MDI Hospital

03/06/2026

For a patient like Henry, accessing cutting-edge care would typically require going to a major academic medical center, hours away in a major city. But Henry’s journey for cutting-edge cancer care kept him closer to home, much closer. The only hospital on the island, MDI Hospital, and the only community oncologist, Philip Brooks, M.D., were only 10 minutes away from the Grandgents’ home.

Brooks is part of The Jackson Laboratory’s Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) oncology practice network, which meant he was able to get advanced testing for Henry. He brought Henry’s case with those tests to one of MCGI’s Genomic Tumor Boards, where an interdisciplinary panel of experts (including oncologists, pathologists, geneticists, and researchers) reviewed his case and analyzed his unique genetic mutations. With the help of these experts, Brooks was able to determine the treatments that would give Henry the best chance of success.

“It's within three miles, this world-class operation,” said Henry. “There are a lot of people that say, oh, well, you should go down to Boston and see so-and-so … but, I can get in the car and be in the doctor's office in ten minutes.”

Watch the full video from The Jackson Laboratory here 💙

Diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, Henry Grandgent expected a future of long hospital drives and distant specialists. Instead, the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) brought world-class cancer care to his island community.

03/06/2026

Happy Business Friends Friday! 🤝🏻 We’re proud to celebrate our incredible partnership with Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania — a valued Champion of Care member of Mount Desert Island Hospital’s Business Friends Society.

Consistently ranked among the nation's top research medical schools, the Perelman School of Medicine has been shaping the future of medicine since 1765.

Since 2011, our groundbreaking partnership with Penn Medicine has become a national model for urban–rural collaboration. Together, we’ve strengthened emergency medicine and critical care services on Mount Desert Island — establishing MDI Hospital as a premier rural hospital for emergency and ICU care.

This first-of-its-kind collaboration connects professionals across the full continuum of care — from Emergency Departments and ICUs to behavioral health, pediatrics, neurology, cardiology, oncology, diabetes management, medical imaging, and more. Penn Medicine’s internationally renowned Level 1 trauma center brings world-class expertise to our community, enhancing care close to home.

💙 Thank you to the Perelman School of Medicine and Penn Medicine for your vision, partnership, and commitment to advancing healthcare — together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for our community.

Penn Medicine researchers have been awarded $25M to conduct a trial using smartphones to fight heart disease.

03/02/2026

Join us in celebrating our amazing doctors this month as we look ahead to National Doctors' Day on March 30th!

Tanya Hanke, DO, a physician specializing in integrative and family medicine at our Community Health Center in Southwest Harbor, is known for her expertise and exceptional compassionate care for patients at all stages of life.

One patient had these sentiments for Dr. Hanke: “Thank you for being one of the guides on my husband’s end-of-life journey. You treated what you could, made quick referrals, and, most importantly, treated us as humans. From clearly explaining options, to always keeping us informed, to answering every question with honesty and compassion.

Because of you, my husband had quality of life in his final months, something neither of us thought was possible. You treated us with dignity, patience, and care every step of the way. You are truly a special treasure, and we will never forget the impact you made on our lives.”

In honor of National Doctor’s Day, please join us in showing your support for Dr. Hanke. We invite you to leave a message of thanks, make a gift in honor of a provider at mdihospital.org/giving, share this post, or take a moment to recognize a physician who makes a difference through compassion and care.

02/27/2026

Happy Business Friends Friday! 🤝🏻 We’re proud to recognize Kozak & Gayer, P.A. for their generous support as a Circle of Care of MDI Hospital’s Business Friends Society! 💙

Founded in 1995, Kozak & Gayer has dedicated their practice to serving healthcare clients across Maine and New England. Their mission is simple yet powerful: deliver top-quality legal services at the best value — with honesty, respect, and teamwork at the heart of every client relationship.

Their commitment to strengthening healthcare in our region makes a meaningful difference for our patients, staff, and community.

Thank you, Kozak & Gayer, for being such an important part of our Circle of Care!
Learn more about their work: www.kozakgayer.com

02/25/2026

MDI Hospital & Health Centers are excited to offer mobile check‑in with Phreesia, an innovative digital registration system launching the first week of March! A few days before your visit, you’ll receive a text message or email with a secure, one‑time link to start your check‑in.

No app is required. It’s fast, private, and you can do it on your phone, tablet, or computer, whenever it’s convenient for you.

If you are unable to check in prior to your appointment, our staff will still happily assist you during your visit. For those who are able to use this service, thank you for helping our teams reduce wait times and streamline the check-in process!

Visit our website for more info, and contact your health center or providers office directly if you have any questions.

Mount Desert Island Hospital is excited to offer mobile check‑in with Phreesia, an innovative digital registration system launching in March. A few days before your visit, you’ll receive a text message or email with a secure, one‑time link to start your check‑in. You can: Confirm contact and...

02/23/2026

Due to the incoming storm, health centers are closed today.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency please dial 911 or visit our 24/7 Emergency Department in Bar Harbor.

02/20/2026

The best protection is vaccination. 💉 Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide about 97% protection, and most vaccinated individuals are protected for life. Talk to your provider, or your child’s provider about getting the vaccine and stopping the spread.

For more information and CDC resources visit our website: https://www.mdihospital.org/featured/measles-in-maine-what-you-should-know/

02/20/2026

Happy Business Friends Friday! 🤝🏻 Building more than structures — building community. ✨🏗️

A huge THANK YOU to E.L. Shea, Inc. for their generous support as a Circle of Care member of MDI Hospital’s Business Friends Society! 💙

Founded in 1926, Emmons Lawrence Shea built his reputation on quality craftsmanship, reliability, and first-class construction. A century later, E.L. Shea, Inc. continues that proud tradition — helping families and businesses turn their visions for beautiful homes and commercial spaces into real-life works of art.

From concept to completion, their passion, experience, and commitment to excellence truly make a difference — not just in the buildings they create, but in the community they help support.

We’re so grateful to partner with a company that understands the power of building something that lasts. 🏡🏢💙

Learn more about their incredible work: www.elshea.com

02/16/2026

We are so proud of our team at Birch Bay Retirement Village for receiving this honor!

Birch Bay Retirement Village is proud to announce that it has been recognized as a 2026 Best in Senior Living Award winner by A Place for Mom. This annual award honors the top 1–2% of senior care providers nationwide, based on reviews from residents and their families.

This marks the second time Birch Bay Retirement Village has received this distinction, having also been honored with the award in 2024.

To qualify, communities must maintain an average review rating of 4.5 stars or higher, reflecting consistently high levels of satisfaction and quality of care. The recognition highlights Birch Bay’s continued commitment to providing compassionate support, meaningful engagement opportunities, and a welcoming environment where seniors can thrive.

In addition to cottages, independent living, assisted living, and memory care, Birch Bay also offers adult day services, overnight respite care, and medical alert services to support seniors and their families throughout the greater community. Birch Bay Retirement Village is proud to be a member of the Mount Desert Island Hospital organization, strengthening its connection to local healthcare resources and enhancing the continuum of care available to residents.

“This wonderful recognition demonstrates our deep commitment to our residents and their families by ensuring they have a healthy and happy environment to thrive in,” said Chrissi Maguire, CEO. “We are honored to be recognized and remain dedicated to creating a community where every resident feels valued, supported, and at home.”

For more information on living options and available services, please contact Susanne Hopkins, Director of Marketing, at 288-8014.

02/16/2026

Health Centers are closed today for the holiday. They will reopen with normal hours tomorrow.

02/14/2026

Just a reminder that our friends at The Annex are open for a special Valentine's Day event today from 4-10PM! 🎶 They will be donating a portion of the proceeds to MDI Hospital, so be sure to stop by and Amplify Good! ❤️🩷

02/14/2026

Happy Valentine's Day from MDI Hospital & Health Centers! We are excited for our friends at The Annex to host today's special Valentine's Day event from 4-10PM! 🎶 They will be donating a portion of the proceeds to MDI Hospital, so be sure to stop by, spread the love, and Amplify Good! ❤️🩷