MaineHealth Maine Medical Center

10/08/2025

Care Team Member Spotlight!

Kathryn, Sr. Nuclear Medicine Technologist – MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland

We are delighted to spotlight Kathryn, who has been a part of the MaineHealth Care Team for almost 10 years!

“I couldn’t ask for a better team of technologists to work with every day – they're not only incredibly fun and supportive, but they feel like family. They consistently show how much they care about the quality of imaging we produce and set the bar high for what it means to be a successful Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Their genuine compassion for patients, combined with their intelligence and dedication, makes them some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever worked with.”

Kathryn added, “My workday is never the same and that’s why I love it here. Sometimes I spend the day injecting patients with radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging. Other days I could be working with a physicist and radiologist to prepare and deliver therapeutic medications for cancer treatment. No matter what I walk in to, I’m always having fun.”

“I encourage anyone who shows an interest in what I do to come check it out,” said Kathryn. “I love to share with people how we play a direct role in diagnosing and treating serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders-- using radioactive isotopes, medications, scintillation devices, and ionization chambers as some of our tools. Nuclear Medicine is simply a fusion of science and compassion. If you like physics and chemistry but also enjoy collaborating with colleagues to make a meaningful impact on those who need our care, then my team is the perfect fit for you.”

Kathryn, we are so proud of the incredible, patient-centered care that you provide to our community and are so excited to see where your career with MaineHealth continues to take you.

Are you a Radiology professional interested in joining our care team? Visit careersatmainehealth.org for more information on current openings!

10/07/2025

Letting go isn’t easy when your loved one is in the care of others. Mackenzie, a CNA at MHMMC Biddeford, has earned a PETAL Award for reassuring a patient’s daughter that her mother was in good hands.

The daughter, who nominated Mackenzie, said that the care Mackenzie provided brought her peace of mind at a challenging time:

“From the moment Mackenzie came in the room, my mother was met with kindness, joy and excitement. Makenzie was fulfilling a higher purpose of cultivating an environment of peace, comfort, healing and unconditional support. She gave me safety in feeling if I had to step away, I knew my mother would be cared for. She is an outstanding nurse assistant and deserved the upmost praise.”

The PETAL Award recognizes, rewards and celebrates the special skills and compassionate care provided by our nursing support staff.

Congratulations, Mackenzie!

10/06/2025

Katie, a nurse on MHMMC Biddeford’s MS4 unit, has been awarded a DAISY Award for the exceptional care she provided a patient while teaching a medical student.

Katie was nominated by the patient’s child, who noted Katie was extremely knowledgeable and personable to both their mother and the student. Her nominator emphasized that Katie never lost sight of her patient’s needs:

“She taught a medical student seemingly effortlessly while simultaneously listening to our medical questions and answering thoroughly, also providing my mother with gentle physical care and maintaining my mother’s dignity. She centers the patient in every conversation about their care and makes sure they never loose personhood even under the most challenging circumstances.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was created to recognize and honor the compassionate care nurses provide every day to the patients they serve. It is celebrated in over 5,400 healthcare facilities and nursing schools in 34 countries.

Congratulations, Katie!

10/03/2025

Our series about the MaineHealth Excellence Awards concludes today with two winners from MHMMC Portland: Melissa, a Clinical Nurse IV in the Emergency Department (ED), and the MH Antimicrobial Stewardship Team.

Melissa's work on the behalf of behavioral health patients was highlighted by her nominator: "Because of Melissa’s leadership, the ED has seen clear evidence-based outcomes: an 11% improvement in su***de risk screening, a 10% increase in safety interventions and measurable gains across every key quality metric." These numbers "represent lives protected, patients supported and families reassured during some of the most vulnerable moments of crisis."

The MH Antimicrobial Stewardship Team was heralded for the breadth of its contributions: "From leading the COVID-19 Care Variation Project, which improved antiviral prescribing and saved more than $600,000 in one year, to refining our sepsis algorithm and strengthening diagnostic stewardship, their work has had a measurable impact on patient outcomes and safety." What unites their work — which has also included embedding real-time clinical guidance into the electronic medical record, eliminating unnecessary and low-value testing and designing safeguards to reduce risk with high-risk medications — is their "relentless focus on quality."

10/02/2025

Our next MaineHealth Excellence Award winner is Allison, a Clinical Nurse II in Interventional Radiology at MHMMC Portland who was selected for her work in the area of "Patient Experience."

Her nominator writes: "Ali’s empathy, responsiveness and problem-solving have transformed the patient experience in her department. She listens. She learns. And she acts — turning patient feedback into practical solutions that improve not just comfort, but confidence and outcomes."

The personal touches that Allison provides were also highlighted by her nominator. "She sews custom nephrostomy bag covers so her patients can maintain dignity and comfort. She hand-crafts port pillows to ease the everyday discomfort of a seatbelt. And when a patient reaches the milestone of having their mediport removed, she sends them home with a special “high-five bag” — a symbol of strength, resilience and hope."

Congratulations Allison!

10/01/2025

Our celebration of the MaineHealth Excellence Award winners from MHMMC continues with Nicholas, a clinical pharmacist at MHMMC Portland, who won in the category of "Research and Education."

"Nicholas is a true innovator whose work has reshaped how we deliver care here at MaineHealth — and far beyond," his nominator wrote. "His groundbreaking research in antimicrobial stewardship and transitions of care has provided a national model for safe, effective use of oral antibiotics."

Nicholas's "generosity as a mentor and collaborator" was also highlighted: Nicholas "has guided pharmacy residents, infectious disease fellows and junior faculty, helping them publish, present nationally and launch their own careers as academic leaders." Congratulations Nicholas!

09/30/2025

This week, we are celebrating the MHMMC winners of the inaugural MaineHealth Excellence Awards!

Both winners in the Access category, individual and team, were from MHMMC Portland. Kelly, a manager in Nuclear Medicine, was selected for her work "breaking down financial, operational and geographic barriers to ensure that patients receive the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care right here in Maine."

The team winner, Project CORE, was chosen for reimagining how primary care and specialty care connect. Their nominator wrote: "They have created a new model that ensures patients receive timely, expert input — often without the need for long waits or unnecessary travel."

Congratulations to Kelly and the Project CORE team!

09/25/2025

MaineHealth care team members turned out for the inaugural Maine Brain Tumor Awareness Walk on Sunday! The two-mile walk starting at Portland's Payson Park raised more than $5,000 for the American Brain Tumor Association in support of brain tumor research. Thank you to all who participated!

09/23/2025

Cheri, a nurse in the MHMMC Sanford Emergency Department, has been awarded a DAISY Award following her remarkable care of a patient and their stepson.

The patient explained that Cheri went out of her way to support them through their blood draws and talk through concerns about their care. When Cheri noticed the patient’s stepson was anxious, she comforted him with snacks and television, creating a calmer environment for both of them. The patient shared:

“Cheri demonstrated extreme professionalism while being the most kind, comforting nurse I’ve had in years. She did everything she could to make sure we were all comfortable during our visit. She goes above and beyond for her patients with her kind heart and attitude. Thankful for her.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was created to recognize and honor the compassionate care nurses provide every day to the patients they serve. It is celebrated in over 5,400 healthcare facilities and nursing schools in 34 countries.

Congratulations, Cheri!

09/21/2025

When an 88-year-old patient arrived at the MHMMC Sanford Emergency Department (ED) with a broken femur, her family was understandably anxious and overwhelmed. Maureen, an ED Tech at MHMMC Sanford, provided the support they needed, earning herself a PETAL Award. The PETAL Award recognizes, rewards and celebrates the special skills and compassionate care provided by our nursing support staff.

Maureen was nominated by the patient’s child, who wrote:

“We had many questions. It was so surreal and scary. Sensing that we were frightened and knowing the pain my mother was in, Maureen tended to our every need. She is the heartbeat of that ED, and we could not have been more grateful for her care and help during a very dark and painful time. Thank you, Maureen, you make the world a better place!”

Maureen recently celebrated her 30-year work anniversary with MaineHealth. Congratulations, Maura, and thank you for three decades of exceptional service.

09/20/2025

Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15. The origins of Hispanic Heritage Month go back 57 years to 1968. It started as a week and is now observed as a month-long celebration recognizing the history, culture and contributions of the U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. There are many ways to celebrate, including supporting local businesses, listening to Hispanic music or visiting the online National Museum of the American Latino.

09/19/2025

MaineHealth has received a $2.8 million grant from the NIH to develop technology designed to improve neonatal resuscitation training. Check out this story from NEWS CENTER Maine on this technology, known as Holobaby!

A significant grant aims to improve newborn health in rural Maine by enhancing resuscitation training with augmented reality technology.