandra Bouchard, R.N., and Sharon Gates, R.N., of Rumford Hospital's Cardiovascular Health Improvement Program (CHIP) will be on hand. Free health and wellness information and door prizes will be provided.

The Victorian Villa is located on Route 108 in downtown Canton.

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Hospitals Face Unprecedented Number of Issues

Dirigo Health, MaineCare cuts, and impending budget shortfall top list

Maine's hospitals are contending with an unprecedented number of critical issues. Foremost among them are the Dirigo Health Reform Act, MaineCare cutbacks, and a looming $1 billion state budget deficit that may lead to more hardships for healthcare providers and those they serve.

The last edition of the Central Maine Medical Family Bulletin examined the most pressing concerns facing the state's hospitals, including access to care for the uninsured, hospital “cost shifting” (a hidden tax on private health plans), and state government's emerging hospital regionalization proposal.

This Bulletin explores five healthcare topics: the Commission to Study Maine's Hospitals; Maine Quality Forum Advisory Council; State Health Plan; Healthcare Cost Drivers; and The Role of Hospitals in Maine's Communities.

This Bulletin also presents the results of the Legislative Candidates Healthcare Issues Survey and challenges readers to participate in making healthcare policy in Maine. (If you would like to see the results of the survey click here.)

Commission to Study Maine's Hospitals

The Commission to Study Maine's Hospitals was one of several advisory groups created by the 2003 Dirigo Health legislation. Its task is to: study the role of hospitals; collect and evaluate data on hospital costs and availability of services; and determine opportunities and public policies to advance changes in hospital roles, encourage collaboration among healthcare providers, and improve affordability. Governor John Baldacci appointed representatives of employers, managed care plans, a nurse, physicians, hospitals and other Maine interest groups to the Commission. Rumford Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer John Welsh is a member of the Commission.

The Commission - assisted by staff members of the Governors Office of Health Policy and Finance (GOHPF), led by Trish Riley - has tackled a variety of issues since beginning its work late last year.

One of the issues being debated by the Commission is a strongly recommended proposal from employers and insurance companies that Maine Bureau of Insurance Rule 850 - a regulation that requires managed care plans demonstrate the availability of hospitals and physicians in given geographical areas - be changed. The suggested change will make it easier to force people to travel further to receive healthcare services that will be covered by their managed care plan.

Another concern within the Commission's work is a contested assessment of whether hospital costs in Maine are out of line with the rest of the country. A Harvard University hospital finance expert retained by the Commission says Maine's hospital costs are higher. But the Maine Hospital Association counters with information showing that Maine hospital costs are comparable with New England and the rest of the United States

A section of the Commission's draft report calling for massive hospital cost cutting has already created controversy with the public and within the Commission itself. Commission Chairman Bill Haggett, a former Bath Iron Works CEO, calls for a 13 percent - or $351 million - reduction to hospital spending by 2007. Cuts of this magnitude equate to a loss of 3,500 healthcare jobs. The Maine Hospital Association points out that these cuts will jeopardize hospitals' ability to provide the highest quality patient care and will have a negative effect on local economies throughout Maine.

Another section of the draft calls for the creation of three regional boards of overseers for all of Maine's hospitals, the closing of two hospitals, and the downsizing of a third hospital. Some Commission members want rigid state oversight of the regional boards, while other members want no direct state involvement. In any event, regionalization is a highly controversial proposal. Maine tradition has always favored local decision-making by community hospital boards as opposed to centralized control.

Public hearings on the Commission draft reports are tentatively scheduled for early December with a final report issued by year-end.

The Commission's recommendations will be considered by the Maine legislature when it convenes for its next session in early January.

Maine Quality Forum Advisory Council

Two studies assessing the quality of healthcare provided to Medicare patients ranked Maine as third best in the nation. Maine hospitals maintain extensive internal quality improvement programs and participate in various external quality improvement programs such as the Leapfrog Group, the Maryland Quality Indicators Project, the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the Maine Health Management Coalition Patient Safety projects, to name but a few. All Maine hospitals are also surveyed by the Department of Human Services licensing division.

The Maine Quality Forum is the Dirigo Health advisory group created to improve the quality of patient care in Maine. A consensus seems to have been reached within the Quality Forum that the statewide implementation of an interconnected electronic patient medical record system is an essential step to improving patient care. To that end, the Advisory Council has voted to support a feasibility study of what is being called the Maine Health Information Network Technology Project.

Central Maine Healthcare is well on its way to implementing an electronic medical record throughout its integrated delivery system. Over 100 physicians are currently using a computerized or electronic medical record (EMR) in their practices. CMMC will begin installation of an inpatient EMR in July 2005. EMRs will be implemented at Bridgton and Rumford Hospitals shortly thereafter. The overall system price tag to convert from paper records to an EMR exceeds $12 million. A statewide interconnected EMR (if determined to be feasible) would cost tens of millions of dollars. Such an investment would come at the same time that many of its advocates are also pushing for lower hospital costs and cuts in reimbursement. Where will the money for a statewide EMR come from?

Some people believe that hospitals should be told how to manage patient care units and be held to mandatory nurse staffing ratios. The Technology Assessment Committee, a working group within the Advisory Council, requested data from hospitals and wrote to the nurses union for input. The chairperson of this committee has announced that the expected conclusion is there is no evidence to support establishing mandated nursing ratios, but will recommend adoption of a standard set of nursing-sensitive quality measures to be used statewide through regulation.

Dennis Shubert, M.D., Ph.D., executive director of the Advisory Council, is leading what is becoming a controversial effort to initially use administrative claims data as the tool to drive quality reporting. Reports indicating variations in practice among medical care providers are being produced and will be posted on the Council's website. This claims data is not risk-adjusted based on the severity of illness and other patient co-morbidities. Any reports based solely on claims data may be subject to questions about their credibility. The Maine Hospital Association Quality Council is reviewing the data and is expected to provide additional comments to the Advisory Council.

State health plan

Another requirement of the Dirigo Health legislation is the creation of a state health plan. The purpose of the plan is to devise a rational allocation of health resources in Maine, improve quality, and control healthcare costs. An interim plan was adopted in July. In conjunction with this plan, the Dirigo Health legislation includes a new Capital Investment Fund designed to limit the annual sum of capital investments by physicians and hospitals.

There is general agreement that Maine benefits by the adoption of a state health plan, particularly if there is emphasis on a chronic care delivery model. Skeptics of this interim plan have commented about the overemphasis on cost containment and the need to adopt the Capital Investment Fund by emergency rule-making instead of by legislative action.

Detailed information about Dirigo Health can be found at www.dirigohealth.maine.gov

Healthcare cost drivers

Some critics are attempting to hold hospitals almost totally responsible for high healthcare costs in Maine. This conclusion is drawn from a simplistic analysis of a complex problem. The cost of healthcare is a national issue and healthcare spending in Maine is not out of line with the rest of the country. Hospital costs in Maine are slightly above the national average, but below the New England average.

Hospital costs reflect the real world environment that hospitals operate within. Increases in hospital costs are driven primarily by increased use of hospital services, higher labor costs, higher drug and supply costs, investments in technology, and cost shifting resulting from inadequate Medicare and MaineCare reimbursements.

Baby boomers are aging and using more healthcare services. Hospitals are treating more Medicare and MaineCare patients while at the same time being paid less than the cost of care for services provided to these patients. Maine hospitals receive a fixed payment for hospital admissions that is far below the cost of care - about 54 cents for each dollar of care - and may be forced to accept more payment cuts. As payments from government health insurance programs drop, hospitals must raise charges to other payers. This cost shifting results in higher insurance premiums for everyone else.

There are shortages of trained workers in a number of healthcare professions. Nurses and medical imaging technologists, for example, are particularly in high demand. Maine hospitals have to pay competitive salaries to attract and retain skilled professionals or they will not have the ability to meet demand for patient care services.

Cost increases for drugs, medical supplies, medical technology, and information technology (such as EMR systems) are far outpacing the general rate of inflation, thus driving up the overall cost of hospital care. There are multiple cost drivers contributing to the pace of healthcare cost increases, including America's less than health conscious population.

The role of hospitals in Maine's communities

Maine hospitals play an essential role in the health and economic vitality of the communities where they are located. Maine hospitals employ some 26,000 people and have a collective annual payroll of $1.2 billion. In many communities, hospitals are the largest employers. Hospital employees, in turn, are major contributors to their local economy. They pay property taxes and purchase goods and services from local businesses. The total economic ripple effect that Maine hospitals have on other sectors of the Maine economy is estimated at $4.5 billion. The downsizing or closure of Maine hospitals will hurt Maine's economy.

So what does this all mean to me?

This is not an academic discussion. Everyone needs medical care sometime in his or her life. What's going on with Maine's healthcare system is really about Maine residents . . . families, friends and neighbors. Most people want local access to high quality cost-effective healthcare when they need it. In fact, every candidate for the Maine Legislature who returned CMMF's healthcare questionnaire agreed with this statement. The challenge is to strike a balance between cost, quality and access. Costs can be cut if we are willing to ration access to care. Quality can be improved if we are willing to invest in new technology and new models for managing chronic illness. There is no silver bullet solution for solving the healthcare dilemma facing Maine, the U.S., and the world. Many people are concerned about healthcare for themselves and their family, but don't know how to help shape healthcare policy. Those who would like to contribute to creating a better healthcare system might consider the following:

  1. Become informed about critical healthcare issues and participate in the healthcare policy dialogue underway in Maine.
  2. Communicate directly with the Governor's Office on Health Policy and Finance by sending an e-mail to GOHPF@maine.gov
  3. Find out more about where candidates for the Maine Legislature stand on healthcare issues by reviewing the results of the CMMF Healthcare Issues Survey.
  4. Ask the incumbents how they voted on healthcare legislation during the last session of the Legislature.
  5. But, most important of all, register to vote and exercise your right to do so!

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Voting FAQ's

Registering to vote in Maine is very easy

Who can register and vote in Maine?

To register, you must be a United States citizen, at least 17 years of age, and live in Maine.

To vote, you must be registered in the community where you reside, and be at least 18 years of age. A new law will allow many 17 year olds to vote for candidates in June primary elections beginning in 2006.

How do I register to vote?

You fill out a voter registration card.

Where do I go to register?

You can register to vote at your town office or city hall, through any Motor Vehicle branch office, in most state and federal social service agencies, or at voter registration drives.

Completed voter registration cards may be hand delivered or mailed to your town office or city hall, or sent to the Secretary of State's Office in Augusta.

Is there a deadline for registering?

You can register to vote until, and including, Election Day. There is no cut-off date for registering to vote in person at your town office or city hall.

When is the next election?

November 2, 2004 is the next statewide General Election.

Where do I go to vote?

Every town and city has its own places where people vote. You can call your town office or city hall to find out where you vote. Voting places open between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., depending on the size of the town. Local officials can give you the exact opening time for your community. All polling places close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

How do I mark a ballot?

Each ballot tells you how to mark your choices. If you have a question, ask an election official. If you make a mistake, fold your ballot and give it to an election official. The election official will give you another ballot.

Can I have help voting?

Yes. If you need help reading or marking the ballot, you may ask a relative or friend for assistance. The helper does not have to be a voter or old enough to vote. An election official can also help you read or mark a ballot. However, your employer or union official cannot help you vote.

Do I need to go to the polls on Election Day to vote?

No. Any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at the polling place.

Who may absentee vote?

Any registered voter may cast an absentee ballot instead of voting in person at the polling place on Election Day. You don't need to have a specific reason or be unable to vote at the polls on election day to receive an absentee ballot.

What are the steps to voting by absentee ballot?

Complete an absentee ballot application to get a ballot; then fill out ballot and deliver it back to the municipal clerk.

When can I request a ballot?

Absentee ballots may be requested beginning three months before Election Day. Make your request early to allow enough time for the ballot to be mailed to you.

How do I apply for and receive an absentee ballot?

Contact the municipal clerk in the town or city where you are registered to vote. You can make a telephone request for your own ballot, which will be mailed to the address you provide to the clerk. You can also make a written request by completing an absentee ballot application. Applications are available beginning three months before Election Day.

Completed applications can be mailed, faxed or delivered in person to the municipal clerk.

When must my voted ballot be returned to my municipal clerk?

To be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

More information about absentee voting can be found by contacting:

Elections Division
101 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
207-624-7650
CEC.Elections@maine.gov

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CMMC School of Nursing

Offering Medical Terminology Course

The Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing will offer a 10-week medical terminology course beginning March 23.

The classes will meet at The CMMC School of Nursing at 70 Middle Street in Lewiston from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays. (There will be no class meeting on May 28.)

The non-credit course will be taught by Peggy Young, R.N.

A fee, which includes the cost of the textbook, will be charged.

For more information or to register, call the CMMC School of Nursing at 795-2858 or email jacqueka@cmhc.org

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LifeFlight’s Holiday Gift to Maine

Two New Helicopters

LifeFlight of Maine delivered the first of two holiday gifts to Maine residents on Christmas Eve when a flight crew touched down at Central Maine Medical Center in a new medical helicopter. A second aircraft will be delivered to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor next week.

LifeFlight provides critical care medical services to the entire state of Maine. Since its first flight to the woodlands of above Deblois in September of 1998, LifeFlight has safely transported more than 3,600 critically ill and injured patients from every hospital and from accident scenes in over 200 Maine communities.

“Based on our experience of the last six years we understood that we needed to improve our clinical and operational mission capability,” said Tom Judge, Executive Director of LifeFlight. “The new helicopters are essential investments in improving our ability to support patients in our rural communities. While the new aircraft look pretty much the same as the older aircraft, they are the latest generation technology. These helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics including moving maps, weather radar and increased performance capabilities that will increase our safety margins. A secondary advantage is that new technology will lower our operating costs.”

“Governor King said the State of Maine just got a little smaller when we announced the creation of LifeFlight some seven years ago and he was right,” said Peter Chalke, president of Central Maine Healthcare. “LifeFlight’s terrific team of pilots, flight nurses, flight paramedics and support staff has made a tremendous difference. Our medical helicopters are able to quickly deliver critical care capabilities wherever there is a need. Critically ill or injured patients are rapidly transported for definitive care to the skilled and dedicated caregivers at major medical centers in Maine and beyond. No doubt numerous lives have been saved.”

The new aircraft have much greater range and payload capacity. This difference in payload capacity allows greater flight range. It also lets LifeFlight crews move more than one patient at a time or carry additional medical personnel or equipment for newborn, pediatric, and cardiac patients.

The helicopters fly faster and farther on a tank of fuel and will increase the mission capability of LifeFlight. With an effective speed of 166 to 170 mph and a longer flight range, the new helicopters can cover greater distances faster. In fact, the new helicopters are up to 30 percent faster than their predecessors. Effective range is very important because LifeFlight covers a huge geographic region. LifeFlight’s Lewiston base, for example, provides back up for the northern part of the state, New Hampshire and Vermont. Faster speed and lower fuel consumption helps maximize response times and efficiency.

“Severely injured patients who are transported to a trauma center within the golden hour have a much better chance of survival,” said Larry Hopperstead, M.D. CMMC’s Trauma Center Medical Director. “In Maine, the LifeFlight helicopters can sometimes save hours and the crews can provide critical care in flight. This is extremely important when saving minutes can mean the difference between life and death.”

In July, LifeFlight will transition to an instrument flight certified program. A capital improvements bond issue approved by voters in November will help LifeFlight improve infrastructure statewide to support an instrument flight certified system which will increase the safety and reliability of not only Maine’s air medical system but all aviation in Maine.

LifeFlight of Maine is owned and operated by Central Maine Healthcare in Lewiston and Eastern Maine Healthcare in Bangor, the parent companies of CMMC and EMMC. These two healthcare systems had the shared vision to start LifeFlight, provided the start-up capital and ongoing support.

The new aircraft represent an investment of over $8 million. The LifeFlight Foundation has initiated a capital fund-raising program to support the expansion of the LifeFlight system and these medical helicopters. Anyone interested in providing financial support for this critical program that serves all Maine residents and visitors should contact:

The LifeFlight Foundation
PO Box 1007
Union, ME 04862
(207) 785-2288

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DVDs for Kids

Donated by WHOM and its listeners

DVDs FOR KIDS – From left, Kim Jacques, R.N., Shelley Stone, R.N., manager of children’s services at Central Maine Medical Center, and Amy Casper, R.N., all of the CMMC Pediatrics Unit, show off donations made by listeners of WHOM-FM to Dean’s and Danielle’s DVDs for Kids drive. WHOM and its listeners provided CMMC with two new DVD players and 26 DVDs.

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National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

In recognition of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, CMMC is reminding Maine women that regular screening for early detection is their best protection.

Most cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Since cancer of the cervix is curable when detected early, women who do not have regular screenings are at the highest risk. Regular Pap tests are the only reliable way to prevent cervical cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that between 60% and 80% of American women with newly diagnosed invasive cervical cancer have not had a Pap test in the past five years. In 2002, 92% of Maine women age 18-64 had a pap test within the last three years. However, 81% of women over 65 had a Pap test during the same time period.

“The most important thing a woman can do to avoid cervical cancer is to have regular Pap tests,” said Lani Graham, MD, acting director of HHS's Bureau of Health. “If a woman has not had a Pap test within the last three years, she should call her health care provider today.”

For women in need of financial assistance, the MBCHP provides free breast and cervical health screenings. To qualify, a woman must be 40 or older; meet certain income guidelines; have no medical insurance (including MaineCare and Medicare Part B), or have insurance that does not cover screening services.

For more information about the MBCHP, or to see if you qualify, please call 1-800-350-5180.

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Shannon M. Deschenes, D.O.

Joins Mechanic Family Practice Center

Shannon M. Deschenes, D.O., a family physician, has joined Thomas Bosma, M.D., at the Mechanic Family Practice Center.

Prior to relocating her practice to Mechanic Falls, Deschenes worked for a number of years at Two Rivers Medical Center in Lisbon Center.

Deschenes graduated cum laude from California State University in Chico, Calif., and earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) in Biddeford. She completed her family practice training through the Central Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program in Lewiston.

While attending UNECOM, Deschenes was a teaching assistant for classes in osteopathic principles and practices and the reproductive health system. Her healthcare experience also includes work as a medical assistant for Digestive Disease Associates, a group physician practice in Chico, Calif. She also served as fertility health services clinic director at a women's healthcare service.

She is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. She is also certified in both Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

She is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, American Osteopathic Association, Maine Osteopathic Association, Maine Medical Association, and American Medical Women's Association.

She resides in Lewiston with her husband, Paul.

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Philip J. O'Connor, M.D.

Featured Speaker at CMH Community Breakfast Forum

Philip J. O'Connor, M.D., a gastroenterologist, will be the featured speaker at a Central Maine Healthcare Community Breakfast Forum set for March 8.

O'Connor will discuss "Prevention and Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer," focusing on what an individual can do to lessen chances of developing colorectal cancer. He will also talk about early detection of the disease.

This installment of the Community Breakfast Forum coincides with an initiative by the Central Maine Medical Family to highlight National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by sponsoring a colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal screening kits will be available at the March 8 presentation.

In Central Maine Medical Center's regional referral area where some 400,000 live, O'Connor says statistics show that about 450 people will develop colorectal cancer in the next year. The good news regarding this statistic is that some 80 percent of these individuals can be very effectively helped if the disease is detected early.

Colorectal cancer first appears as a benign growth in the intestine. It takes about five years for this growth, called a polyp, to develop into a cancer. It then takes another five years for the cancer to spread to a point where effective treatment isn't possible. If the disease is detected in its early stages, the polyps can be removed and the spread of the cancer prevented.

The definitive test for colorectal cancer involves a procedure called a colonoscopy. The examination is done by gastroenterologists using a specially designed apparatus that allows the physician to view the inner wall of the large intestine and remove any polyps. The non-invasive colorectal cancer screening kits that CMMC is making available in the Lewiston-Auburn area detect the presence of blood in fecal matter. Blood in the stool often results from polyps that leak blood into the intestine.

A member of the Lewiston-Auburn medical community since 1978, O'Connor was the first gastroenterologist to establish a practice in the central and western Maine region. The medical practice he developed came to be called Central Maine Gastroenterology Associates and now includes five physicians. He is a former president of the CMMC Medical Staff.

Gastroenterologists attend to problems involving the digestive organs, including the stomach, bowels, liver and gallbladder. They treat such conditions as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer and jaundice, and perform complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using lighted scopes to see internal organs. They often consult with surgeons when abdominal surgery is necessary. Gastroenterologists are often the physicians who diagnose cancers of the digestive tract, including colorectal cancer.

The Community Breakfast Forum is open to the public and will be presented from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the Chairmen's Rooms on the ground floor of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. Those wishing to attend the breakfast presentation are asked to call 795-2712.

The entrance to the 12 High Street Building is located across the street from the CMMC parking garage. Free parking is available in the garage and in adjacent parking lots.

The screening kits will also be available at the following locations from March 7 through March 11:

  • 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston. Ground floor lobby. 8 a.m. to noon.
  • The Medicine Shoppe. 373 Sabattus Street, Lewiston.
  • Bedard Pharmacy. 61 College Street, Lewiston.
  • Bedard Medical. 1125 Lisbon Street, Lewiston.

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CMMC's Cancer Wellness and Support Group

Announces Upcoming Program

“The Alexander Technique,” a program that helps cancer patients identify and alleviate pain, will be the topic of a two-part program set for the January 19 and 26 meetings of the Central Maine Medical Center Cancer Wellness and Support Group.

“Jill Eng, a dancer and movement instructor, will introduce participants to a gentle movement technique that can help alleviate pain resulting from cancer and other related conditions. The two-part series will help participants identify where and how he or she is applying or holding unnecessary effort and tension in the body, and how to gently correct and relieve that pressure. Practicing the technique over time can result in pain relief, reduced fatigue, easier breathing, sustained energy and a clearer focus.

“Participants should wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to remove their shoes, if possible.

“The first installment of the program will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on January 19 in Chairman's Room B on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. The second installment of the program will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on January 26 in Isaacson Room G on the second floor of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.

“The CMMC Cancer Wellness and Support Group is open to people living with cancer, as well as their spouses/partners, family members, and caregivers. The group usually meets from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the conference room at the Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center at CMMC.

“There is no fee for participation and light refreshments will be served.

“For more information, call Kerry Irish at 795-7118.

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Ted M. Roth, M.D.

Joins the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff

Ted M. Roth, M.D., a gynecologist with special expertise in urogynecology, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing at the Women's Health Center and the CMMC Bladder Control Center at 287 Main Street Plaza, Suite 201, in Lewiston.

Urogynecology is a field of medicine concerned with the care of women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor consists of the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves that help support and control the rectum, uterus, vagina, and bladder. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or previous surgery. Women who have pelvic floor dysfunction may experience urinary or fecal incontinence, descent of pelvic organs (including the uterus, bladder, vagina and rectum), pelvic pain, painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis) or overactive bladder. Urogynecologists are physicians who have special training in the evaluation of these disorders, urodynamic testing, and surgical correction of associated problems.

Before starting his practice in the Lewiston-Auburn area, Roth worked as an assistant professor with the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Division of Gynecology in Jackson, Miss., where honed his skills in urodynamics and urogynecologic surgery. While on the faculty at the University of Mississippi, he authored 12 peer-reviewed articles in the areas of urogynecologic and oncologic surgery, as well as three book chapters, including one for the ninth edition of Te-Linde's Operative Gynecology.

A graduate of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., Roth earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, N.Y. He completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. During his final year of residency he served as a chief resident. As a graduating chief resident, he was presented awards for his surgical skills from the Division of Urogynecology and the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

Roth practices in association with gynecologists Michael T. Drouin, M.D., and Susan W. Gaylord, M.D., at The Women's Health Center and the CMMC Bladder Control Center, clinical services of Central Maine Medical Center.

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CMHVI Sponsoring Special Events

During AHA Heart Month

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute is sponsoring several events during February, the American Heart Association's Heart Month.

Cardiovascular Risk Screening Clinic, Victorian Villa in Canton

CMHVI will sponsor a Cardiovascular Risk Screening Clinic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 11 at the Victorian Villa in Canton. The screening will be offered in the CMHVI Wellness Van.

The free cardiovascular health assessment will include: a blood pressure check; cardiac risk screening; and cholesterol screening. The cholesterol screen will be done by appointment and limited to the first 50 registrants. Those interested in participating should call 795-2614 or email jordand@cmhc.org

The CMHVI Wellness Van healthcare professionals will also offer a free osteoporosis screening. Sandra Bouchard, R.N., and Sharon Gates, R.N., of Rumford Hospital's Cardiovascular Health Improvement Program (CHIP) will be on hand. Free health and wellness information and door prizes will be provided.

The Victorian Villa is located on Route 108 in downtown Canton.

Heart Month Celebration on Pleasant Mountain

Central and western Maine residents are encouraged to celebrate heart month on Pleasant Mountain on February 24, enjoying skiing and snowboarding with friends and family and learning about cardiac health.

February 24 is Family Fun Day at Shawnee Peak. Activities planned for the day include: snow sculpture building contest, family fun ski races, and a CMHVI scavenger hunt. (Family Fun Day occurs during school vacation.)

CMHVI will sponsor a kiosk at the ski lodge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing information to enhance awareness of heart health, good nutrition, and exercise.

For more information contact Donna Jordan, R.N., at 795-2614, or email at jordand@cmhc.org

5th Annual “A Heart to Heart” Conference set for February 26

The Central Maine Medical Family and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will host the 5th Annual “A Heart to Heart” Heart Disease Conference on February 26 from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event will be held in the Chairmen's Room on the ground floor of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. The program will be telecast to Bridgton and Rumford hospital. The event is open to both men and women. There is no charge for participation.

The conference will begin at 8 a.m. with registration and a heart-healthy light breakfast buffet. At 8:45 a.m. cardiac case manager Donna Jordan, R.N., the event's organizer, will introduce attendees to the day's schedule events.

“Risky Business: Managing Your Health.” 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Susan Horton, executive director of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, will discuss how to identify risk factors that cause cardiovascular disease. She will present practical strategies for controlling and minimizing risk factors and lowering the risk of developing heart disease.

“You Can't Control the Rain, But You Can Stay Dry.” 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Jeri Maurer, Central Maine Medical Center's guest relations coordinator, will examine how someone can reduce stress and become more self-nurturing. Her discussion will offer insight into how individuals can take better care of themselves, improve their mood, enhance their immunity to sickness, and feel more energetic.

“Energy Tune-Up - Making Contact with Your Inner Healer.” 11:15 a.m. to noon. Victoria Coolidge, a personal health counselor at CMMC, will explain the difference between toning and cardiovascular workouts, and demonstrate activities and exercises that can be done at home. Those wishing to participate should wear sneakers and light, loose fitting clothes so they can move.

Following the last presentation, a light lunch will be served.

The Book Burrow of Auburn will have a display at the conference and offer books on cardiac health-related subjects for sale.

The CMMC School of Nursing will offer free blood pressure checks to conference attendees.

For more information about this event, or to register, contact Donna Jordan, R.N., Cardiac Prevention and Outreach, 795-2614, or email jordand@cmhc.org

To register for the Bridgton Hospital program, call Pam Smith at 647-6055. Anyone wishing to attend the Rumford Hospital presentation should call Jane Bubar at 369-1143.

Wellness Van Wal-Mart visits

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) is offering cardiovascular risk assessments on a monthly basis at Wal-Mart Supercenters in Augusta, Oxford, Windham and Mexico. The assessment includes a sophisticated health evaluation that provides participants with important information about their risks for developing heart disease.

After answering a series of questions regarding their health, family background and lifestyle habits, screening participants will be presented with a report outlining their specific risk factors for developing heart disease. The assessment service includes free screenings for blood pressure and osteoporosis. Cholesterol testing is also available for a small fee.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly one million Americans every year. Many people are unaware that, to a large extent, the disease is both modifiable and preventable. Individuals who understand their personal risk profile can better take control of their health and therefore guard against cardiovascular disease.

The CMHVI Wellness Van visits the following locations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. as indicated:

Wal-Mart Supercenter
201 Civic Center Drive, Augusta
First Tuesday of each month.

Wal-Mart Supercenter
1240 Main Street (Route 26), Oxford
First Wednesday of each month.

Wal-Mart Supercenter
30 Landing Road, Windham
Second Wednesday of each month.

Wal-Mart Supercenter
258 River Road, Mexico
Fourth Wednesday of each month.

Because scheduling disruptions occasionally occur, the Wellness Van's visiting schedule can be checked by calling Donna Jordan, R.N., at 795-2614 or emailing her at jordand@cmhc.org

Wellness Van Hannaford visits

CMHVI is also offering cardiovascular risk assessments on a bimonthly basis at Hannaford Food and Drug in Rumford. The assessment includes a sophisticated health evaluation that provides participants with important information about their risks for developing heart disease.

The CMHVI Wellness Van will visit the Rumford Hannaford from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 16, May 18, July 20, September 21 and November 16.

Because scheduling disruptions occasionally occur, the Wellness Van's visiting schedule can be checked by calling Donna Jordan, R.N., at 795-2614 or emailing her at jordand@cmhc.org

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Right Choices During a Heart Attack

Making the Right Choices can be Critical during a Heart Attack

Emergency cardiac angioplasty is the treatment of choice for many heart attack patients. Like any medical emergency, the clock begins ticking at the onset of symptoms (for symptoms of a heart attack click here). If you experience heart attack symptoms, call 911 so you can get to the hospital fast.

Any delay in receiving treatment from an experienced team can make the critical difference between a successful and a poor outcome. Remember, saving precious minutes can often minimize any damage sustained during a heart attack.

Minutes Count

  • The CMHVI physicians performing emergency cardiac angioplasty live and only work in this community. So heart attack patients coming to CMMC undergo this life saving procedure consistently faster than the national average.

  • Emergency cardiac angioplasty is always available on a full-time basis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  • The choice is yours so remember minutes count when you're having a heart attack.

Experience Matters

  • Physicians and the clinical support team get better the more often they perform any complex medical procedure. That's why healthcare professional organizations develop guidelines to follow for higher risk procedures, such as cardiac angioplasty.

  • At CMHVI, we performed 275 cardiac angioplasty procedures our first year. We already exceed the American College of Cardiology guideline of 200 angioplasty procedures a year.

  • The choice is yours so remember experience matters when you undergo cardiac angioplasty.

Cardiac Angioplasty without onsite Cardiac Surgery is not Recommended

  • The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology both strongly recommend that hospitals should only perform cardiac angioplasty with onsite cardiac surgery back-up.

  • The experts understand there are risks to performing cardiac angioplasty and some complications require immediate cardiac surgery intervention.

  • Dr. Merle Kellett, a Portland cardiologist and Maine Medical Center physician, co-authored an article in a recent medical journal that concluded providing cardiac angioplasty at hospitals without onsite cardiac surgery “may be doing more harm than good.”

State Approval

  • The State of Maine approved CMMC's plan to open a full-service cardiac angioplasty and cardiac surgery center after a costly, lengthy and public review process.

  • The State determined that CMMC's heart center would improve access to advanced cardiac care, avoid duplication of services and be able to provide these services in a cost-effective manner. That's what we promised to do and we are delivering on this promise.

Quality Cardiac Care …. Close to Home

  • The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute is the only full service heart center serving the nearly 400,000 residents of this region.

  • Patients undergoing cardiac angioplasty at CMHVI have access to cardiac surgeons located literally across the hallway.

  • Patients who come to CMHVI (in most every instance) stay here. If you go to another hospital and require heart surgery, you and your family could face a trip out of this region.

  • If you experience heart attack symptoms, remember you have a choice. The right choice may save your life.

“Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Performed at Centers Without and With Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery” Journal of the American Medical Association October 27, 2004 vol. 292, No 16, pages 1961-1968.

Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute
Medical Office Complex
300 Main Street, Lewiston
207-753-3900
1-800-760-662
http://www.cmhvi.org.

When Your Heart Speaks, Listen!!

Specialized care for the heart, from the heart, close to home

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CMMC's Senior Health and Wellness Services

Announce May Programs

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Health and Wellness Services will offer the following programs to the region's older residents during May:

Fit & Fun: Low impact aerobics, strengthening, stretching and flexibility. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A fee will be charged for this program.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) or Personal Fitness: Program includes a one-on-one evaluation and exercises designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A fee will be charged for this program. Call for class times.

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Services and SeniorsPlus will offer a Medicare Drug Discount and Benefit Checklist Review on May 16. Participants will meet one-on-one with an advisor, and will be counseled on what medication discount option will best serve their needs. A review of other potential benefits will also be offered. The service is being provided free by appointment only.

Barbara Aliberti, R.N., from CMMC's Senior Services, will discuss Advance Directives on May 19 at 1:30 p.m. She will explain how an advance directive can help an individual remain in charge of their healthcare by putting their preferences in writing. She will introduce program participants to advance directive forms.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a free ScoreKeeper cardiac risk assessment screening by appointment on May 23. Integral to the ScoreKeeper screening process is a software program that creates a personalized report about an individual's health status. Information provided by ScoreKeeper, if used effectively, can help an individual improve their cardiovascular health. Free. By appointment only.

Bladder Health Consults with Angela Dubuc, R.N., manager of the CMMC Bladder Control Center, will be offered on May 23 by appointment. Participants can meet one-on-one to discuss concerns and learn about possible solutions to bladder-related problems. The consults are offered free of charge.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered on a walk-in basis on Mondays between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Wellness Center unless otherwise noted. Please call 795-2905 or 1-800-564-4555 to register for any of these programs or to schedule an appointment for a screening or consultation.

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Colorectal Cancer Screening

To be held in March

Central Maine Medical Center, assisted by three area pharmacies, will sponsor a colorectal cancer screening in March.

CMMC will distribute colorectal cancer screening kits from March 7 to 11 at four Lewiston locations. Those taking advantage of the screening will simply have to follow the test instructions and return samples in an envelope provided in the kit. Information regarding follow-up will be enclosed in the kit.

There is no charge for this service.

The kits will be available at the following locations from March 7 through March 11:

  • 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston. Ground floor lobby. 8 a.m. to noon.
  • The Medicine Shoppe. 373 Sabattus Street, Lewiston.
  • Bedard Pharmacy. 61 College Street, Lewiston.
  • Bedard Medical. 1125 Lisbon Street, Lewiston.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death among “non-smoking” cancers. However, the dangers posed by the disease are largely preventable through early detection.

More information about colorectal cancer can be found at www.mainecancerconsortium.org

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Buddy to Buddy Fashion Show

April 3, 2005

Central Maine Medical Center and WCSH-TV's News Center 6 will present the Buddy to Buddy Spring Celebration Fashion Show on April 3.

News Center's Kathleen Shannon and Chris Facchini will emcee the event. Community members, cancer survivors and CMMC physicians and other healthcare professionals will model clothing provided by Ann Taylor Loft, The Formal Image, Jones New York, Talbots, and Wilson Suede and Leather.

Major sponsors of the event are Genentech Corporation, The Medicine Shoppe, AstraZeneca, Alliance Imaging, Inc., and Day at the Spa. Music will be provided by nurse practitioner Elizabeth Smith.

All proceeds from the show will benefit patients at CMMC's Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center.

The fashion show will take place at Hilton Garden Hotel in Auburn from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The show will be followed by a coffee and dessert bar.

Tickets for the event are $35 and must be purchased in advance. To obtain tickets or more information, call 795-2957 or email cmcnally@cmhc.org

The Bennett Breast Care Center and WCSH-TV are joint sponsors of Buddy to Buddy, an effort to encourage women to take control of their own breast health and encourage friends to do the same. Every month, WCSH News Center 6 broadcasts information about breast cancer, breast cancer resources, news about the latest treatments, and stories of survivors. On the sixth day of every month, women are reminded to do breast self-examination and to call their “buddy” to do the same.

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Advance Directives

CMMC Presentation Set for April 7

"Advance Directives - Making Your Personal Choices Known" will be the subject of a special Central Maine Medical Center presentation set for April 7.

Jeff Parsons, an attorney with the Auburn-based law firm Skelton, Taintor and Abbott, and CMMC social worker Sue Applegate will discuss how individuals can make advance decisions to guide the course of their healthcare should they become unable communicate their wishes.

A properly established advance directive tells family members, physicians and other healthcare providers how an individual's healthcare should be managed should that person be incapacitated.

The potential importance of an advanced directive was illustrated recently by the Terry Schiavo case in Florida, in which the family of a brain-damaged woman battled over her healthcare. Schiavo did not have an advance directive.

Schiavo remained in what was described as a “persistive vegetative state” for some 15 years before her husband prevailed in a legal fight to have her feeding tubes removed. She died last week.

The program will be presented from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the CMMC Conference Center at 12 High Street in Lewiston

This program is offered free of charge.

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Daniel A. Soroff, M.D.

Appointed to CMMC Medical Staff

Daniel A. Soroff, M.D., a cardiologist who specializes in electrophysiology, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing with Central Maine Heart Associates at the 60 High Street Medical Office Complex in Lewiston.

Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Dr. Soroff completed a cardiac electrophysiology fellowship through the Boston University School of Medicine at Boston Medical Center. He also served a three-year fellowship in cardiovascular medicine through the University of Massachusetts at Worcester Medical Center. His clinical training experience also includes work at the Hospital San Raffaele's Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology in Milan, Italy.

A graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Dr. Soroff earned a master's degree in physics from Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass. In 1997 he was awarded his medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine. He served a residency in internal medicine at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Boston.

Dr. Soroff has significant experience as a researcher in medicine and physics, including work at the Harvard University High Energy Physics Laboratory in Cambridge, Mass. His research activities encompassed both physics and medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where he was involved with studies undertaken in the cardiac catheterization laboratory and the cardiac arrhythmia service.

He was twice been recognized by Worcester Medical Center for his work as a teacher and was twice recognized for his outstanding contributions to patient care. He has authored articles that have been published in scholarly periodicals.

Central Maine Heart Associates also includes Richard P. Cochran, M.D., CMHVI's director of cardiothoracic surgery, William J. Phillips, M.D., CMHVI's director of interventional and diagnostic cardiology, cardiothoracic surgeon Carmine Frumiento, M.D., interventional and diagnostic cardiologist Mark E. Lanzieri, M.D., invasive and diagnostic cardiologists Richard F. Klonoski, M.D., Keith A. Comess, M.D., and Frances A. DeRook, M.D., who also specializes in heart failure.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, a division of CMMC, offers a comprehensive program for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease. The CMHVI single-stay unit features a unique nursing care model that adjusts to the patient's evolving needs, allowing the patient to remain in one room from admission to discharge. CMHVI also maintains a prevention and screening program under the director of Burgess Record, M.D. This program provides ScoreKeeper, a sophisticated cardiac risk assessment and nurse case management service.

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CMMC's Senior Health and Wellness Services

Announce April Programs

Central Maine Medical Center’s Senior Health and Wellness Services will offer the following programs to the region’s older residents during April:

Fit & Fun: Low impact aerobics, strengthening, stretching and flexibility. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A fee will be charged for this program.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) or Personal Fitness: Program includes a one-on-one evaluation and exercises designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A fee will be charged for this program. Call for class times.

Central Maine Medical Center’s Senior Services and SeniorsPlus will offer a Medicare Drug Discount and Benefit Checklist Review on April 19. Participants will meet one-on-one with an advisor, and will be counseled on what medication discount option will best serve their needs. A review of other potential benefits will also be offered. The service is being provided free by appointment only.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a free ScoreKeeper cardiac risk assessment screening by appointment on April 20. Integral to the ScoreKeeper screening process is a software program that creates a personalized report about an individual’s health status. Information provided by ScoreKeeper, if used effectively, can help an individual improve their cardiovascular health. Free. By appointment only.

A hearing screening with Hearing Healthcare Associates will be offered by appointment on April 20. The screening will evaluate the status of participants’ hearing.

Bladder Health Consults with Angela Dubuc, R.N., manager of the CMMC Bladder Control Center, will be offered on April 21 by appointment. Participants can meet one-on-one to discuss concerns and learn about possible solutions to bladder-related problems. The consults are offered free of charge.

A free Osteoporosis Screening with rheumatologist Robert Sylvester, M.D., will be offered on April 26 by appointment. The simple and easy screening and consultation reveals whether someone is a risk for developing the bone-wasting disease.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered on a walk-in basis on Mondays between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Wellness Center unless otherwise noted. Please call 795-2905 or 1-800-564-4555 to register for any of these programs or to schedule an appointment for a screening or consultation.

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Buddy to Buddy

Spring Celebration Fashion Show

RUNWAY WALK -- Cathy Ligouri of Lewiston, a cancer survivor, models a spring ensemble at the recent Buddy to Buddy Spring Celebration Fashion Show sponsored by Central Maine Medical Center and WCSH-TV's News Center 6. WCSH's Chris Facchini, left, was an emcee for the event. The fashion show raised over $5,000 for the Patient Needs Fund at CMMC's Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Center. The fund is used to help men and women who have financial barriers preventing them from getting early detection screening mammograms and the other breast care services.

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CMMC Scores High

In Press Ganey Survey

An independently conducted patient survey has placed Central Maine Medical Center in the top 1 percent of hospitals polled for overall patient satisfaction.

Press Ganey, Inc., the nation's largest hospital patient survey organization, has notified CMMC that for the January-March survey period the hospital scored in the 99th percentile for overall patient satisfaction. This result was drawn from a survey of 868 hospitals, including some of the nation's most prestigious healthcare organizations.

CMMC Guest Relations Coordinator Jeri Maurer said the principal driver behind the exceptional score was the hospital's nursing staff, which drew very high ratings from patients in a variety of areas.

“Nursing is a major component of the patient's care at CMMC, so the performance of the hospital's nurses and patient care team are very important to our overall performance. In recent patient satisfaction surveys the perception of our nurses has shown an upward surge. This quarter's overall score couldn't be better,” Maurer said.

Another critical factor in the positive survey results is CMMC's hospitalist service, a staff of physicians who care for inpatients. The five-person hospitalist physician team is popular with both inpatients and referring physicians. The energetic and affable group of doctors has enhanced patient care at CMMC in several ways, but primarily because they are able to provide very individualized inpatient care without having to also cope with the pressures of an office practice.

A third contributing factor, Maurer said, is the hospital's Renew program, an intensive workshop that focuses on the spiritual aspects of delivering healthcare services. Some 250 employees, the majority being nurses, have completed the four-day seminar that is followed by three months of structured follow up activities.

“Renew focuses on developing the spiritual aspects of healthcare. It is a reinvigorating process for many employees and this renewal of spirit and purpose carries into their work,” Maurer said.

Maurer said the survey results offer clear evidence that CMMC employees are maintaining a service environment featuring what is most significant to patients. “The survey tells us that the area of most importance is connecting with patients on a personal level. From the patient's point of view, the most important factor determining patient satisfaction is the personal issues. Do we treat them with respect? Do we help them with their non-medical concerns? Do we treat their family and friends well? In all of these areas the survey numbers show that we are hitting the mark,” she said.

The Press Ganey survey process involves the objective assessment of patient satisfaction though a third-party survey process. Patients are asked to answer more than 50 questions concerning the care they received at the hospital. The surveys are collected and independently tallied and analyzed. The hospital receives the results on a quarterly basis.

CMMC began working with Press Ganey some eight years ago as part of a commitment to monitor and improve patient care. The medical center scored in the mid-80s percentile for overall patient satisfaction at the outset of the survey process in 1997.

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CMMC Hosting Health Fair

Program will focus on women's health and family issues.

Central Maine Medical Center will host Every Day In a Woman's Life: A Woman's Health Fair on May 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CMMC Conference Center at 12 High Street in Lewiston.

This special event for women of all ages will feature a number of activities based on various themes that will be offered throughout the day. In addition, three physicians will make presentations on women's health and family issues. There will be no charge for participation.

“Pamper Yourself” is the theme of the following activities:

  • Chair massages with massage therapists Donna Labrie and Inez Buck.
  • Cloud 9 Spa will provide exfoliation of the hands and a paraffin dip.
  • Hypnotherapy. Registered nurse Valerie St. Clair will discuss how hypnotherapy can be used to relieve stress. Her presentation will allow participants to learn about the soothing power of hypnotherapy.

“Eating for the Health of It” will feature:

  • The CMMC Dietary Office and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will each host displays on healthy eating and WIC programs. Poland Spring Water will provide bottled water.
  • “Cooking with Children” with Sharon Kuhrt, director of the CMMC School of Nursing, beginning at noon.
  • Refreshments by CMMC Food Services Department.

“Bring Joy to Your Life” will feature by a session on 'joyful meditation' led by CMMC oncology social worker Kerry Irish. She will direct participants through a guided meditation exercise designed to elicit feelings of wellbeing and joy. The sessions will be offered at 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 10:30 a.m.

“Exercise . . . For the Health Of It” will feature a display by the CMMC Health and Wellness Center. Marcy Covey, a health and wellness instructor at CMMC, will lead introductory yoga sessions.

“Take Care of Your Health” will include the following:

  • Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center open house
  • Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute (CMHVI) heart health display will include information on nutrition, exercise and living tobacco-free. Self-cardiovascular risk assessments will be available.
  • CMMC Osteoporosis Center. Free bone density screenings.
  • CMMC Bladder Control Center display
  • CMMC Respiratory Therapy Department will provide information on its programs and offer spirometry breathing screenings.
  • Blood pressures checks by CMMC School of Nursing students.
  • Advocates for Children display
  • Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative will be presented by Gloria Ouellette, R.N., and Vicki Roy, R.N., board certified lactation consultants at CMMC. CMMC is committed to supporting breastfeeding women as part of this World Health Organization/UNICEF effort.
  • Red Hot Mamas, a nationally-recognized menopause support group
  • Cholesterol screenings -- provided by CMHVI and sponsored by Pfizer -- will be offered free of charge to women attending the program. However, because the number of screenings is limited, those interested in participating must make reservations by calling Donna Jordan, R.N., at 795-2614. Walk-ins will be accommodated as resources permit for $10 per person.

“Feel Beautiful” Mary Kay consultant Pam Brown will talk with women about their cosmetic needs.

“New Skills, New Crafts” will feature:

  • Herbal Gardening with Jeri Maurer, CMMC's guest relations coordinator. She will discuss how growing and working with herbs can appeal to taste, touch, smell and sight.
  • Scrapbooking with Tonia Keating, a Creative Memories consultant. She will lead a free scrapbooking activity that women can participate in at the event. She will have Creative Memories product available for purchase.
  • Stamping with Kathy Bourgault, CMMC's Patient Financial Services manager. Bourgault, a Stampin' Up consultant, will have Stampin' Up products available for purchase. She will lead a free Mother's Day card activity.

Speakers

  • 9 a.m. “Knowledge is Power - Risk Factors in Heart Disease.” Frances A. DeRook, M.D., a cardiologist, will explain how knowledge of the risk factors for heart disease is important in preventing cardiovascular health problems.
  • 10 a.m. “Urinary Incontinence - You are Not Alone.” Ted M. Roth, M.D., a gynecologist with special expertise in urogynecology, will discuss the causes of urinary incontinence and how it can be treated.
  • 11 a.m. “Parenting - Tried and True.” Peggy D. Wyman, M.D., a family practitioner, will offer parenting tips that she has learn herself or from her patients. Her presentation will include children of all ages.

The speakers will make their presentations in Conference Room H.

Onsite childcare services, provided by students from Poland Regional High School, will be offered to mothers who attend any of the speakers' sessions.

Other activities include:

  • Mother-daughter photography by Life Touch Photography will offer participants an opportunity to celebrate Mother's Day by offering each participant a complimentary photograph.
  • Lucinda Pins sales
  • Book Burrow display
  • Skin care and beauty samples donated by Kmart
  • Door prizes

For more information about CMMC's Every Day In a Woman's Life: A Woman's Health Fair, call 795-2398.

Download a copy of the program for Every Day in a Woman's Life .

Rumford Hospital and Bridgton Hospitals are also sponsoring Every Day In a Woman's Life activities. To learn more, call Bridgton Hospital at 647-6055, and Rumford Hospital at 369-1000.

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Annual Diabetes Fair

April 29 from 8:30 a.m. to noon

Central Maine Medical Center will host its Annual Diabetes Fair on April 29 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the CMMC Conference Center, located adjacent to the medical center at 12 High Street in Lewiston.

The event will feature:

  • Cholesterol checks for a $10 fee, payable by check or cash. CMMC Health and Wellness Center staff will do the checks. To register, call 795-2735 or sign up on the day of the event.
  • Free blood pressure checks
  • Exhibitions by manufacturers of diabetes medications and equipment
  • Free 10-minute chair massages by massage therapist Donna Labrie
  • “Care of the Diabetic Foot and Potential Complications” with podiatrist Christopher Sacco. 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Cooking demonstration with Sharon Kuhrt, R.N., M.S.N. The menu consists of roasted curried cauliflower, tofu eggs, and a strawberry hazelnut torte made with Splenda. Samples will be available. 10:30 a.m. to noon.
  • Drawings for gift certificates and product donations from various businesses.

Call 795-2735 for more information.

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Gregory S. Holzman, M.D.

Joins CMMC Family Practice Residency Program

Gregory S. Holzman, M.D., a family physician, has been named to faculty at the Central Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program. He has also been appointed to the CMMC Medical Staff.

Prior to beginning his work in the Lewiston-Auburn area, Holzman served as an associate professor with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences Community Medicine and Family Practice departments. In addition, he was director of asthma studies and a consultant to diabetes studies at the medical school's Center for Health Promotion and Translation Research. He was also an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in Minneapolis, and served on the school's Advisory Cooperative Board as North Dakota educational liaison.

His professional experience includes two years as a staff physician at Blackfeet Community Hospital and two years as medical director of Blackfeet Nursing Home, both in Browning, Mont. He also worked as medical director of the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Science Physician Assistant Program.

A graduate of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., Holzman earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, Fla. He served a residency in family medicine at the Carolina Medical Center Department of Family Practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also earned a master's degree in public health from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. As a student and resident, Holzman was recognized with several honors, including the American College of Preventive Medicine's Resident Award 2003.

He has been active with a number of healthcare-related volunteer projects and is the author of several scholarly articles, including a study published in the June 2004 edition of Maternal and Child Health Journal.

He is certified by the American Board of Family Practice and the American College of Preventive Medicine. He is also certified in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Central Maine Medical Center's Family Practice Residency Program prepares physicians to practice rural family medicine. Since its inception in 1978, the program has graduated over 100 family physicians who practice from Maine to California, Hawaii, Alaska and New Zealand.

The CMMC Family Practice Residency operates from the Oscar Treat Turner Family Practice Center, an outpatient health center located adjacent to CMMC at 10 High Street in Lewiston. There are presently 19 resident physicians in training enrolled in the program.

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Cystic Fibrosis Patient

Presented Special Award

Jim Maheu, a cystic fibrosis patient, will be presented a special award from Genentech Inc., an international biotechnology firm, at a ceremony set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on May 5 in Boardroom at Central Maine Medical Center.

Maheu, a 51-year-old resident of Waterville, will be presented the Heroes of Hope Living with CF award at about 6 p.m.

Genentech Inc. created the Heroes of Hope Living with CF program to recognize the contributions of inspirational people affected by cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease affecting some 30,000 people in the United States.

A genetically determined disease, cystic fibrosis causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas, making breathing and food absorption difficult. According to the CF Foundation's National Patient Registry, the average age of survival for a person with the disease is the early 30s.

Heroes of Hope Living with CF nominees are reviewed each month by an independent panel comprised of healthcare professionals, advocates, and people living with CF. Award winners must meet the following criteria:

  • Serve as role models and portray hope to others with CF
  • Take initiative and have a spark to pursue goals and dreams
  • Take an active role in maintaining their health with the recommended treatment regimen
  • Contribute to their community
  • Have a special attitude that helps them respond in a positive way to life’s challenges

Maheu is a former long-haul trucker who volunteered for clinical trials and invasive procedures in an effort to help advance cystic fibrosis treatment. He is known by the staff at CMMC for his generous, very outgoing personality.

For more information about the Heroes of Hope Living with CF program, visit http://www.pulmozyme.com

Anyone seeking more information about the May 5 award ceremony should call the CMMC Communications Department at 795-2475.

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“Decorating Shoes”

Topic at May 18th Support Group

“Decorating Shoes” will be the topic of a program set for the May 18 meeting of the Central Maine Medical Center Cancer Wellness and Support Group.

Artist and breast cancer survivor Sue Baker will lead a “playful and creative workshop decorating a pair of heels.” Materials will include paint, beads, buttons, feathers and other “whimsical materials.” All shoes and materials will be provided.

Baker frequently leads creative expression workshops at the Cancer Community Center in South Portland and at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford.

The program will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the conference room at the Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center at CMMC.

The CMMC Cancer Wellness and Support Group is open to people living with cancer, as well as their spouses/partners, family members, and caregivers. There is no fee for participation. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Kerry Irish at 795-7118.

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CMMC Nurses

Win National Recognition

The M4 nurses earned a runner-up spot in the 2005 ADVANCE for Nurses' Best Nursing Team Contest for their education and knowledge. ADVANCE for Nurses magazine has a nationwide circulation of some 850,000 nurses.

“Our goal is for employees to enjoy coming to work and to develop a positive work environment with a strong knowledge and skill base. It has been a long and rewarding road for all employees on the M4 cardiopulmonary unit,” says Marguerite Paradis, R.N., the M-4 nursing unit manager.

Central Maine Medical Center encourages all of its RNs to pursue advanced education, and the ancillary staff is encouraged to pursue nursing careers. Currently on M-4 cardiopulmonary, two study groups meet to prepare students for the progressive care and gerontological certifications. In addition, nurses attend conferences as a reward for strong practice skills, teamwork and commitment. The practice development team is open to all employees to review clinical practice and keep moving forward. All practice designs are discussed and reviewed, and employees are empowered to set high standards for the unit. The nursing department's self-directed orientation program is another important aspect of education at Central Maine Medical Center.

“Education is a large part of our efforts. Leadership owns the education plan, which is developed after surveying the staff every year. We use every available resource for education, and encourage physicians, nurses and other individuals to present topics of interest that are in need of review,” Paradis said.

CMMC has also been notified that two CMMC nurses will also be recognized as finalists for another award. Genevieve Nadeau, R.N. (Pediatrics) is a finalist in the Community Service category and Mary McCrae, R.N. (M-4 Cardiopulmonary) is a finalist in the Clinical Care category. The New England Nursing Spectrum 2005 Nursing Excellence Awards winners will be announced during the awards gala to be held in Boston on May 24, 2005.

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“Relax and Renew with Massage”

Special Accenting Women's Health Program

“Relax and Renew with Massage” will be the subject of a special Accenting Women's Health program being offered at Central Maine Medical Center on June 1.

Donna Labrie, a licensed and nationally-certified massage therapist, will discuss the benefits of massage therapy. Her presentation will include instruction on when massage is and is not appropriate. She will also teach some massage techniques.

Labrie trained at the Downeast School of Massage in Waldoboro. She is skilled in Swedish massage, myofascial, myoskeletal, deep tissue, Shiatsu, craniosacral, zero balancing, reflexology, polarity, prenatal, chair massage, and comfort care for the seriously ill. She is a certified newborn massage instructor. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

A question and answer session will follow her presentation.

The program will be presented from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the CMMC Conference and Education Center, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building adjacent to CMMC.

Those interested in attending the program are urged to register in advance by calling 795-2106. Class size is limited to 50 people. Interpreter services are available upon advance request.

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CMMC School of Nursing

Graduation Ceremony


Sarah MacMahon of Poland appears a bit overcome by emotion after her mother, Mary MacMahon, attached her Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing pin at the school's recent commencement exercises.

The Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing graduated 42 students recently in a ceremony at the Bates College Chapel in Lewiston.

Nancy Jo Ross, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N., a faculty member at the CMMC School of Nursing, delivered the commencement address. Peter E. Chalke, president of the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing and president and chief executive officer at Central Maine Medical Center, offered welcoming remarks.

Having successfully completed the CMMC School of Nursing's (SON) two-year, four-semester registered nursing education program, the graduates were awarded associate degrees in the applied science of nursing. A number of graduating students received awards during the ceremony.

The CMMC School of Nursing's President's Award for the senior student attaining the highest academic achievement went to Jo F. Elliott of Rumford. She was also recognized as a high honors student.

Sarah L. Leclerc of Lewiston was the recipient of the Dr. Mary Ann Burn Award for service beyond the call of duty, and for unusual thoughtfulness, gentleness and kindness.

Phoebe E. Howard of Farmington and Diane L. Reed of Millinocket were co-winners of the Central Maine General Hospital-CMMC School 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 have take care of themselves or their family.

Howard was also presented a CMMC Medical Staff Award for Excellence in Nursing in the specialty of obstetrical-gynecological nursing. In addition, she was recognized as an honors student.

Reed was also winner of a CMMC Medical Staff Award for Excellence in Nursing in the specialty of pediatric nursing.

Krista K. Murray of Turner was honored with the CMMC Board of Trustees Award, which is awarded to the student who demonstrates gentleness, independence, understanding, caring, compassion and love in communicating with and caring for people. The recipient must also exhibit excellence in delivering nursing care.

Deborah T. Mallett of Farmington was presented the CMMC SON Board of Trustees Award, which is given each year to the student who demonstrates leadership qualities, displays concern and understanding for others, makes decisions and assumes responsibility for her actions, and establishes trust in interactions.

Kimberly M. Foss of Temple was given the Samuel L. Singer and Ruth Small Award, which is presented to a student who will become a credit to herself and her profession, and who shows pride as a representative of the CMMC SON and maintains good academic standing. Foss served as vice president of the CMMC SON Class of 2005.

Melanie A. Bolduc of Lewiston was presented the Charles E. Fortier Jr. Memorial Award, which is 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.” She was also recognized as an honors student.

CMMC Medical Staff Awards for Excellence in Nursing were also presented to the following graduates: Melissa L. Cloutier of Lewiston, mental health nursing; Diana L. Eck of Lisbon Falls, medical nursing; and honors student Wanda S. Mitchell of Auburn, surgical nursing. Also comprising the CMMC SON's Class of 2005 are: Heather L. Andrews, Temple; Alecia S. Antone, Chesterville; Kerri M. Davis, Oxford, Ga.; class parliamentarian Antonio J. Dumond, Lewiston; Darren M. Dumont, Auburn; Doreen C. Goulet, Wales; Jenna K. Hansen, Redmond, Ore.; Lisa A. Jamison, Roxbury; Peter E. Jordan, Auburn; Lori R. Kincaid, Farmington; class president Gretchen M. Kuhn, Rockland; Ann F. Kurnick, Lovell; Angela S. Lapointe, Auburn; Erin C. LaRochelle, Hartford; Natalie L. Leveille, Topsham; class treasurer Sarah C. MacMahon, Poland; honors student Dorothy I. Marston, Auburn; Tammy A. Mayo, Peru; Jennifer A.P. Mendenhall, Hanover; Vikky Milledge, Rumford; honors student Nicole L. Nolette, Peru; Christine Poulin, Lewiston; Darcy L. Rogers, Raymond; Erin A.F. Small, West Gardiner; Faye L. Souve, Hanover; Audrey V. Tikander, Oxford; Julie B.M. Tracy, Jay; Sherry Truppa, Augusta; Angela A. Umbro-Hussey, Lewiston; Michael T. Wiley, Buckfield; and Gretchen L. Zeh, Lewiston.

Presenting the awards at the commencement ceremony were the following: CMMC School of Nursing President Peter E. Chalke; Sharon Kuhrt, director of the School of Nursing; Susan C. Baltrus, associate director of the CMMC School of Nursing; CMMC Medical Staff President Lanny Oliver, M.D.; Michael J. Monzel, M.D., chairman of the CMMC Nursing Scholarship Committee; Dorothy Crowley-Noel, president, CMGH/CMMC School of Nursing Alumni Association; and Pauline V. Beale, O.D., chairman of the CMMC Board of Trustees. Rev. Jay W. Turner, CMMC's director of pastoral care, gave the invocation and benediction.

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CMMC's Senior Health and Wellness Services

Announce June Programs

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Health and Wellness Services will offer the following programs to the region's older residents during June:

Fit & Fun: Low impact aerobics, strengthening, stretching and flexibility. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A fee will be charged for this program.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) or Personal Fitness: Program includes a one-on-one evaluation and exercises designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A fee will be charged for this program. Call for class times.

Barbara Aliberti, R.N., from CMMC's Senior Services, will discuss “Summer Safety” on June 15 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. She will discuss a variety of topics, including biting insects, sun protection, avoiding parasitic diseases, and general seasonal safety issues.

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Services and SeniorsPlus will offer a Medicare Drug Discount and Benefit Checklist Review on June 22. Participants will meet one-on-one with an advisor, and will be counseled on what medication discount option will best serve their needs. A review of other potential benefits will also be offered. The service is being provided free by appointment only.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a free ScoreKeeper cardiac risk assessment screening by appointment on June 23. Integral to the ScoreKeeper screening process is a software program that creates a personalized report about an individual's health status. Information provided by ScoreKeeper, if used effectively, can help an individual improve their cardiovascular health. Free. By appointment only.

Amy MacMillan of SeniorsPlus will discuss “Medicare Changes for Prescription Drug Coverage” on June 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.. She will talk about changes in covered drugs, new “Medigap” insurance plans, what standard and alternative coverage means, and other issues.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered on a walk-in basis on Mondays between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Wellness Center unless otherwise noted. Please call 795-2905 or 1-800-564-4555 to register for any of these programs or to schedule an appointment for a screening or consultation.

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CPE Graduates

CPE GRADUATES: The following individuals recently participated in a course of clinical pastoral education (CPE) study at Central Maine Medical Center: from left, front row, CMMC Pastoral Care Director Rev. Jay Turner, a certified CPE supervisor, student John M. Kang of Lewiston, student John Berry of Lewiston, and student Edrol Sandy of Freeport; back row, student CMMC chaplain Therese Demers, student Rev. Jane V.F. Holmes, deacon of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lewiston, and student Ginger Spiro of Portland. CMMC's pastoral care training program is one of only two such programs in Maine approved and accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. CPE students at CMMC explore personal gifts for ministry, deepen self-understanding and spirituality, develop skills in visitation ministry, discern vocational direction, and meet seminary and denominational requirements. In more than 400 hours of supervised ministry, CPE students learn pastoral skills through an action/reflection method of learning and by integrating personal history, faith traditions, and the behavioral sciences. The program includes patient visitation, intense individual and group reflection, didactics, written case materials, and pertinent readings with discussions. For more information about CMMC’s Clinical Pastoral Education program, contact Rev. Jay Turner at 795-2290.

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CMMC Cancer Wellness & Support Group

“What to Eat When You Don't Feel Like Eating”


James Haller

“What to Eat When You Don't Feel Like Eating” will be the topic of a program set for the June 15 meeting of the Central Maine Medical Center Cancer Wellness and Support Group.

Prostate cancer survivor James Haller, a master chef, author and lecturer, will discuss issues relating to appetizing meals and eating for people with critical illnesses.

Haller is the author of several books, including “What to Eat When You Don't Feel Like Eating” and “The Other Side of Prostate Cancer and How to Eat to Help You Get There.” For sixteen years he owned and managed the Blue Strawberry in Portsmouth, N.H. He has also worked as a hospice volunteer.

The program will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Chairmen's Rooms A and B on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building adjacent to CMMC.

The CMMC Cancer Wellness and Support Group is open to people living with cancer, as well as their spouses/partners, family members, and caregivers. There is no fee for participation. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call Trisha Warren-Van Horn at 795-2692.

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Students Receive Awards

From Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists

Students from the Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology at Central Maine Medical Center School took four awards at the annual meeting of the Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Patty Leslie of Topsham, a senior radiography student, received first prize in the Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) Student Scientific Exhibit for her exhibit, “Colorectal Screening Options.” The exhibit took the $350 top prize. She is scheduled to graduate from the school in August.

Katie Morin, a junior radiography student, received second place and a $150 prize in the MSRT Student Essay Contest for her essay “Functional MRI of the Brain.” She is from Lewiston and is scheduled to graduate from the school in August 2006.

Katie Lobb, a senior radiography student, received third place and a $100 prize for her essay “Detecting Schizophrenia Using MRI and Functional MRI.” She is from Oxford and is scheduled to graduate from the school in August.

Erica Gordon, a senior radiography student, received honorable mention for her essay “Cardiac Catheterization in Imaging Coarctation of the Aorta.” She is from Phillips and is scheduled to graduate from the school in August.

The Maine Society of Radiologic Technologists student exhibit is open to all students currently enrolled in a radiologic science program. There are five schools of radiologic science in Maine.

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.

In the photo:

The award-winners were, from left, Katie Lobb of Oxford, Erica Gordon of Phillips, Patty Leslie of Topsham, and Katie Morin of Lewiston.

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CMMC's Senior Health and Wellness Services

Announce July and August programs

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Health and Wellness Services will offer the following programs to the region's older residents during July and August:

Fit & Fun: Low impact aerobics, strengthening, stretching and flexibility. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A fee will be charged for this program.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) or Personal Fitness: Program includes a one-on-one evaluation and exercises designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A fee will be charged for this program. Call for class times.

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Services and SeniorsPlus will offer a Medicare Drug Discount and Benefit Checklist Review on July 18. Participants will meet one-on-one with an advisor, and will be counseled on what medication discount option will best serve their needs. A review of other potential benefits will also be offered. The service is being provided free by appointment only.

A hearing screening with Hearing Healthcare Associates will be offered by appointment on July 18. The screening will evaluate the status of participants' hearing.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a free ScoreKeeper cardiac risk assessment screening by appointment on July 25. Integral to the ScoreKeeper screening process is a software program that creates a personalized report about an individual's health status. Information provided by ScoreKeeper, if used effectively, can help an individual improve their cardiovascular health. Free. By appointment only.

Barbara Aliberti, R.N., from CMMC's Senior Services, will discuss “All About Carbohydrates and Healthy Eating” on August 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. She will clarify some of the issues regarding carbohydrates in the diet and offer suggestions for making food selections for a healthier lifestyle.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered on a walk-in basis on Mondays between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Wellness Center unless otherwise noted. Please call 795-2905 or 1-800-564-4555 to register for any of these programs or to schedule an appointment for a screening or consultation.

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Emergency Cardiac Angioplasty

United paramedics start response from the field


Simulated 12-lead: Daphne Russell, UA, paramedic

Central Maine Medical Center and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute announced today that paramedics will now be able to initiate its emergency cardiac angioplasty response from the field. CMMC is the first hospital in Maine to extend its emergency cardiac angioplasty response capabilities into the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.

The decision to empower qualified paramedics to activate a response team at CMHVI followed an extensive clinical review that revealed that properly equipped and trained EMS providers can very effectively identify possible heart attack patients. Early recognition of potential cardiac problems promotes more rapid definitive diagnosis and treatment.

Since March 2004, emergency physician Kevin Kendall, M.D., CMMC's director of EMS, has reviewed EKGs taken by paramedics from United Ambulance, a paramedic level EMS provider based in Lewiston. The first year of his review included EKGs and accompanying records for more than 500 patients.

“I reviewed all of the 12-lead EKGs done by United over a year's time and was elated by the results. United paramedics demonstrated 100 percent sensitivity and 93 percent specificity in evaluating potential acute myocardial infarctions. They didn't miss any. As the specificity analysis shows, they were slightly over-cautious in about 7 percent of the cases I reviewed, but that's acceptable. You don't want to miss anyone who is having a heart attack, and they didn't,” Kendall says.

Kendall says he reviewed the results of his study with CMHVI physicians and United Ambulance management and all agreed that permitting United EMS providers in the field to activate a cardiac angioplasty response at CMHVI could significantly reduce mortality and further complications for individuals who have a heart attack.

“The goal of the new system is to accelerate evaluation and treatment times for those who might be experiencing an acute myocardial infarction. This concept of field activation is a standard of care in other areas of the United States,” Kendall says.

William J. Phillips, M.D., director of diagnostic and interventional cardiology at CMHVI, says “the key to survival for most acute myocardial infarctions is to reperfuse the heart as soon as possible.” To restore proper blood flow to the cardiac muscle, cardiologists may choose to use thrombolytic drugs that dissolve blood clots obstructing the coronary arteries. However, in many cases, the best alternative is angioplasty, primarily because it eliminates the risks posed by thrombolytic agents and is generally more effective. “Clot-busting drugs are about 75 percent effective in restoring blood flow to the heart, but it takes up to 90 minutes to determine if the drug is working with any given patient and they are most effective when given during the first couple hours of the heart attack. If the thrombolytics aren't effective during this time, time may be lost if alternatives are not immediately available, such as rescue angioplasty,” Phillips says.

Angioplasty, on the other hand, is about 90 percent effective and its success rate is not dependent upon the duration of the heart attack. However, the patient's survival is directly related to how long the heart has been deprived of normal circulation. The procedure also allows physicians to very accurately assess the function of the patient's heart and to see other threatening blockages that may impact the patient's recovery.

“Dr. Kendall's review found that United Ambulance paramedics are very accurately determining when a patient is having an infarct. Our goal is to provide treatment within 90 minutes, a half hour faster than the national standard, and we are already meeting that objective,” Phillips says. “By allowing EMS providers to activate the cardiac catheterization team, we can cut the time to treatment by another 10 to 30 minutes depending upon the patient's location. This will further improve our already rapid response times. We believe that in emergency cardiac care, 'time is heart muscle.' Less time to treatment means that less heart muscle is damaged.”

Kendall says that CMMC is presently working with MedCare, an EMS responder based in Mexico, and other regional EMS services, to expand the program to all areas of Androscoggin, Oxford, Franklin and Kennebec counties. “Our ultimate goal is to have patients, when clinically necessary, transported directly to a cardiac center. Generally, angioplasty is a much better treatment than thrombolytics. This system will benefit many patients throughout Maine,” he says.

For more information please contact Chuck Gill, Vice President for Public Affairs at 795-2711.

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Red Hot Mamas

Meets for the first time in Lewiston

Two Lewiston physicians will be the featured speakers on September 14 at the premiere meeting of a women’s support group new to the region.

Gynecologists Susan W. Gaylord, M.D., and Michael T. Drouin, M.D., of the Women’s Specialty Center in Lewiston, will discuss “Transition into Menopause” when the Red Hot Mamas meets for the first time in Lewiston.

The Red Hot Mamas is a nationwide support group dedicated to menopause management education. The group provides medical information and peer support to women, men and family members dealing with the physical and psychological impact of menopause, which usually affects women age 40 and beyond. Its mission is to empower women to be educated healthcare consumers and actively manage their menopause.

The Red Hot Mamas was founded in 1991 and has become the largest program of its type in the United States. Karen Giblin, the group’s president and founder, has said the organization’s name came from her daughter, who came home from school one day to find a red-faced Karen in the midst of a hot flash. She said that her daughter said to her: “Oh, mom, you’re a red hot mama.”

Gaylord and Drouin will: define events relating to menopause; explain the anatomic and physiologic effects of hormonal changes; examine cycle changes; explain the different types of menopause; present the symptomatology of menopause; consider women’s needs for menopause education; explain the value of a pre-menopausal evaluation and counseling; and discuss the physiologic effects of hormones on the aging process and how they are affected by various medical therapies.

Both Gaylord and Drouin are long-time members of the Lewiston-Auburn medical community. They are each certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The practice at The Women’s Specialty Center at 287 Main Street Plaza, Suite 201, in Lewiston.

All women, their partners and family members are welcome to participate in the Red Hot Mamas first Lewiston-Auburn area meeting on September 14 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Room on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, located next to CMMC.

The Red Hot Mamas will meet at CMMC on the second Wednesday of every other month as the organization builds its Lewiston-Auburn area support group.

For more information or to register for the September 14 presentation, call 795-2633.

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CMMC Junior Volunteers

Summer Crew

Central Maine Medical Center’s junior volunteers provide a host of services during their summer engagement at the Medical Center. Whether running errands on nursing units and ancillary departments, delivering supplies throughout the hospital, performing clerical and computer duties, answering telephones, reading to children, or doing any number of other tasks, junior volunteers are very important to CMMC. To serve as a junior volunteer at CMMC, a youngster must be 13 to 17 years old. They may volunteer throughout the year. Applications for the annual June orientation are open from February 1 through April 30 each year.

CMMC’s summer 2005 junior volunteer crew includes the following: from left, kneeling, Jake Herschaft of Auburn, Alex Clark of Auburn, Kirsten Prue of Auburn, Kara St. Hilaire of Auburn, Kathryn St. Hilaire of Auburn, Kristy Gray of Minot, Whitney Stone of Minot, Maisie DeGoosh of Brunswick, and Margo Hayden of Brunswick; second row, Sarah Rohman of Auburn, Kris Gagne of Sabattus, Courtney Gray of Minot, Anna St. Onge of Lisbon, Hanan Ahmed of Lewiston, Cassie Brown of Leeds, David Chan of Lewiston, Katie Kirk of Greene, Tayla Towle of Fayette, Lea Morin of Lewiston, Jennifer Rancourt of Lewiston, and CMMC Volunteer Services Director Susan Bowie; back row, Sara Fabrizio of Lewiston, Amanda Martin of Lewiston, Brianna Janke of Canton, Elise Applegate of Lewiston, Krysten Applegate of Lewiston, Hannah Pride of Topsham, Kim Merrill of Auburn, Chelsea Gould of Casco, and Christine Chamberland of Auburn. Absent when the photo was taken were: Heidi Bean of Leeds, Ariane Bowie of Greene, Brian McKeown of Lewiston, David John of Monmouth, Ashley LaGrange of Lewiston, Ben Horton of Auburn, Brooke Bernier of Greene, Morgen Bernier of Greene, Emily Law of Lisbon, Karin Skalina of Portland, Matthew Leveille of Lewiston, Kyla Nutting of Lewiston, Becky Pelletier of Lewiston, Tyler Snow of New Gloucester, and Courtney Stewart of Lisbon. Assisting with this summer’s junior volunteer orientation are seasoned junior volunteers Krysten Applegate and David Chan.

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CMMC Family Practice Residency Program

Graduates Five Physicians


From left, Stacey Walden, D.O., Timothy Burdick, M.D., Cortney Linville, D.O., James Martinez, M.D., and Margarita Shugol, D.O.

Central Maine Medical Center’s Family Practice Residency Program recognized five third-year family practice residents at its recent graduation program. Honored at the commencement exercises were family physicians Timothy Burdick, M.D., Cortney Linville, D.O., James Martinez, M.D., Margarita Shugol, D.O., and Stacey Walden, D.O.

“The Ideal Practice” was the title of the commencement address delivered by David Smith, M.D., who recently retired from the CMMC residency faculty. Smith was invited by the graduating class to present the commencement address. Shannon Banks, vice president for medical affairs at CMMC, commended the graduates on their contributions to CMMC’s quality of patient care and wished them well on their career paths. Edmund Claxton, M.D., the residency program’s director, presented the graduates their diplomas.

The graduation ceremony was attended by the CMMC Family Practice Residency faculty and residents, as well as staff members from the residency and the CMMC Family Practice Center. Members of the CMMC Medical Staff and the graduating residents’ families and special invited guests also attended the event.

Several awards were made during the ceremony, including the Dr. BruceJohnson Residency Teacher of the Year Award, which was presented to Marc Perlman, M.D., a CMMC neonatologist and pediatrician. The Johnson award honors the physician who is voted by the graduating senior residents as making the most outstanding contribution to their family practice residency education. Other individuals honored by the graduating class included Amy Kustra, M.D., as Preceptor of the Year, Sandra Harris, M.D., as Consultant of the Year, and David Smith, M.D., as Faculty of the Year.

Dr. Burdick will join the Montpelier Health Center in Montpelier, Vt. Dr. Linville will practice at Midcoast Medicine in Rockport. Dr. Martinez will join Great Works Family Practice in South Berwick. Dr. Shugol will pursue a family medicine position in Massachusetts. Dr. Walden will join Blue Hill Family Medicine in Blue Hill.

CMMC created the Family Practice Residency Program in 1978 to support the training of family physicians who might pursue careers in the greater Lewiston-Auburn area and in other areas of Maine.

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CMMC's Senior Health and Wellness Services

Announce September Programs

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Health and Wellness Services will offer the following programs to the region's older residents during September:

Fit & Fun: Low impact aerobics, strengthening, stretching and flexibility. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A fee will be charged for this program.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) or Personal Fitness: Program includes a one-on-one evaluation and exercises designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A fee will be charged for this program. Call for class times.

A hearing screening with Hearing Healthcare Associates will be offered by appointment on September 16. The screening will evaluate the status of participants' hearing.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will offer a refresher course for older drivers on September 19 and 20 from noon to 4 p.m. The two-part classroom-only program focuses on defensive driving techniques, adjusting for changes that accompany the normal aging process, and new traffic laws. Program participants may be eligible for insurance discounts. John Hammon will serve as course instructor.

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Services and SeniorsPlus will offer a Medicare Drug Discount and Benefit Checklist Review on September 26. Participants will meet one-on-one with an advisor, and will be counseled on what medication discount option will best serve their needs. A review of other potential benefits will also be offered. The service is being provided free by appointment only.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a free ScoreKeeper cardiac risk assessment screening by appointment on July 28. Integral to the ScoreKeeper screening process is a software program that creates a personalized report about an individual's health status. Information provided by ScoreKeeper, if used effectively, can help an individual improve their cardiovascular health. Free. By appointment only.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered on a walk-in basis on Mondays between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Wellness Center unless otherwise noted. Please call 795-2905 or 1-800-564-4555 to register for any of these programs or to schedule an appointment for a screening or consultation.

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Guidance through Grief Support Group

To begin six-week session in September

The Guidance through Grief support group will begin a six-week session on September 13.

The support group for grieving adults covers such topics such as grief versus depression, anger, practical concerns, managing stress and pain, and finding hope and comfort.

The group will meet from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from September 13 through October 18 in the Isaacson Rooms at Central Maine Medical Center.

Participation is free, but registration is required. Call Trisha Warren-VanHorn at 795-2692 or Jim Douglas at 777-7740.

Central Maine Medical Center and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice jointly sponsor the Guidance through Grief support group program.

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Sirus Hamzavi, M.D.

Joins CMMC Medical Staff

Sirus Hamzavi, M.D., an ophthalmologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff.

He has been in practice since 1998. Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn area medical community he practiced in Portland as well as Pennsylvania.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Hamzavi earned his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He served an internship through The Pennsylvania State University at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center's Department of Surgery in Hershey, Pa. He followed his internship with a two-year research fellowship with the Storm Eye Institute's Glaucoma Service at the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C. He completed residency training through the Louisiana State University Medical Center's Department of Ophthalmology in Shreveport, La. During the final year of his residency training, he served as chief resident. He served a retina fellowship at the Center for Specialty Eye Care in Atlanta.

Hamzavi's practice emphasis is vitreoretinal conditions including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and procedures for repairing retinal detachment.

He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists, Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and American Academy of Ophthalmology. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

He has authored several articles that have been published in medical journals.

Hamzavi's office is located at 10 High Street, Suite 304, in Lewiston. His office number is 795-7517.

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Scott O. Cyr, D.O

Joins CMMC Medical Staff

Scott O. Cyr, D.O., an internist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is working as a CMMC hospitalist, providing care for inpatients at the request of their primary care physician.

Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Cyr completed residency training in internal medicine at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass.

A summa cum laude graduate in medical biology at the University of New England in Biddeford, he earned his doctor of osteopathy degree at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, also in Biddeford. As an undergraduate and medical student, he was recognized with a number of academic awards and was elected to several academic honor societies.

His professional background includes serving in teaching and research roles. As a medical student, he worked as a research fellow in the development of novel chemical agents, and as a resident, he served as a clinical research investigator, exploring quality initiatives for diabetes mellitus. He also served as a clinical associate in medical student education for Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.

Cyr is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Physicians.

A Maine native, he grew up in St. Agatha. Currently, he is building a home in Minot, where he will reside with his wife, Jennifer, who was raised in Turner. They have a son.

The CMMC hospitalist service offers patients and their physicians an in-hospital care alternative that assures high-quality clinical care while promoting efficiency and cost savings. Cyr only serves those patients who, in consultation with their personal physician, request his services. Reviews of hospitalist programs nationally show they can reduce the length of patient stays and enhance patient care outcomes by decreasing treatment delays, improving timeliness of diagnostic procedures, focusing attention on changes in a patient's status, and improving communication between the patient, family and physician.

Also serving as hospitalists at CMMC are Bruce Condit, M.D., Alan Verrill, M.D., John Dickens M.D., David Lauver, M.D., Claudia K. Geyer, M.D., and Monique Lucarelli, M.D.

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Central Maine Medical Center

Receives Chest Pain Center Accreditation


Peggy McRae, R.N., director of Emergency and Critical Care Services at CMMC

The Society of Chest Pain Centers has granted the designation of “Accredited Chest Pain Center” to Central Maine Medical Center Lewiston, Maine.

Central Maine Medical Center is the first accredited Chest Pain Center in Maine and the 141st in the nation.

“We have a plan in place to deal with a variety of complaints that may turn out not to be cardiac related to treatment of a full-blown heart attack,” said Lanny Oliver, M.D., CMMC's Emergency Department Medical Director.

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States, with 600,000 dying annually of heart disease. More than five million Americans visit hospitals each year with chest pain. The goal of the Society of Chest Pain Centers is to significantly reduce the mortality rate of these patients by teaching the public to recognize and react to the early symptoms of a possible heart attack, reduce the time that it takes to receive treatment, and increase the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment.

The Chest Pain Center's protocol driven and systematic approach to patient management allows physicians to reduce time to treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack, when treatments are most effective, and to better monitor patients when it is not clear whether they are having a coronary event. Such observation helps ensure that a patient is neither sent home too early nor needlessly admitted.

“This accreditation review made us look at the way we function from the patient's perspective. We examined the patient care process from the minute a patient drives on the hospital property to the time they are admitted, go to the catheterization lab or discharged from the Emergency Department,” said Peggy McRae, R.N., Director of Emergency and Critical Care Services.

With the rise of Chest Pain Centers came the need to establish standards designed to improve the consistency and quality of care provided to patients. The Society's accreditation process insures centers meet or exceed quality-of-care measures in acute cardiac medicine.

The Chest Pain Center at Central Maine Medical Center has demonstrated its expertise and commitment to quality patient care by meeting or exceeding a wide set of stringent criteria and completing on-site evaluations by a review team from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. Key areas in which a Chest Pain Center must demonstrate expertise include:

  • Integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system
  • Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly
  • Effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome and no assignable cause for their symptoms
  • Having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care
  • Ensuring Chest Pain Center personnel competency and training
  • Maintaining organizational structure and commitment
  • Continually seeking to improve processes and procedures
  • Supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack

About the Society of Chest Pain Centers

The Society of Chest Pain Centers (SCPC) is an international professional society focused on improving care for patients with acute coronary syndromes and related maladies. Established in 1998, the Society is dedicated to patient advocacy and focusing on ischemic heart disease. Central to its mission is the question, “What is right for the patient?” In answer, the Society promotes protocol-based medicine, often delivered through a Chest Pain Center model to address the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and to promote the adoption of process improvement science by healthcare providers. SCPC is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

For more information on the Society of Chest Pain Centers visit www.scpcp.org or contact Robert Weisenburger Lipetz, Executive Director at (614) 274-9710 or email director@scpcp.org.

For more information contact:

Chuck Gill
Vice-President for Public Affairs
Central Maine Medical Center
795-2711
www.cmmc.org

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Shannon Kenney, D.O.

Has joined Lisbon Family Practice

Shannon Kenney, D.O., a family practitioner, has joined Lisbon Family Practice. She has also been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff.

Prior to beginning her work at Lisbon Family Practice, she practiced medicine in Brunswick.

After graduating from Lisbon High School, Kenney attended the Naval Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Ill., where she was certified as a hospital corpsman basic. While serving with the United States Naval Reserve, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New England in Biddeford and began her studies at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM) in Biddeford. She was awarded her doctor of osteopathy degree in June 2001. She completed residency training at the Central Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program in Lewiston, and served a chief resident during her final year with the program.

As a graduating medical student, she was recognized with the UNECOM Department of Family Practice Award of Achievement. She was also president and founder of the University of New England’s chapter of the Pre-Med American Medical Student Association. She is also the recipient of other academic awards and was presented the Portland Naval Reserve Center’s United States Naval Reserve Sailor of the Quarter award for the final quarter of 1997.

Her healthcare-related experience includes work as a hospital corpsman, medical assistant, patient services representative, phlebotomist, and teacher.

Kenney has extensive experience as a volunteer, including two years as a first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructor for the American Red Cross, three years as a health educator at Lewiston High School, and three years as a volunteer at Tedford Homeless Shelter in Brunswick.

She is a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, and American Academy of Family Physicians. She is certified in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

She lives in the area with her husband and two-year-old daughter.

Lisbon Family Practice is located at 2 Bisbee Street in Lisbon Center. The practice is also comprised of Gregory F. Bianconi, M.D., Stephen A. Fairchild, M.D., and adult nurse practitioner Janet Stenberg.

Lisbon Family Practice is a clinical department of Central Maine Medical Center. The providers at the practice serve patients of all ages.

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Monique Lucarelli, M.D.

Joins CMMC Medical Staff

Monique Lucarelli, M.D., an internist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. She is working as a CMMC hospitalist, providing care for inpatients at the request of their primary care physician.

Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Lucarelli practiced for 10 years with Bowdoin Medical Group in Brunswick.

Lucarelli graduated with highest distinction from the University of Maine in Orono, and earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. As an undergraduate, she was recognized with highest honors for her research work. She also worked as a researcher at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, and prior to entering medical school was a research assistant at Integrated Genetics in Framingham, Mass.

She completed residency training in internal medicine at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pa.

She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

The CMMC hospitalist service offers patients and their physicians an in-hospital care alternative that assures high-quality clinical care while promoting efficiency and cost savings. Lucarelli only serves those patients who, in consultation with their personal physician, request her services. Reviews of hospitalist programs nationally show they can reduce the length of patient stays and enhance patient care outcomes by decreasing treatment delays, improving timeliness of diagnostic procedures, focusing attention on changes in a patient’s status, and improving communication between the patient, family and physician.

Also serving as hospitalists at CMMC are Bruce Condit, M.D., Scott O. Cyr, D.O., John Dickens M.D., Claudia K. Geyer, M.D., David Lauver, M.D., and Alan Verrill, M.D.

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Abdominal Screenings

Planned at CMMC on September 10th

Central Maine Medical Center will offer a free screening for a relatively common but potentially life threatening condition known as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) on September 10. The AAA screening will be held in conjunction with CMMC’s Legs For Life Screening for Vascular Disease.

The screenings will be held at CMMC’s Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute in Lewiston from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration for the screenings is required and space is limited. Call 795-2641 to register.

AAA is caused by a weakened area in the main vessel that supplies blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When blood flows through the aorta, the weakened area bulges like a balloon. If the balloon grows large enough, it may burst.

AAA affects some five percent to seven percent of people over the age of 60, with males four times more likely to have AAA than females. It is a leading cause of death in the U.S. and accounts for more than 15,000 deaths each year. It has been estimated that the incidence of the disease has grown three-fold in the U.S. in 30 years, probably due to the aging of the population.

AAA has been described as a silent disease because patients often have no symptoms until their aneurysm bursts. More than half of all patients with a ruptured aneurysm will die from the condition. However, AAA can be diagnosed and treated before it ruptures and individuals with the condition can go on to lead full, productive lives.

People who are at highest risk for AAA include:

  • Males over the age of 60 with a history of tobacco use and/or atherosclerosis.
  • Males and females who have a family history of AAA.

The screening program offered by CMMC will include a patient questionnaire that assesses an individual’s risk for AAA or peripheral artery disease (PAD). Where appropriate, participants will be referred to their primary care physicians for follow up.

PAD is a condition that occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet become blocked by atherosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”) or other medical conditions. The primary symptom of PAD is pain that occurs during exercise and subsides during rest.

To learn more about the AAA or PAD screening program at CMMC, call Kelly LeBlond, R.N., manager of Cardiac Prevention Programs and Outreach for the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, 795-2641.

Consumers can obtain additional information by visiting www.legsforlife.org

CMHVI will also have bone density screening for those registered for AAA or PAD screenings. There will be literature available on heart disease and risk factors such as hypertension and cholesterol. Information about women and heart disease, Mended Hearts and other programs will be available as well.

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“Eating Well Through Cancer Treatment”

Presented by CMCC on September 28

“Eating Well Through Cancer Treatment” is the topic of a program being presented by the Central Maine Cancer Center on September 28.

Prostate cancer survivor James Haller, a master chef, author and lecturer, will discuss issues relating to appetizing meals and eating for people with critical illnesses. The presentation will mark the second time that Haller has appeared in the Lewiston-Auburn area.

Haller is the author of several books, including “What to Eat When You Don’t Feel Like Eating” and “The Other Side of Prostate Cancer and How to Eat to Help You Get There.” For 16 years he owned and managed the Blue Strawberry in Portsmouth, N.H. He has also worked as a hospice volunteer.

The program will be offered from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Great Falls Room at Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn.

Haller’s presentation is part of the CMCC’s observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

There is no fee for participation. Refreshments will be served.

An RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve your seat at the presentation, call Trisha Warren-Van Horn at 795-2692.

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Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Special Presentation on October 5

“Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma: New Insights and Treatment” will be the subject of a special presentation of the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center on October 5.

Medical oncologist Jeffrey M. Miller, M.D., will discuss the risk factors, diagnosis, staging and classification of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. His presentation will include terminology related to the disease and offer new insights on the future of its treatment.

The presentation will also feature remarks from a non-Hodgkins lymphoma survivor and a cancer caregiver.

A long-time member of the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Miller is certified in hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Maryland Cancer Center in Baltimore, where he also served as an assistant instructor of medicine. He holds a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass., and was awarded his medical degree from Ross University. He served an internship and residency with the Seton Hall University Graduate School of Medical Education at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson, N.J.

He has authored articles published in peer-reviewed professional journals as well as chapters of a medical oncology textbook.

He practices in association with Hematology-Oncology Associates at 12 High Street, Suite 205, in Lewiston.

Cancer patients, their family members, friends and health professionals are welcome to attend. Nursing education credits are available.

The presentation will be offered from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room H at Central Maine Medical Center. The program is being offered free of charge and includes dinner.

A reservation is required and can be made by calling Maureen M. Higgins, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's patient services manager for Maine and New Hampshire, at 1 866-795-9786 (toll free).

Genentech and Biogen Idec are cosponsoring the event.

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“Live, Laugh, Love and Be Happy”

October 7 at Hilton Garden Inn

A nationally-known newspaper columnist will be the keynote speaker at a presentation set for October 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn.

Maine Sunday Telegram columnist Margery Eliscu, a two-time cancer survivor, will discuss “Live, Laugh, Love and Be Happy” at a presentation set to begin at 7 p.m. A dessert bar will precede her talk starting at 6:30 p.m.

Central Maine Medical Center’s Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center is sponsoring the event. Admission is free.

Eliscu’s column has been featured in the Maine Sunday Telegram for 21 years. Her work has been reprinted in national publications. She is also the author of “Russell Baker, Erma Bombeck, & Me,” five chapters of which are reprinted in the book “In Stitches,” a compilation of stories by American women humorists. At the October 12 event, she will present a lighthearted discussion of humor’s important role in dealing with and healing from cancer, drawing on her own experience as a two-time cancer survivor.

Program participants are urged to wear a hat in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Those who wear a hat will receive a free gift. Door prizes will also be awarded through a drawing. Pins by Lucinda will be available for purchase and proceeds will benefit the Sam and Jennie Breast Cancer Center at CMMC.

Admission to October 12 presentation is free, but space is limited, so those interested in attending are urged to make reservations by call the CMMC Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center at 795-2104.

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“Meet the Midwives”

October 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Central Maine Medical Family will host a “Meet the Midwives” event on October 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Room on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.

Certified nurse-midwives from Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology in Lewiston, Blue Moon Midwives at Bridgton Hospital, and from Rumford Hospital will be on hand to meet area women and families.

For more information about nurse midwifery, call Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology at 795-5770, Blue Moon Midwives at 739-2800, or Rumford Hospital at 369-0146.

October 2 through 8 is National Midwifery Week.

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CMMC's Medical Imaging Schools

Recently graduated 14 students

Photo: from left, front row, Katie Lobb, Oxford, Feather Matthews, Monmouth, Kimberly Tompkins, Presque Isle, Adam Waleik, Auburn, Erica Gordon, Phillips, Amanda Ayotte, Otisfield; on stairway, Flint Ansden, Auburn, Irene Dube, Auburn, and Patty Leslie, Topsham.

Central Maine Medical Center’s medical imaging schools recently graduated 14 students.

The Clark F. Miller School of Radiologic Technology and the School of Nuclear Medicine Technology graduated nine radiologic technology students and five nuclear medicine technologists.

At its 61st commencement exercises, the School of Radiologic Technology graduated students who have completed the school’s accredited 24-month course that emphasizes classroom and clinical training.

Graduating from the School of Radiologic Technology were the following: Flint Ansden, Auburn; Amanda Ayotte, Otisfield; Irene Dube, Auburn; Erica Gordon, Phillips; Patty Leslie, Topsham; Katie Lobb, Oxford; Feather Matthews, Monmouth; Kimberly Tompkins, Presque Isle; and Adam Waleik, Auburn.

At its eighth commencement exercises, the Central Maine Medical Center School of Nuclear Medicine Technology graduated: Lydia Daigle of Wilton; Henry Fossett of Augusta; Andrew Greenlaw of Lewiston; Lori Guiggey of Auburn; and Elaine Lavoie of Hooksett, N.H.

The radiologic technology graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination in radiography. Students passing the exam will become nationally certified radiologic technologists. The 9 students also completed Central Maine Community College’s requirements for associate of applied science degrees, which they were awarded in May.

The nuclear medicine graduates are eligible to take the ARRT certification examination or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board examination in nuclear medicine technology.

Given special recognition at the ceremony were: Patty Leslie and Irene Dube, who were each presented with the Clark F. Miller Award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement. The award goes to the student having the highest overall grade-point average (GPA). Leslie and Dube had the same GPA Leslie was also presented The Student Leadership Award, which is given to the student who demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities in the classroom, in clinical settings and with underclassmen. The winner of this award is determined by a vote of fellow students and the school’s faculty. The award is sponsored by Nycomed Pharmaceuticals in Newburyport, Mass.

Dube was awarded The Central Maine Medical Center Award of Excellence, which is presented to the student who has contributed the most to the Radiology and Medical Imaging Department during his or her education at CMMC. Each member of the CMMC Radiology and Medical Imaging Department is eligible to vote for the person they feel should receive the CMMC Award of Excellence. The student selected to receive the award is the individual who others feel has displayed the greatest dedication to the department and to the profession of radiologic technology.

Dube also took the Clark F. Miller Award for Clinical Excellence that is given to the student with the highest clinical scores.

The Miller awards are named for the founder of the state’s first radiologic technology school, which was established at CMMC in 1949.

Promoted to seniors during the ceremony were: Jessica Berube of Millinocket; Amber Cote of Lewiston; Rich Danieli of New Gloucester; Jill Maillet of Auburn; Kristina Doyon of Sidney; Jennifer Perry of Hallowell; Rudof Kramer of Scarborough; Michele Lorette-Hughes of Durham; Katie Morin of Lewiston; David Richards of Augusta; and Tiffany Thibeault of Topsham.

The CMMC School of Radiologic Technology, founded as Maine’s first radiologic technology program, has graduated 329 students since its establishment in 1949.

Since its creation seven years ago, the School of Nuclear Medicine Technology has graduated 15 students. It is currently the only program of its kind in Maine.

The CMMC medical imaging schools serve an important role in providing trained imaging professionals to fill a growing number of diagnostic and therapeutic positions throughout the nation. Maine, like most other states, is experiencing a shortage of medical imaging professionals.

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CMMC offering Quit for Life

Starting November 1

Central Maine Medical Center will offer Quit for Life, a smoking cessation program, starting November 1.

Quit for Life is a five-session program designed to help tobacco smokers become non-smokers again. The program provides information, tools and skills that each participant will use to decide how to become a successful non-smoker. The program includes instruction on preparing to quit, getting through the first few days, avoiding triggers that lead people to begin smoking again, and strategies for staying tobacco-free.

Participants receive time-tested coping strategies, information on overcoming addiction, preventing relapse, managing stress, exercise and nutrition. To address the addictive nature of nicotine, the program includes an explanation on the benefits of nicotine replacement (patch, gum, nasal spray, inhaler) and Zyban, how they are used and what the side effects might be. The group setting provides support and a forum for sharing ideas about what works and the assurance that quitters are not going through it alone.

Wendy Tardif, a Central Maine Medical Center community educator, is facilitator for the program.

Tardif has a bachelor’s degree in health and science and more than 15 years experience in tobacco control and helping individuals become tobacco-free. She is certified as a tobacco treatment specialist and is part of a statewide training team for the certification of tobacco treatment specialists.

Participants in the Quit for Life program will have a direct link through Tardif to the medication voucher program offered through the Maine Tobacco Helpline. The medication voucher program provides free nicotine replacement (patch or gum) for those without insurance coverage.

The Quit for Life session will meet November 1, 8, 15, and 22, and December 6 from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the Isaacson Rooms (Rooms F & G) at CMMC. “Ouit day” is November 15, two days before the Great American Smokeout.

The cost of the program is $45, but no one will be turned away based on the inability to pay. Class size is limited. To register, call the CMMC Wellness Center at 795-2473.

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Aaron Jackson, M.D.

Appointed to CMMC Medical Staff

Aaron Jackson, M.D., a rheumatologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff.

Prior to beginning his work in the Lewiston-Auburn area, Jackson served a fellowship with the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia, Mo.

A graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., he earned his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine of Dayton, Ohio. He served a residency, including a year as chief resident, in Mount Carmel Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

He is practicing in association with Robert A. Sylvester, M.D., at 10 High Street, Suite 205, in Lewiston. The office telephone number is 784-1323.

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CMMC School of Nursing

Hosting Public Flu Shot Clinics

The Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing will host public flu shot clinics from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 19, November 16 and December 14.

To receive the vaccine an individual must be:

  • 65 years of age of older
  • 2 years of age or older with chronic health problems
  • 6 months to 23 months of age
  • If pregnant – past the first trimester
  • High risk

The clinics will be held at the CMMC School of Nursing, 70 Middle Street, Lewiston. The cost will be $5 per person.

For more information, call the CMMC School of Nursing at 795-2840.

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CMMC's Senior Health and Wellness Services

Announce November programs

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Health and Wellness Services will offer the following programs to the region's older residents during November:

Fit & Fun: Low impact aerobics, strengthening, stretching and flexibility. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A fee will be charged for this program.

PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) or Personal Fitness: Program includes a one-on-one evaluation and exercises designed to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion. The class will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A fee will be charged for this program. Call for class times.

A hearing screening with Hearing Healthcare Associates will be offered by appointment on November 15. The screening will evaluate the status of participants' hearing.

“Stress Strategies for the Holidays” is the topic of a presentation set for November 15 at 1:30 p.m. Registered nurse Barbara Aliberti will discuss the extra demands of the holidays, and how individuals can make their Holiday Season more stress free.

The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will sponsor a free ScoreKeeper cardiac risk assessment screening by appointment on November 22. Integral to the ScoreKeeper screening process is a software program that creates a personalized report about an individual's health status. Information provided by ScoreKeeper, if used effectively, can help an individual improve their cardiovascular health. Free. By appointment only.

Central Maine Medical Center's Senior Services and SeniorsPlus will offer an update on Medicare prescription drug coverage on November 30 by appointment. Participants will meet one-on-one with an advisor, and will be counseled on Medicare eligibility, how to enroll in the program, what's covered and what's excluded, standard and alternative coverage, and other issues.

Free blood pressure screenings will be offered on a walk-in basis on Mondays between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Wellness Center unless otherwise noted. Please call 795-2905 or 1-800-564-4555 to register for any of these programs or to schedule an appointment for a screening or consultation.

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Accenting Women's Health Program

Topic: “Urinary Incontinence: You Are Not Alone”

“Urinary Incontinence: You Are Not Alone” will be the subject of an Accenting Women's Health program being offered at Central Maine Medical Center on October 18.

Urogynecologist Ted M. Roth, M.D., will discuss the causes of urinary incontinence and how it can be treated. Urogynecologists are physicians who have special training in the evaluation and care of women with pelvic floor dysfunction, urodynamic testing, and surgical correction of associated problems.

The pelvic floor consists of the muscles, ligaments, connective tissue, and nerves that help support and control the rectum, uterus, vagina, and bladder. The pelvic floor can be damaged by childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, chronic disease or previous surgery. Women who have pelvic floor dysfunction may experience urinary or fecal incontinence, descent of pelvic organs (including the uterus, bladder, vagina and rectum), pelvic pain, painful bladder syndrome, or overactive bladder. However, these problems can be successfully treated.

Before starting his practice in the Lewiston-Auburn area earlier this year, Roth worked as an assistant professor with the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Division of Gynecology in Jackson, Miss., where he honed his skills in urodynamics and urogynecologic surgery. While on the faculty at the University of Mississippi, he authored 12 peer-reviewed articles in the areas of urogynecologic and oncologic surgery, as well as three book chapters.

A graduate of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., Roth earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine in Rochester, N.Y. He completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C. During his final year of residency he served as a chief resident. As a graduating chief resident, he was presented awards for his surgical skills from the Division of Urogynecology and the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

Roth practices in association with gynecologists Michael T. Drouin, M.D., and Susan W. Gaylord, M.D., at The Women’s Health Center and the CMMC Bladder Control Center, clinical services of Central Maine Medical Center.<./p>

A question and answer session will follow his presentation.

The program will be presented from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building adjacent to CMMC.

Those interested in attending the program are urged to register in advance by calling 795-2106. They may also register online by going to www.cmmc.org/calendar.html and clicking on Women’s Health. Class size is limited. Interpreter services are available upon advance request.

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CMMF Family Health Expo

October 30 at the Auburn Mall

The Central Maine Medical family will sponsor Family Health Expo 2005 on October 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Auburn Mall.

The event will feature activities for people of all ages, including health screenings and health and lifestyle demonstrations.

Screening and health assessment services will include the following:

  • Blood pressure checks by the CMMC School of Nursing
  • Osteoporosis screening with the CMMC Osteoporosis Center
  • Skin care assessments with the CMMC Family Medicine Residency Program staff
  • Cholesterol-HDL screening by Central Maine Medical Center. Cost: $10.
  • Balance screenings with Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice
  • Flu Shots will be provided by the CMMC Family Medicine Residency Program staff at a cost of $15 (cash only). Medicare and MaineCare patients must bring their Medicare or MaineCare card for cost to be covered.
  • Hearing screenings by Hearing Healthcare Associates Inc.
  • Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates and the CMMC Respiratory Care Department will provide free pulmonary function tests.

The Central Maine Medical Center Health and Wellness Service will present the following center court demonstrations:

  • Fit-n-Fun from 11:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Yoga from 11:45 a.m. to noon.
  • Hip Hop from 12:15 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Pelletier's Karata-Do from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Maine Event Cheer and Dance Training Center from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center will sponsor a cooking demonstration with dietitian Jill Young at 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The Central Maine Medical Center Trauma Program will provide information on firearms safety and give away gun locks.

Rumford Hospital will offer an introduction to its newly-renovated facility.

Several Central Maine Medical family services will be featured, including The Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center, the CMMC Pathology Department, CMMC School of Radiologic Technology, Bladder Control Center, Diabetes Education, LifeFlight of Maine, Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library, and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

Also participating will be representatives from Central Maine Family Practice, Central Maine Internal Medicine, Central Maine Obstetrics-Gynecology, Central Maine Pediatrics, Gray Family Health, Lisbon Family Practice, Mechanic Falls Family Practice, Poland Community Health Center, and the Central Maine Rehabilitation Center.

The American Association of Retired Persons, Lewiston Fire Department, Abused Women's Advocacy Project, Advocates for Children, Healthy Androscoggin, Western Maine Transportation, and United Ambulance will also have exhibits at the event.

Anyone seeking more information about the Family Health Expo 2005 is urged to call Sue Smith at 795-2475.

Download a copy of the schedule and participants.

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ADVANCE for Nurses

Announces 2005 Best Nurse Leader

ADVANCE for Nurses Announces 2005 Best Nurse Leader: Sharron Sieleman, MSN, RN, Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, ME Runner-Up, Commitment to Nursing

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, Oct. 18, 2005/Merion Publications, Inc./ — ADVANCE for Nurses newsmagazine announced that Sharron Sieleman, MSN, RN, Vice President for Nursing at Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, ME, was named as one of the magazine’s 2005 Best Nurse Leaders for the New England region. She was particularly noted for her strong commitment to nursing.

“A good leader is crucial to job satisfaction and ensuring that nurses are supported in their work,” said Lyn A.E. McCafferty, editor of ADVANCE for Nurses, which reaches more than 85,000 nurses with its New England edition. “We wanted to recognize these leaders and acknowledge all they do for staff and for their facility.”

Nurses from across New England nominated their nurse managers, directors of nursing, nursing supervisors, unit leaders, charge nurses and more. A panel of three judges from outside the region evaluated the entries by awarding scores on: how the manager made a difference in patient outcomes, interpersonal relationships, professional development, effectiveness and efficiency of the unit, making a difference in the overall work environment and any other qualities.

Sharron Sieleman is featured in the Oct. 24, 2005 issue. She will be presented with a framed certificate commemorating her win as Best Nurse Leader in the Commitment to Nursing category, as well as receive a special gift.

ADVANCE for Nurses reaches registered nurses with editions in 10 regional areas: New England; Greater New York/New Jersey Metro Area; Pennsylvania/New Jersey and Delaware; Maryland/Washington DC/Virginia; in the Southeastern States, Florida; Chicago Tri-State Area, the Metro Areas of Texas and Louisiana and in southern and northern California.

ADVANCE for Nurses, a biweekly magazine, presents articles and features for registered nurses of all specialties. The magazine also features clinical information, local nursing coverage, a large listing of available job opportunities and the latest product news.

Merion Publications Inc., publisher of ADVANCE Newsmagazines, is a family of 30 publications serving more than 1.5 million healthcare professionals across the nation — including 800,000 nurses. ADVANCE newsmagazines cover a variety of specific healthcare disciplines with news, career guidance, product information, continuing education opportunities, job listings and much more.

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“Managing Your Arthritis”

Program scheduled for November 1

A presentation by three physicians will highlight a special community program on “Managing Your Arthritis” set for November 1.

Rheumatologists Robert Sylvester, M.D., Aaron Jackson, M.D., and Lee Kendall, M.D., will discuss “Treatment Options” at the event, which is being sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation.

Also speaking at the program will be Amy MacMillan, a Medicare D specialist with Seniors Plus, who will talk about “How the New Medicare Part D Drug Benefit May Affect You.”

“Beyond Medications: The Role You Play” is the topic of a presentation that will be made by Margaret Duffy of the Arthritis Foundation.

The program will be presented from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Ramada Inn Conference Center, 490 Pleasant Street, Lewiston.

Call the Arthritis Foundation 1-800-639-2113 to register for the program.

Light refreshments will be served and informational handouts will be provided.

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CMMC's Health and Wellness Services

Announce November Programs

Central Maine Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Services is offering the following programs in November:

Back Breakers – Take a break and strengthen your back. Learn to increase core strengths, prevent injury, improve the strength of abdominal and low back muscles, and trim a couple of inches from the mid-section. Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Bootcamp – This class is designed to tone and strengthen the entire body and get the heart pumping. A low choreography, high-impact class for any fitness level. Fridays from 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m.

Fit n’ Fun – An entertaining exercise class designed for the over 55 crowd. Improve aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30a.m.

Functional Training – The abdominal and low back region is the foundation for all sport’s endeavors, health/fitness goals and even day-to-day living. Core training focuses on working the body as an integrated unit. Core conditioning carries over into everyday life and can transform the body. Program includes standing functional exercises, Pilates mat work, push-ups, traditional abdominal work, and stability ball exercises. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

HIP HOP – Participants will learn up to three easy hip hop dances using today’s dance steps. A great way to exercise and have fun. Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Hypnotherapy For Weight Loss – Topics include importance of exercise, helpful tips to improve diet, food portions and servings, benefits of fiber, stress reduction, understanding food labels, reducing fat intake, tips on eating out and at special occasions, handling cravings, and more. November 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Moving Into Motherhood – This interactive class providers the information and physical activity women need for a healthy pregnancy and birth. Topics include physical activity, nutrition, relaxation techniques, and stress reduction. Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

PACE (People With Arthritis Can Exercise) – This program is specifically designed for people with arthritis, myofascial pain, and fibromyalgia. Participants work in a low-key fashion to increase flexibility, range of motion, and balance. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 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 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 10:30am, and 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Personal Training – Personal trainers can help anyone, regardless of physical condition or age. A qualified, properly trained personal trainer can help individuals safely start and maintain an effective exercise program, understand fitness goals, and achieve them. Personal trainers can be a great source of motivation and encouragement, as well as a resource for the latest objective health and fitness information. Participants will learn to fit exercise into a busy schedule and make the most of their time in the gym.

Quit for Life – Tobacco users will learn how to quit the habit. Topics include stress management, preventing relapse, and coping strategies, Tips on exercise and nutrition, information on overcoming addiction, and explanation on the benefits of nicotine replacement, and the uses and side effects of “the patch,” gum, nasal spray, and Zyban will be explored. Participants will get support and assurance that they are “not going through this alone.” Group meets on November 1, 8, 15, 22 and December 6. “Quit Day” is November 15.

Step Aerobics – A heart-pumping, muscle-moving and grooving workout. Alternates step with muscle work using weights, tubing, etc. An awesome cardio workout and head-to-toe body strengthener. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Wellness For Life – This special exercise and wellness class is designed for people with cancer, whether currently in treatment or post-treatment. A personal health counselor will instruct the class while participants work gently to increase range of motion, flexibility, and energy levels. Sessions include 30 minutes of group exercise and 30 minutes of instruction in a variety of mind-body-spirit techniques, including nutrition, meditation, and stress management. Participants work together in a supportive, non-competitive group atmosphere. Spouses, caregivers, and family members are also welcome to participate in this class. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Strength for Life (a component of Wellness For Life) – A half hour of cardiovascular exercise followed by a half hour of strengthening using dynabands and lightweights. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Yoga – Participants will be introduced to the world of relaxation and rejuvenation through yoga. Skills learned through the program will including centering and balancing through poses, breathing exercise, meditation and relaxation. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Wellness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.

Fees are assessed for participation in these programs.

Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information.

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Deborah Taylor, Ph.D.

Guest Speaker at Red Hot Mamas Meeting

A Lewiston psychologist will be the featured speaker at the November 9 meeting of Red Hot Mamas, a nationwide support group dedicated to menopause management education.

Deborah Taylor, Ph.D., will discuss “My Sleep, My Memory, My Moods, My Self: Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression” at the group’s second meeting in the Lewiston-Auburn area.

Taylor is a member of the faculty of Central Maine Medical Center's Family Medicine Residency Program. Prior to joining the residency program faculty, she served as director of Psychology Consultation Services at Ohio State University Hospitals in Columbus, Ohio.

She was awarded a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Southern Maine in Portland, and earned a master's degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan. She served a pre-doctoral psychology internship at the Ohio State University in Columbus, and a post-doctoral psychology fellowship at an industrial rehabilitation hospital in Ohio.<./p>

The Red Hot Mamas is a nationwide support group dedicated to menopause management education. The group provides medical information and peer support to women, men and family members dealing with the physical and psychological impact of menopause, which usually affects women age 40 and beyond. Its mission is to empower women to be educated healthcare consumers and actively manage their menopause.

The Red Hot Mamas was founded in 1991 and has become the largest program of its type in the United States. Karen Giblin, the group’s president and founder, has said the organization’s name came from her daughter, who came home from school one day to find a red-faced Karen in the midst of a hot flash. She said that her daughter said to her: “Oh, mom, you’re a red hot mama.”

All women, their partners and family members are welcome to participate in the Red Hot Mamas November 9 meeting which will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Room on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, located next to CMMC.

The Red Hot Mamas meet at CMMC on the second Wednesday of every other month.

For more information or to register for the November 9 presentation, call Dee Forgues at 795-2633.

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Moment of Hope

Lighting the Great Falls

Central Maine Medical Center, the March of Dimes, and the event sponsors will light the Great Falls on November 15 as part of an ongoing effort to focus greater public awareness on the problem of infant prematurity.

With the support of several area businesses, CMMC and the March of Dimes will bathe the Androscoggin River landmark with pink and blue lights for a three-hour period beginning at 5 p.m. CMMC will also light part of its facility in pink and blue from November 15 through November 30.

November 15 has been proclaimed Prematurity Awareness Day to bring attention to the leading cause of death in the first month of life. According to the March of Dimes, the incidence of premature babies increased from 7.3 percent to 9.9 percent between 1991 and 2001, with the incidence of low birthweight babies growing from 5.4 percent to 6 percent during the same period. Other organizations throughout the nation are also observing Prematurity Awareness Day.

Prior to the Great Falls lighting, Central Maine Medical Center's Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit will host a reception for the many families who have been served by the facility since its founding in the late 1970s.

CMMC's Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit opened in June 1977 to provide care for sick and high-risk newborns, including those born prematurely or with a low birthweight. Since its establishment, the facility has served thousands of families. The special care unit's staff includes two physicians, called neonatologists, who are trained to serve the unique needs of these tiny patients. Also serving on the NICU staff are specially-trained neonatal nurses.

Supporting the Great Falls lighting event are the following businesses: TD Banknorth, SOLO Properties/Island Point Project, and Espo's Trattoria.

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Public Notice

CMMC Welcomes JCAHCO

Public Notice

Central Maine Medical Center Welcomes the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations will conduct an accreditation survey of Central Maine Medical Center on December 5-8, 2005.

The purpose of the survey will be to evaluate the organization's compliance with nationally established Joint Commission standards. The survey results will be used to determine whether, and the conditions under which accreditation should be awarded the organization.

Joint Commission standards deal with organizational quality of care issues and the safety of the environment in which care is provided. Anyone believing that he or she has pertinent and valid information about such matters may request a public information interview with the Joint Commission's field representatives at the time of survey. Information presented at the interview will be carefully evaluated for relevance to the accreditation process.

Requests for a public information interview must be made in writing and should be sent to the Joint Commission no later than five working days before the survey begins. The requests must also indicate the nature of the information to be provided at the interview. Such requests should be addressed to:

Division of Accreditation Operations
Office of Quality Monitoring
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
One Renaissance Boulevard
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
or Faxed to 630-792-5636
or E-mailed to complaint@jcaho.org

The Joint Commission will acknowledge such request in writing or by telephone and will inform the organization of the request for any interview. The organization will, in turn, notify the interviewee of the date, time, and place of the meeting.

This notice is posted in accordance with the Joint Commission's requirements and may not be removed before the survey is completed.

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“Eating Well for Optimal Health: Nutrition for People With Lung Cancer”

“Eating Well for Optimal Health: Nutrition for People With Lung Cancer” will be the topic of a Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center program set for November 14.

Registered dietitian Jill Young will discuss the nutritional needs of those living with lung cancer. Her presentation will include practical approaches to selecting, preparing and serving food.

Young is a registered by the American Dietetic Association and licensed to practice in Maine. She maintains a private practice in Auburn and is also working on a part-time basis with the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center (CMCCC). Her work at CMCCC is supported by a grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

With more than 20 years experience in nutrition, Young has an extensive background in oncology nutrition. She worked for a number of years as an oncology nutritionist in the Washington, D.C., area before returning to Maine. She also worked with cancer patients at the Togus Veterans Hospital in Togus, Maine. For the past nine years she has maintained a private practice in Auburn and Augusta, working with patients with a variety of diagnoses and issues, including diabetes, weight management, eating disorders, and nutrition counseling for people who have had weight loss surgery.

The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center began offering Wellness for Life in September 2004 in response to increasing national attention to the benefits of exercise for cancer patients both during and after treatment. Research demonstrates that exercise rehabilitation can significantly improve lung function, energy capacity, and muscular endurance and strength, and can decrease fatigue and depression in cancer survivors.

The CMCCC Wellness for Life program includes: opportunities for individual consultation and evaluation with a personal health counselor/trainer; a group exercise program that incorporates mind/body/spirit modalities; individualized workout sessions; and participation in the Cancer Wellness and Support Group. A recent grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation allowed CMCCC to expand the Wellness for Life program to include nutritional services.

The November 14 presentation will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room H in the 12 High Street Medical Office Building adjacent to Central Maine Medical Center.

Space is limited and pre-registration by November 10 is requested. Call Kerry Irish at 795-7118 to register.

The program is jointly sponsored by The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

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Carmen Hetherington, R.N.

Receives Emergency Nurse Educator Award

Carmen Hetherington of Harpswell, a nurse educator and emergency nurse at Central Maine Medical Center, has been awarded the Emergency Nurse Educator Award by the Maine Emergency Nurses Association.

The organization’s annual award recognizes her “significant contributions to education and/or training that enhances the ability of emergency care providers to serve their communities.”

A practicing registered nurse for some 25 years, Hetherington has worked primarily in the emergency medical services (EMS) arena, where she has served as both a direct care provider and educator. She is presently a member of the Emergency Department nursing staffs at both CMMC and Parkview Adventist Medical Center in Brunswick. She is also EMS education resource for Tri-County Emergency Medical Services (TCEMS), which serves the Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties region. She has worked in several capacities in the CMMC Emergency Department, including clinical coordinator, staff development specialist, and assistant nurse manager.

As an EMS educator, Hetherington teaches Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course, Trauma Nurse Core Course, paramedic courses, and 12-lead EKG interpretation, among other subjects. She has prepared written educational materials for a variety of applications, including pediatric and cardiac education for prehospital professionals.

She is a long-time member of the Maine Emergency Nurses Association (MENA), and is currently chairman of the organization’s Pediatric Committee. She represents MENA and TCEMS on the EMS for Children task force, an organization that promotes injury and health promotion for children. She is also involved in Emergency Nurses Cancel Alcohol-Related Emergencies, a program dedicated to reducing the incidence of death and injury amongst young people who drive while intoxicated.

“Carmen Hetherington has great leadership qualities and exemplifies professionalism in her practice. Carmen is an active member of the Emergency Department’s Practice Council and has provided great contributions in establishing and revising standards of care within the department. She is a respected member of the CMMC Critical Care Committee and actively encourages evidenced-based practice,” said Peggy McRae, director for critical care and emergency services at CMMC.

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Michael T. Drouin, M.D.

Guest speaker at Accenting Women's Health program

“Innovative New Treatments for Heavy Periods” will be the subject of an Accenting Women's Health program being offered at Central Maine Medical Center on December 1.

Gynecologist Michael T. Drouin, M.D., will discuss “normal versus heavy periods.” His presentation will examine the various causes of heavy periods and what is available for treatment, including new minimally invasive procedures that do not involve a hysterectomy.

A question and answer session will follow Drouin’s presentation. Spouses and partners are encouraged to attend.

This program is another in an ongoing series of Accenting Women's Health presentations exploring women’s health issues.

Drouin is a long-time member of the greater Lewiston-Auburn medical community. He earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and completed residencies at Women and Infants’ Hospital of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Program.

He is board certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Drouin practices in association with gynecologists Ted Roth, M.D., and Susan W. Gaylord, M.D., at The Women’s Health Center and the CMMC Bladder Control Center, clinical services of Central Maine Medical Center.

A question and answer session will follow his presentation.

The program will be presented from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building adjacent to CMMC.

Those interested in attending the program are urged to register in advance by calling 795-2106. They may also register online by going to the CMMC online calendars and clicking on Women’s Health. Class size is limited. Interpreter services are available upon advance request.

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Blood Donor Center

Opening at CMMC in mid-December

Central Maine Medical Center and the American Red Cross will open a blood donor center at CMMC in mid-December.

The Red Cross Blood Donor Center at CMMC, New England’s first satellite Red Cross apheresis platelet and red cell collection center, will open on December 14. A public open house at the facility will be held on December 1 from 10 a.m.

“There is a growing need for platelets in our region and we wanted to do something that would raise awareness of this need and encourage people to consider becoming platelet donors. Offering a local collection site makes it easier for donors to make that commitment, providing more lifesaving products for patients undergoing chemotherapy and other serious medical conditions,” said Johanna Ward, transfusion service manager at CMMC.

Located on the ground floor of CMMC’s Memorial Wing, in the space formerly occupied by the CMMC Woman’s Hospital Association Gift Shop, the blood donor center will initially operate two days a week. The center will incorporate new technology previously not available in the region. For those who regularly donate blood platelets, the new service will eliminate the need to travel to Portland to make a donation. Red Cross nurses and collection specialists will staff the blood donor center.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Central Maine Medical Center on this extremely important initiative,” said Donna M. Morrissey, interim director of the American Red Cross Blood Services, Maine Operation. “By joining together to provide a convenient donation location in the Lewiston-Auburn area, our goal is to better allow both current donors and potential new donors to give the gift of life on a regular basis.”

Apheresis platelet collection is an automated process that gathers only the platelets found in whole blood. Platelets are tiny cell fragments that clump together to help stop bleeding. Platelet transfusions are necessary for patients with a variety of blood diseases, including cancer.

Because only a small amount of platelets are present in a unit of whole blood, between six and 10 units of blood must be processed to collect enough platelets to benefit a patient.

Platelet usage in the United States has increased dramatically over the past several years. The 2002 Nationwide Blood Collection and Utilization Survey found that platelet units transfused increased by 1.1 million units, and the preference for pheresis platelets grew to 75 percent of all platelets transfused.

The blood component is used in the treatment of a number of life-threatening blood diseases, including leukemia and other cancers or blood disorders that interfere with the body’s ability to produce platelets. The blood component is also used to replace platelets destroyed during chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer and other diseases.

Platelet donors give blood in a manner quite similar to whole blood donations. However, during the apheresis process, the blood is separated into its various parts and all but the platelets are returned to the donor. The process is as safe as giving whole blood, but it takes longer to complete. To make the donation experience easier for donors, the Red Cross provides comfortable donor beds and a choice of movies to watch during the process. The entire platelet donation process takes about two hours. Because the body quickly replaces platelets, donors can give every two weeks.

The Blood Donor Center at CMMC will also feature double red cell collection – a new technology that allows donors to give twice the number of red blood cells in a single donation than previously possible.

Through the automated red cell collection process, a blood donor can contribute at one time the same number of red blood cells contained in two units of blood collected through conventional means. But while the process collects more red blood cells, it actually removes less blood volume from the donor. Essentially, the automated system removes red blood cells and returns the remaining blood components to the donor. The procedure is very safe because the donor’s blood cannot come in contact with the processor or another donor’s blood.

“Both the apheresis platelet and double red collections are extremely important in maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply,” says Ward. “Because platelets have a short shelf life of only five days, platelet donors are constantly needed to replenish our inventory. Type A and B donors are particularly encouraged to consider becoming platelet donors because these blood types are most needed for platelet transfusions. Type O donors are urged to look into the double red cell program since Type O red cell inventories are usually the first to feel the effects of a blood shortage.”

Anyone who would like more information about the Red Cross Blood Donor Center at CMMC is urged to call the Red Cross Pheresis Donor number: 1-800-272-2114.

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“Nutrition and Cancer”

Topic for Cancer Wellness and Support Group

“Nutrition and Cancer” will be the topic of a program set for the December 7 meeting of the Central Maine Medical Center Cancer Wellness and Support Group.

Registered dietitian Jill Young will discuss the nutritional needs of those living with cancer, including those undergoing treatment. Her presentation will include menu ideas and food suggestions. There will be time for questions.

The presentation is jointly sponsored by the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Wellness for Life Program and The Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Young is a registered by the American Dietetic Association and licensed to practice in Maine. She maintains a private practice in Auburn and is also working on a part-time basis with the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center (CMCCC). Her work at CMCCC is supported by a grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

With more than 20 years experience in nutrition, Young has an extensive background in oncology nutrition. She worked for a number of years as an oncology nutritionist in the Washington, D.C., area before returning to Maine. She also worked with cancer patients at the Togus Veterans Hospital in Togus, Maine. For the past nine years she has maintained a private practice in Auburn and Augusta, working with patients with a variety of diagnoses and issues, including diabetes, weight management, eating disorders, and nutrition counseling for people who have had weight loss surgery.

The program will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the conference room at the Cynthia A. Rydholm Cancer Treatment Center at CMMC.

The CMMC Cancer Wellness and Support Group is open to people living with cancer, as well as their spouses/partners, family members, and caregivers.

There is no fee for participation. Light refreshments will be served.

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Gisele Castonguay, R.N.

Presented MLN Excellence in Education Award

The Maine Lymphedema Network (MLN) has again recognized registered nurse Gisele Castonguay for her work with patients living with the effects of lymphedema.

The MLN recently presented Castonguay with its Excellence in Education Award to acknowledge her efforts in educating providers and patients about lymphedema management.

The MLN is Maine’s only recognized non-profit organization that provides education and guidance to lymphedema patients, healthcare professionals and the public about the treatment and management of lymphedema.

This year’s award marks the third time that Castonguay has been recognized by the MLN. Last year she was presented the organization’s Award for Clinical Excellence. She and co-worker Lorri Pelletier were also presented Certificates of Recognition for being the first clinicians in Maine to pass the Lymphology Association of North America’s (LANA) national certification exam for lymphedema therapy.

Lymphedema results when the lymphatic system cannot adequately transport body fluids because of a blockage or an interruption in the lymph nodes or associated vessels. Treatment by qualified care providers can result in significant benefits for those with lymphedema, including limb volume reduction, decreased pain, and improved limb function.

Many lymphedema patients go undiagnosed. Patients at risk for developing the condition include cancer patients who have undergone surgery or radiation therapy. Some individuals develop lymphedema because of congenital malformation of the lymphatic system.

Castonguay has completed the Lerner Lymphedema Academy's treatment certification training program in Chattanooga, Tenn. The t raining included instruction by Jo Zuther, one of the leaders in lymphedema treatment in the United States. The course certified participants in complete decongestive physiotherapy techniques, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, remedial exercise and skin care as well as training the patient to manage their own care at home.

Castonguay has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Joseph’s College in Windham and has a background in critical care nursing. In 2002 she attended the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in Chattanooga, Tenn., and studied under the instruction of Jo Zuther, a leader in lymphedema treatment in the United States.

She works in affiliation with the CMMC Sam and Jennie Bennett Breast Care Center and the medical center’ s Outpatient Rehabilitation Services to offer comprehensive lymphedema services to patients throughout the central and western Maine region. These services encompass complete decongestive physiotherapy techniques, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, remedial exercise and skin care, and extensive patient education. Inquiries about these services can be made by calling 795-2122.

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Pain Management Specialist

Joins CMMC Medical Staff

Daniel R. Lalonde, M.D., a fellowship trained interventional pain management specialist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He has opened the Central Maine Pain and Headache Center, which is part of Central Maine Neurology.

He specializes in the evaluation and management of pain and headache disorders, including: chronic pain from failed back or neck surgery; reflex sympathetic dystrophy and sciatica; peripheral neuropathy; complex migraine and chronic headache; and facial pain.

A Lewiston native, Lalonde graduated from Bates College and earned his medical degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

After completing an internship with the Department of Medicine at Maine Medical Center in Portland, he served a residency in neurology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. During the final year of his residency he served as chief resident.

Prior to returning to the Lewiston-Auburn area, LaLonde completed a pain management fellowship with the Department of Anesthesiology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He also served a cerebrovascular fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center's Division of Neurology.

He is practicing from the offices of Central Maine Neurology at 287 Main Street Plaza, Suite 404, in Lewiston. The practice can be contacted at 795-2927 or 1-800-308-0460.

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“Yoga For Life”

Beginning January 3

“Yoga For Life” will be the topic of a Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center Wellness For Life program set to begin on January 3.

Certified yoga instructor Marcy Covey will lead a series of classes that combine 30 minutes of gentle aerobic exercise with 30 minutes of yoga, including stretching, breathing, and relaxation.

The eight-week program will be offered from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the CMMC Health and Wellness Center in the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building adjacent to Central Maine Medical Center.

Covey is an experienced health and wellness educator. She holds certifications in a variety of health and wellness activities.

The Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center began offering Wellness for Life in September 2004 in response to increasing national attention to the benefits of exercise for cancer patients both during and after treatment. Research demonstrates that exercise rehabilitation can significantly improve lung function, energy capacity, and muscular endurance and strength, and can decrease fatigue and depression in cancer survivors.

The CMCCC Wellness for Life program includes: opportunities for individual consultation and evaluation with a personal health counselor/trainer; a group exercise program that incorporates mind/body/spirit modalities; individualized workout sessions; and participation in the Cancer Wellness and Support Group. A recent grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation allowed CMCCC to expand the Wellness for Life program to include nutritional services.

Call 795-2473 for more information.

The program is jointly sponsored by the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

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Shaws Supports CMMC Pediatrics

SHAW’S SUPPORTS CMMC PEDIATRICS – From left, Shelley Stone, manager of the Central Maine Medical Center Pediatrics Unit, accepts a generous sleigh load of gifts from Ellen McNeal, Kim Everett, Brenda Laplante and Jeff Ohman, all employees of Shaw’s Supermarkets. More than 50 Shaw’s employees contributed to the effort to provide the CMMC Pediatrics Unit with a wide assortment of toys, games and other items of interest to youngsters. “From the moment I heard from Ellen McNeil, I was impressed with the level of commitment to the project of ‘adopting’ the Pediatric Unit at CMMC. As I looked through the items that were donated, I visualized smiles on the boys and girls faces. Employees at Shaw’s have truly made a difference in the life of an ill or injured child,” Stone said.

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Kevin M. Kendall, M.D.

Named medical director for TCEMS

Kevin M. Kendall, M.D., an emergency physician at Central Maine Medical Center, has been named medical director for Tri-County Emergency Medical Services, an organization that supports emergency medical services in the Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin county regions.

He was selected for the position by a panel of hospital administrators, emergency department professionals and emergency medical service (EMS) providers from the tri-county region. Kendall will oversee the medical practice of all Tri-County EMS services and will serve with five other regional medical directors on the Maine EMS Medical Direction and Practice Board, which is responsible for all prehospital care and policies in Maine.

He oversees prehospital emergency services at Central Maine Medical Center and is co-medical director of LifeFlight of Maine, a medical helicopter service owned jointly by Central Maine Healthcare and Eastern Maine.

Kendall is president of the Maine Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and was recently appointed to the National ACEP Credentials Committee. He is also the Maine ACEP’s liaison to the Maine Legislature. He is a fellow of the ACEP.

Dr. Kendall came to CMMC in 1999 after completing a residency in emergency medicine at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Prior to coming to Maine, he served as medical director of emergency services and director of emergency medical technician training at the 3rd Medical Center, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. He also served as an emergency physician at Valley Hospital in Palmer, Alaska, and Kessler Medical Center at Kessler Air Force Base, Miss. He was director of emergency services and emergency medical technician training at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, and chief flight surgeon at Airlift Northwest in Seattle.

A graduate of the Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., Dr. Kendall was awarded his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. He completed an internship and residency in surgery at the University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals in Seattle.

He is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. He also holds certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and is an instructor in Advanced Trauma Life Support. He is a member of the state Board of Emergency Medical Services and the state Trauma Advisory Committee.

He has been recognized with a number of awards and commendations, including the American College of Surgeons Clinical Trauma Award, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Overseas and Gulf War ribbons.

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Special Donation

To Support CMMC's Arbor House

The Central Maine Medical Center Employee Special Events Committee has donated $1,000 to support the medical center’s Arbor House hospitality facility. On hand to make the presentation were the following: from left, seated, Susan Bowie, CMMC director of volunteers, Jeri Maurer, CMMC guest relations coordinator and overseer of the Arbor House, and nursing supervisor Barbara Williams; standing, volunteer Mary Nichols, administrative secretary Lisa Asselin, Nancy Chasse of CMMC’s Endoscopy-Minor Surgery Department, Terry MacLean, Central Maine Healthcare internal auditor, Teresa Stevens of the Human Resources Department, and Deb Shennett from the Critical Care Unit. First developed some 12 years ago, the Arbor House moved into new facilities in May 2002. Each year over 600 patients and family members stay at the Arbor House. Many of these people share how important the facility is as a place to rest, gain strength, and deal with the healthcare issue that brought them to CMMC. Because the Arbor House is made available at no cost, donations to help with the expense of running the 15-bedroom hospitality house are important to its continued operation.

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Red Hot Mamas

Meeting January 11 at 7:00 p.m.

A health and wellness expert will be the featured speaker at the January 11 meeting of Red Hot Mamas, a nationwide support group dedicated to menopause management education.

Marcy Covey, a health and wellness program coordinator at Central Maine Medical Center, will discuss “Prescription For a Healthy Life: Exercise and Weight Management.” Covey is an experienced health and wellness educator. She holds certifications in a variety of health and wellness activities.

The Red Hot Mamas is a nationwide support group dedicated to menopause management education. The group provides medical information and peer support to women, men and family members dealing with the physical and psychological impact of menopause, which usually affects women age 40 and beyond. Its mission is to empower women to be educated healthcare consumers and actively manage their menopause.

The Red Hot Mamas was founded in 1991 and has become the largest program of its type in the United States. Karen Giblin, the group’s president and founder, has said the organization’s name came from her daughter, who came home from school one day to find a red-faced Karen in the midst of a hot flash. She said that her daughter said to her: “Oh, mom, you’re a red hot mama.”

All women, their partners and family members are welcome to participate in the Red Hot Mamas January 11 meeting which will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, located next to CMMC.

The Red Hot Mamas meet at CMMC on the second Wednesday of every other month.

For more information or to register for the January 11 presentation, call Dee Forgues at 795-2633.

Photo caption: Marcy Covey, a health and wellness program coordinator at Central Maine Medical Center, demonstrates a stretching technique at the CMMC Health and Wellness Center. Covey is leading a session of the Red Hot Mamas on January 11 at CMMC.

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Lydia A. Thorp, M.D.

Joins Central Maine Family Practice

Lydia A. Thorp, M.D., a family physician, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. She is practicing in association with Central Maine Family Practice at 12 High Street, Suite 302, in Lewiston.

Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn medical community, Thorp was a member of Northern Berkshire Family Practice in North Adams, Mass. Her professional experience also includes work as a staff physician with Mountain States Health Alliance in Johnson City, Tenn.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, N.C., she earned her medical degree at East Tennessee State University’s James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, Tenn. She served an internship and residency in family medicine at East Tennessee State University’s Johnson City Family Medicine Residency Program.

As a resident, she was recognized with the Most Outstanding Resident Award. She was also presented the H. Cowan Moss Family Award for Medical Students.

Thorp’s medical background includes work as a researcher, teacher, and medical student mentor.

She is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. She is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

She is practicing in association with Central Maine Family Practice, a group practice also comprised of Trisha A. Gushue, D.O., J. Scott Patch, M.D., Michael R. Stadnicki, M.D., Peggy Wyman, M.D., and family nurse practitioner Tracy Creaser. The group provides a full range of family healthcare services to both children and adults. Central Maine Family Practice's offices are located in Suite 302 at the Twelve High Street Medical Office Building in Lewiston.

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6th Annual Heart Disease Conference

February 25th

The Central Maine Medical Family and the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will host the 6th Annual “A Heart to Heart” Heart Disease Conference on February 25 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The event will be held in the Chairmen’s Room on the ground floor of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building. The program will be telecast to Bridgton and Rumford hospitals. The event is open to both men and women. There is no charge for participation.

The conference will begin at 8 a.m. with registration and a heart-healthy continental breakfast buffet. At 8:30 a.m., Kelly LeBlond, R.N., manager of the cardiac prevention program at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, will briefly discuss “At the Heart of Wellness – Mind, Body, Spirit,” the theme of the day’s schedule of events.

“The program will offer information about preventing or controlling not only heart disease but many other chronic illnesses with approaches to wellness that compliment medical management,” LeBlond says.

From 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Lynn Durham, R.N., a well-being coach, will discuss “At the Heart of Wellness – Mind Body Spirit Alchemy.” Her presentation will offer insights and illustrate skills for managing stress and practicing mind-body-spirit techniques that contribute to a balanced lifestyle, increase clarity of decision-making, and promote relaxation.

Durham is a registered nurse and adjunct professor at Saint Joseph's College in Standish. She has attended programs at the Harvard Deaconess Mind Body Medical Institute in Boston. Her programs inspire participants to release the power within, become more self-aware, and choose healthy, life-enhancing thoughts and behaviors.

From 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Elaine McGuillicuddy, a certified Iyenger yoga instructor, will discuss “Yoga -- Healing From the Inside Out” and will present an active demonstration that will involve the audience.

McGillicuddy, a former English teacher, has been teaching yoga since 1980. She is a certified Iyengar style hatha yoga teacher and a certified Relax and Renew trainer. Her ongoing studies of yoga and anatomy have taken her to many parts of the U.S. and abroad. She teaches at Portland Yoga Studio, which she and her husband Francis founded in 1989.

From 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Durham and McGuillicuddy will discuss “Dancing Gracefully with Life.” Their presentation will encourage audience participation.

From 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center chef Joe Thornton will present a heart-healthy cooking demonstration. He will discuss healthy alternatives and substitutions for making heart healthy fare. Recipes will be available.

Following the last presentation, a heart-healthy cold buffet will be served.

For more information about this event, or to register, call Kelly LeBlond, R.N., at 795-2638.

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CMMC Receives Accreditation

by American Association of Blood Banks

Central Maine Medical Center has been granted accreditation by American Association of Blood Banks, according to Johanna Ward, transfusion service manager at CMMC.

The accreditation followed an intensive on-site assessment by a specially trained American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) assessor and establishes that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by AABB. By meeting those requirements, Central Maine Medical Center (CMMC) joins approximately 1,700 similar facilities across the United States and abroad that have earned AABB Accreditation.

"The AABB's accreditation procedures are voluntary," Ward explained. “CMMC seeks AABB accreditation because the process helps us achieve excellence by promoting a level of performance that contributes to quality performance. The AABB accreditation covered both the transfusion service aspect of our blood bank as well as the autologous donation program in which a person donates a unit of their own blood a few weeks prior to scheduled surgery.”

The AABB has accredited blood banks and transfusion services since 1958. Today its accreditation program assists blood banks, transfusion services, cellular therapy facilities, parentage testing laboratories, immunohematology reference laboratories and perioperative services in determining whether methods, procedures, personnel knowledge, equipment and the physical plant meet established requirements. The minimum requirements for accreditation are based primarily on a set of specific standards for the area in which accreditation is being sought. These standards not only reflect the level of professional proficiency for blood banks and transfusion services in the United States, but also provide the basis for practice in similar facilities around the world.

AABB accreditation demonstrates an organization's commitment to advanced learning, continuous improvement and innovation by striving to sustain the highest levels of patient and donor care. AABB-accredited organizations are recognized by their peers as leaders in their field and as pivotal voices in the dialogue through which consensus--based, voluntary standards are developed and implemented.

AABB is an international non-profit membership organization dedicated to advancing the field of transfusion medicine and related biological therapies. AABB sets standards, accredits facilities, publishes books and publications and produces educational programs to improve patient and donor safety.

AABB membership comprises independent blood centers, hospital blood banks, transfusion services, HPC facilities, cord blood banks and perioperative services and the dedicated professionals who staff them, in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 80 countries. AABB serves about 1,800 institutions and 8,000 individual members, including physicians, scientists, administrators, medical technologists, nurses, researchers, blood donor recruiters and public relations personnel.

CMMC’s blood bank supports the transfusion needs of Central Maine Medical Center, where over 7,200 blood components were transfused in the past year. In addition, the CMMC blood bank assists Rumford and Bridgton hospitals with blood supply management and serves as a Red Cross depot for 14 hospitals in the central Maine region, providing blood components to these hospitals in emergencies or when blood inventories are depleted due to heavy utilization.

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“What is hypnosis? How can it help me?”

Subject of upcoming Accenting Women's Health program

“What is hypnosis? How can it help me?” will be the subject of an Accenting Women's Health program being offered at Central Maine Medical Center on February 22.

Registered nurse and certified hypnotherapist Valerie St. Clair will discuss how hypnosis can be used to help with weight loss, smoking cessation, birthing, preparing for surgery, managing migraines, reducing hot flashes, management of stress and anxiety, and overcoming insomnia, among other things.

A graduate of the Central Maine General Hospital (now CMMC) School of Nursing, St. Clair is certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists.

St. Clair says that hypnosis applies progressive relaxation techniques to achieve a frame of mind that is “open and available to helpful suggestions.” About 80 percent of those who attempt hypnosis can be hypnotized. Self-hypnosis techniques can later be used to reinforce the subconscious effects of hypnosis.

“The subconscious is where we store our habits. So if we want to change habits, then that’s where we can find them. It takes a while to change habits – it took a while to form them – and hypnosis can be helpful,” she says.

A question and answer session will follow St. Clair’s presentation. Spouses and partners are encouraged to attend.

This program is another in an ongoing series of Accenting Women's Health presentations exploring women’s health issues.

The program will be presented from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Rooms, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building adjacent to CMMC.

Those interested in attending the program are urged to register in advance by calling 795-2106. They may also register online by going to www.cmmc.org/calendar.html and clicking on Women’s Health. Class size is limited. Interpreter services are available upon advance request.

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CMMC's Health and Wellness Services

Announces Programs

Central Maine Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Services is offering the following programs beginning on February 27:

Back Breakers – Take a break and strengthen your back. Learn to increase core strengths, prevent injury, improve the strength of abdominal and low back muscles, and trim a couple of inches from the mid-section. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Bootcamp – This class is designed to tone and strengthen the entire body and get the heart pumping. A low choreography, high-impact class for any fitness level. Fridays from 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m.

Fit n’ Fun – An entertaining exercise class designed for the over 55 crowd. Improve aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30a.m.

Hypnotherapy For Weight Loss – Topics include importance of exercise, helpful tips to improve diet, food portions and servings, benefits of fiber, stress reduction, understanding food labels, reducing fat intake, tips on eating out and at special occasions, handling cravings, and more. March 1, 8, 15 and 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

PACE (People With Arthritis Can Exercise) – This program is specifically designed for people with arthritis, myofascial pain, and fibromyalgia. Participants work in a low-key fashion to increase flexibility, range of motion, and balance. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 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 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 10:30am, and 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Personal Training – Personal trainers can help anyone, regardless of physical condition or age. A qualified, properly trained personal trainer can help individuals safely start and maintain an effective exercise program, understand fitness goals, and achieve them. Personal trainers can be a great source of motivation and encouragement, as well as a resource for the latest objective health and fitness information. Participants will learn to fit exercise into a busy schedule and make the most of their time in the gym.

Step Aerobics – A heart-pumping, muscle-moving and grooving workout. Alternates step with muscle work using weights, tubing, etc. An awesome cardio workout and head-to-toe body strengthener. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Wellness For Life – This special exercise and wellness class is designed for people with cancer, whether currently in treatment or post-treatment. A personal health counselor will instruct the class while participants work gently to increase range of motion, flexibility, and energy levels. Sessions include 30 minutes of group exercise and 30 minutes of instruction in a variety of mind-body-spirit techniques, including nutrition, meditation, and stress management. Participants work together in a supportive, non-competitive group atmosphere. Spouses, caregivers, and family members are also welcome to participate in this class. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Yoga for Life (a component of Wellness For Life) – An eight-week program featuring gentle yoga and simple, relaxing meditation exercises. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Yoga – Participants will be introduced to the world of relaxation and rejuvenation through yoga. Skills learned through the program will include centering and balancing through poses, breathing exercise, meditation and relaxation. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Kickboxing – Fast-paced class based on traditional kicking and punching techniques choreographed into combinations for building strength and coordination. Mondays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Belly Dancing – Instructor Lisa Cummings, a.k.a. Imari, will teach this unique exercise class. She trained in Boston and has performed professionally for more than 13 years. No prior experience is necessary. Suitable for all ages. Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

T’ai Chi – T’ai Chi movements express the yin and yang components that are fundamental to Chinese medicine. Balance and harmony are stressed through physical activities that can improve stamina, muscle tone, agility, flexibility and cardiovascular function. Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Wellness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.

Fees are assessed for participation in these programs.

Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information.

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Red Hot Mamas

Meeting Scheduled for March 8

“The Beat Goes On! Understanding Heart Disease and Menopause” will be the topic of discussion at the March 8 meeting of Red Hot Mamas, a nationwide support group dedicated to menopause management education.

Anne Fereday, director of cardiovascular services at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, will discuss the high incidence of heart disease amongst women, and in post menopausal women, in particular.

“Cardiovascular disease kills a half million women in the United States each year – 10 times more than die from breast cancer. Postmenopausal women are more than twice as likely to develop heart disease as perimenopausal women, and mortality rates increase with age. Heart disease is no longer a male disease,” Fereday says.

Fereday earned her nursing degree in 1973 and has been in cardiology since 1984. Her clinical experience includes works as a cardiac care nurse and manager of the cardiac service line at Albany Medical Center in Albany, N.Y. She joined the management staff at CMHVI in 2004. She holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and is presently a healthcare management doctoral candidate.

The Red Hot Mamas is a nationwide support group dedicated to menopause management education. The group provides medical information and peer support to women, men and family members dealing with the physical and psychological impact of menopause, which usually affects women age 40 and beyond. Its mission is to empower women to be educated healthcare consumers and actively manage their menopause. The Red Hot Mamas was founded in 1991 and has become the largest program of its type in the United States. Karen Giblin, the group’s president and founder, has said the organization’s name came from her daughter, who came home from school one day to find a red-faced Karen in the midst of a hot flash. She said that her daughter said to her: “Oh, mom, you’re a red hot mama.”

All women, their partners and family members are welcome to participate in the Red Hot Mamas March 8 meeting which will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Chairmen’s Rooms on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building, located next to CMMC.

The Red Hot Mamas meet at CMMC on the second Wednesday of every other month.

For more information or to register for the March 8 presentation, call Dee Forgues at 795-2633.

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CMHVI Third Annual

Winter Ski and Learn Symposium

“Heart Disease - A Family Affair” will be the topic of the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute's Third Annual Winter Ski and Learn Symposium set for March 10 through 12 at the Bethel Inn and Country Club in Bethel.

The conference is designed to explore the clinical characteristics of seven fictitious patients from the same family. The program faculty will consist of physicians and a doctorate-trained researcher. Continuing medical and nursing education credits are available for program participants.

The three-day program is designed for primary care and emergency physicians, family practice residents, critical care and emergency nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and others interested in learning about advances in the prevention, treatment and management of cardiovascular disease.

At the conclusion of the course, participants should have a better understanding of: contributors to cardiovascular risk profile; workups of outpatients with a high-risk cardiovascular profile; recommendations for lipid management in adults and adolescents; emergent care for coronary ischemia, including lytic therapy; catheter-based intervention for coronary ischemia; impact of diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on surgical risk for coronary bypass; indications and choices for patients with valvular heart disease; and the impact of cardiovascular disease in the critical care setting.

The following topics will be considered during the symposium:

Angina

“Scorekeeper™ As A Screening Tool For Cardiovascular Disease” with N. Burgess Record, M.D., medical director of outreach and prevention, Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, and medical director, Center for Heart Health, Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington.

“Lipid Management Of The Patient With Suspected Coronary Disease” with Mary McGowan, M.D., director, Lipid Treatment Center, Concord Hospital, Concord, N.H.

“Outpatient Workup For Angina” with Henry S. Jennings III, M.D., president-elect, St. Thomas Hospital Medical Staff, Nashville, Tenn.

“Anesthesia For Non-Cardiac Surgery In A Cardiac Patient” with David A. Heimbinder, M.D., cardiac anesthesiologist at the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, Lewiston.

“Perioperative Complications In The ICU Setting In A Patient With Ischemic Disease” with Michael J. Sterling, M.D., medical director of the Central Maine Medical Center Critical Care Unit in Lewiston.

Questionable Cardiovascular Risk

“Use Of Scorekeeper™ In This Setting” with N. Burgess Record, M.D.z

“Hormonal Replacement Therapy: Risks, Facts And Fiction” and “Exceptional Cases For Hormonal Replacement Therapy” with Barbara Croft, M.D., obstetrician-gynecologist, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta.

Acute Myocardial Infarction

“Prehospital Management Of ACS/MI Patient” and “ER Management Of ACS/MI Patient” with Kevin Kendall, M.D., medical director, LifeFlight of Maine, regional medical director for Tri-County EMS, and director of EMS at Central Maine Medical Center.

“PCI In ACS/MI Patient” with William J. Phillips, M.D., medical director, cardiology, Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

ScoreKeeper ™ with N. Burgess Record, M.D.

Adolescents at Risk

“ScoreKeeper™ evaluation” with N. Burgess Record, M.D.

“Lipid Management In High Risk Adolescent” with Mary McGowan, M.D.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

“Management Of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension” with Evan L. Ramser, D.O., pulmonary and critical care physician at Central Maine Medical Center.

Coronary Artery Disease

“ScoreKeeper™ evaluation” with N. Burgess Record, M.D.

“Evaluation Of Viability In The Setting Of Low Ejection Fraction” with Henry S. Jennings III, M.D.

“Impact Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In Coronary Artery Bypass Patients” and “Impact Of Diabetes In Coronary Artery Bypass Patients” with Bruce J. Leavitt, M.D., Fletcher Allen Health Care, and professor of surgery at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vt.

“Predictive Biomarkers For Renal Dysfunction After Cardiac Surgery” with Karyn S. Kunzelman, Ph.D., director of research, Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

Aortic Stenosis and Aneurysm

“ScoreKeeper™ evaluation” with N. Burgess Record, M.D.

“Evaluation For Valvular Heart Disease” and “Surgical Options For Aortic Valve And Aneurysm Disease” with R.P. (Pat) Cochran, M.D., medical director of cardiothoracic surgery, Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute.

“Biomechanical Analysis Of Surgical Options For Aortic Valve And Aneurysm Disease” with Karyn S. Kunzelman, Ph.D.

Interesting Cases

“Intraoperative Surprises” and “Combinations Of Intervention And Surgery” with R.P. (Pat) Cochran, M.D., William J. Phillips, M.D., and Henry S. Jennings III, M.D.

There will also be a “Question the Experts” session featuring the entire faculty for the event.

Anyone seeking more information regarding the symposium is urged to call 753-3910.

The following companies have provided support for the event: Edwards Life Sciences, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Guidant Corporation, Pfizer, Inc., Sanofi-Aventis, and Scios, Inc.

Download the Ski & Learn Brochure

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CMMC Receives Grant

for 'No Sun for Babies' Program

The Maine Comprehensive Cancer Consortium's Skin Cancer Task Force has awarded Central Maine Medical Center a grant to support the "No Sun for Babies" program.

CMMC will use the grant funds to educate new or expecting parents about sun safety for children. As part of the initiative, the Medical Center will provide parents with kits that include a baby sun hat, sand pail, safety information and an evaluation postcard.

The Maine Comprehensive Cancer Consortium is a statewide program concerned with cancer prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship. A Skin Cancer Task Force first developed a newborn sun protection program in 2001.

"Introducing sun protection habits early is very important," says Tammy English, an oncology nurse at Hematology-Oncology Associates, a CMMC-affiliated physician practice. English was instrumental in obtaining the grant.

“It’s estimated that up to 80 percent of a person's sun exposure happens before their 18th birthday. This exposure is cumulative, and may lead to problems later in life. Some of these problems are merely cosmetic -- wrinkled, stretched skin, for example – but some people develop skin cancer. Research shows a link between sunburns in children and an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers later in life,” English says.

“The good news about skin cancer is that about 90 percent of all skin cancer can be prevented simply by limiting exposure to the sun,” she adds. Though many people may not consider Maine a particularly sunny state, risks posed by sun exposure are magnified by the nature of outdoor activities, which often take place on reflective surfaces such as snow and water.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that it is most important to protect skin from the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense. (Use of sunscreen products on babies six months of age or less is not advised.) The "No Sun for Babies" program was developed to inform parents about both the long-term dangers of excessive sun exposure, which include various skin cancers, and short-term hazards like sunburn and sunstroke.

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CMMC School of Nursing

Offers Medical Terminology Course

The Central Maine Medical Center School of Nursing will offer a 10-week medical terminology course beginning May 2.

The classes will meet at The CMMC School of Nursing at 70 Middle Street in Lewiston from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday. (There will be no class meeting on July 4.)

The non-credit course will be taught by Peggy Young, R.N.

A fee, which includes the cost of the textbook, will be charged.

For more information or to register, call the CMMC School of Nursing at 795-2858 or email jacqueka@cmhc.org

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CMMC Health and Wellness Servcies

Announces Programs

Central Maine Medical Center’s Health and Wellness Services is offering the following programs beginning on April 17:

Back Breakers – Take a break and strengthen your back. Learn to increase core strengths, prevent injury, improve the strength of abdominal and low back muscles, and trim a couple of inches from the mid-section. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Bootcamp – This class is designed to tone and strengthen the entire body and get the heart pumping. A low choreography, high-impact class for any fitness level. Fridays from 6 a.m. to 6:45 a.m.

Fit n’ Fun – An entertaining exercise class designed for the over 55 crowd. Improve aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30a.m.

Flex Appeal – A total body workout designed to strengthen and tone from head to toe. Class offers complete muscular conditioning with little choreography and is taught to all fitness levels. Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Kickboxing – Fast-paced class based on traditional kicking and punching techniques choreographed into combinations for building strength and coordination. Wednesdays from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

PACE (People With Arthritis Can Exercise) – This program is specifically designed for people with arthritis, myofascial pain, and fibromyalgia. Participants work in a low-key fashion to increase flexibility, range of motion, and balance. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 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 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 10:30am, and 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Personal Training – Personal trainers can help anyone, regardless of physical condition or age. A qualified, properly trained personal trainer can help individuals safely start and maintain an effective exercise program, understand fitness goals, and achieve them. Personal trainers can be a great source of motivation and encouragement, as well as a resource for the latest objective health and fitness information. Participants will learn to fit exercise into a busy schedule and make the most of their time in the gym.

Pilates – Originally developed for patients confined to hospital beds and later adapted for the New York City Ballet, Pilates “strengthens and lengthens” through a series of challenging mat exercises. Participants can expect improvement in both strength and flexibility. Pilates exercises gather power from the "core" – the abdominal, low-back, hip and buttocks region. While challenging at first, Pilates participants improve quickly with regular practice. Mondays 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Step Aerobics – A heart-pumping, muscle-moving and grooving workout. Alternates step with muscle work using weights, tubing, etc. An awesome cardio workout and head-to-toe body strengthener. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

T’ai Chi – T'ai Chi, formally known as T'ai Chi Chuan, is an ancient Chinese movement art that uses a sequence of precise body movements, meditation, and synchronized breathing to improve health and well-being. T’ai Chi movements express the yin and yang components that are fundamental to Chinese medicine. Balance and harmony are stressed through physical activities that can improve stamina, muscle tone, agility, flexibility and cardiovascular function. Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Total Body Workout – This Saturday morning class packs a full body workout into just one hour. This class uses a combination of intense cardio intervals and weight training to burn calories and tone muscle. The class will use dumbbells and body bars to focus on every major muscle in the body with concentration on proper technique and form. Participants will leave sweaty and satisfied. Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Yoga – Participants will be introduced to the world of relaxation and rejuvenation through yoga. Skills learned through the program will include centering and balancing through poses, breathing exercise, meditation and relaxation. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. or Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All programs are offered in the CMMC Health and Wellness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building, Lewiston.

Fees are assessed for participation in these programs.

Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information.

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Thai Yoga Bodywork Workshop

April 21

Central Maine Medical Center will offer another Thai Yoga Bodywork workshop on April 21.

Marcy Covey, a certified Thai Yoga Bodywork practitioner, will introduce participants to a form of yoga that incorporates a type of massage performed on a floor mat. This session will focus on gentle massage techniques for the feet, back, neck and head.

“Thai Yoga Bodywork blends stimulation of the energy lines of the body with stretching and manipulation of taut muscles. It provides wonderful benefits for both the receiver and the practitioner, restoring a sense of balance and well-being, balancing energy lines in the body, increasing flexibility, and promoting relaxation and rejuvenation,” Covey says.

“Yoga helps us to be more balanced, flexible, and peaceful in ourselves,” she adds. “It helps to alleviate headaches, panic, depression, and tight muscles. It also helps us to have the wisdom to make good choices for our lives,” she adds.

Covey is an experienced health and wellness educator. She holds a variety of health and wellness certifications.

People wishing to attend the workshop are encouraged to bring a partner. Attendees should also bring a warm blanket and a yoga mat, if they have one, wear comfortable clothing, and be prepared to be on the mat on the floor for the duration of the class.

The workshop will be offered on April 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the CMMC Health and Wellness Center, located on the lower level of the 12 High Street Medical Office Building.

Space is limited. A modest fee will be charged.

For more information or to register, call 795-2473.

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Mitchell K. Ross, M.D.

Joins Central Maine Neurology

Mitchell K. Ross, M.D., a neurologist, has been appointed to the Central Maine Medical Center Medical Staff. He is practicing in association with Central Maine Neurology at 287 Main Street Plaza, Suite 404, in Lewiston.

Prior to joining the Lewiston-Auburn area medical community, Ross practiced at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Waterville and Augusta. He serves on the consulting medical staffs at a number of Maine hospitals.

A graduate of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., Ross earned his medical degree at Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, N.H. He served an internship at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, N.Y., and completed residency training at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, N.H. During his final year of residency, he served as chief resident. He was also a neurobehavior fellow at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

He is certified by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and American Board of Electroencephalography and Neurophysiology.

Ross is a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. He is a member of the American Epilepsy Society, American Academy of Clinical Neurophysiology, American Medical Association, Maine Medical Association, New England Neurological Society, Movement Disorder Society, and American Association for the Advancement of Science.

He has been involved with a number of public health-related organizations, including the Maine Worker's Compensation Board and Maine Disability Determination Services. He's also worked as a teacher at the University of New England College of Medicine in Biddeford and at Dartmoth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Ross is the author or co-author of several scholarly articles that have been published in professional journals.

Dr. Ross and his family live in Hallowell.

Central Maine Neurology is a group physician practice also comprised of neurologists Daniel H. Bobker, M.D., and Edward A. Waybright, M.D., and physical medicine-rehabilitation specialist Robert Lorenzo, M.D. The office can be reached at 795-2927 or 1-800-308-0460.

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John K. Baxter, M.D.

Joins Central Maine Surgical Associates

John K. Baxter, M.D., a trauma and general surgeon, 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.

Baxter is also the new director of the Central Maine Medical Center Trauma Program. He replaces Larry O. Hopperstead, M.D., who is now CMMC’s chief medical officer.

Prior to beginning his work at CMMC, Baxter worked for more than eight years as a trauma surgeon at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, Minn. His professional experience includes work as a general surgeon-surgical intensivist and director of nutrition support services at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis. He also worked for more than three years as a general surgeon at Cape Cod Surgeons, P.C., in Falmouth, Mass. For more than eight years he was a major in the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps 114th Combat Support Hospital in Fort Snelling, Minn.

A cum laude graduate of Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., Baxter earned his medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vt., where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He later completed coursework for a master’s degree in public health administration at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, in Minneapolis.

Baxter served a residency in general surgery through Harvard Surgical Service at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston. He also completed a fellowship in hyperalimentation at New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston. In the mid-1990s he completed a fellowship in surgical critical care at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

He is certified by the American Board of Surgery with added qualifications in surgical critical care. He is certified as a nutrition support physician by the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification. He also holds certification in Advanced Trauma Life Support.

Baxter is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Medical Association, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

He is the co-author of numerous scholarly articles that have been published in professional journals.

Central Maine Surgical Associates is a group physician practice also comprised of general-trauma surgeons Karen L. Crowell, M.D., Carlo J. Gammaitoni, M.D., Larry O. Hopperstead, M.D. and neurosurgeons Guillermo J. Candia, M.D., and Patricio H. Mujica, M.D. The office number is 795-5767.

Baxter and his wife reside in Auburn.

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Michael L. Parker, M.D

Named Medical Director of Urology

Michael L. Parker, M.D., has been named Medical Director of Urology at Central Maine Medical Center. He will establish his primary practice on the campus of CMMC and will continue to see patients at the Rumford Hospital clinic. Dr. Parker will also lead the development of a regional urology practice to serve residents living throughout central and western Maine.

Dr. Parker is board certified in Urology and has had an active urology practice in Farmington and Rumford for over 20 years. He was the first urologist in Maine to use the photovaporization laser (PVP) which is used to treat enlarged prostate gland in outpatient surgery. Dr. Parker and Dr. Susan Mandell, a radiation oncologist, started the brachytherapy program for prostate cancer at Central Maine Medical Center. Brachytherapy involves the implantation of tiny radioactive “seeds” used to treat prostate cancer.

He has been active in the Maine Medical Association serving as President from 1993-1994 and currently as Treasurer. He also served on the Maine Hospital Licensing Review Board from 1995-2004.

Dr. Parker earned his medical degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Faculty of Medicine in Guadalajara, Mexico. He later completed his residency in pediatrics, surgery and urology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Parker is board certified by the American Board of Urology.

Dr. Parker's special interests include: management of all aspects of prostate cancer, including early in-house diagnosis using transrectal ultrasound, radical prostatectomies and prostate brachytherapy utilizing radioactive seed implantation; in-office vasectomies; bladder, kidney, testicular and penile cancers; voiding difficulties, kidney stones and urinary incontinence in males and females; and pediatric urology.

“We are very lucky to have a physician of Dr. Parker's caliber join us full-time in Lewiston,” said Douglas DiVello, CMMC's Vice-President of Clinical Services. Dr. Parker is well respected throughout Maine and will be ins