As the Northern AHEC Center, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center recently hosted eight scholars from the University of New England (UNE) and Husson for a weeklong Rural Health Immersion, a program which brings them to rural and medically underserved areas. This visit provided an opportunity for Medical and Physical Therapy students to participate in clinical observations at Northern Light CA Dean Hospital, Northern Light Mayo Hospital, Northern Light Primary Care in Sangerville, and Northern Light Internal Medicine in Dexter.
In addition to the clinical settings, the Medical Center partnered with several community sites to truly show the effect of what bringing quality healthcare workers to these areas would do. The students received education and Narcan training from a local Recovery group in Dover-Foxcroft, who are advocating for better resources in Piscataquis County. They also hosted a panel tour at Foxcroft Academy for high school students interested in healthcare after graduation. A true highlight of the week was an entire day spent at Mountain View Correctional Facility, with tours, observations, a panel of resident speakers, and more.
Lastly, they couldn’t send the students home without a true rural Maine experience. The students had the opportunity to snowshoe with Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville, a true hidden gem!
This Rural Health Immersion program is part of the Maine Area Health Education Center (AHEC), which strives to bring a quality healthcare workforce to medically underserved and rural areas. As the Northern Maine AHEC Center, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is proud to assist in broadening healthcare experiences for our future healthcare workforce!
