Nicholas Alana
- Year in ProgramFEL3
- HometownAustin, TX
- UndergraduateTrinity University
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Interests / HobbiesWorking out, cooking, hiking, and reading.
- If I wasn’t a doctor, I would be aFishmonger
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandI haven’t been to any yet, but looking forward to trying them all!
- Favorite place in MainePortland!
- Medical interestsMalignant hematology, thrombophilia, breast, and GI malignancies
- Favorite weekend destinationGoing hiking in the White Mountains
- Medical interestsMalignant hematology, thrombophilia, breast, and GI malignancies
- What did you do before medical schoolI was finishing my undergraduate studies before medical school!
- Best / Worst JobI have the best job! Worst job was working as a busboy
- Why Maine Medical Center: I picked MMC because I enjoyed all the people I met and worked with, its supportive culture, and the chance to live in a vibrant city in a beautiful state.
- Why Maine Medical CenterI picked MMC because I enjoyed all the people I met and worked with, its supportive culture, and the chance to live in a vibrant city in a beautiful state.
Kim Toomire
- Year in ProgramFEL3
- HometownPortsmouth, NH
- UndergraduateNortheastern University
- Medical SchoolUniversity of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesCooking, reading, running, soccer, fishing, clamming, card making
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandYosaku, The Shop (tied with SoPo Seafood), and Bao Bao Dumpling House
- Favorite place in MaineMousam Lake
- Medical interestsMedical education and high-value care
- Favorite Maine activityAnnual Harvest on the Harbor OysterFest
- What did you do before medical schoolResearch assistant at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Best / Worst JobLifeguard at Water Country (best)
- Why Maine Medical CenterI completed my residency and chief year at MMC and could not have asked for a better experience. The heme/onc faculty in particular are dedicated to medical education, approachable, and kind. Our Department of Medicine and GME are committed to supporting trainees in every way possible. Outside of the hospital, Maine is an amazing place to live. I am grateful to be able to continue my training here!
Nagma Shah
- Year in ProgramFEL2
- HometownQueens, New York
- UndergraduateBrandeis University
- Medical SchoolSt. George's University
- Interests / HobbiesCooking/baking, walking
- Favorite Maine activityKayaking
- Medical InterestsMalignant hematology
- Favorite weekend destinationProspect Park
- What did you do before Medical SchoolMaster's in Biomedical Science; Basic Science Research
- Best/worse jobBest job: Working in medicine
- Why Maine Medical Center?The welcoming faculty and opportunity to care for such a large patient population
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aChef
Deepika Mannem
- Year in ProgramFEL1
- HometownAustin, TX
- UndergraduateAustin College in Sherman, TX
- Medical SchoolArkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Smith, AR
- Interests / HobbiesI love exploring new restaurants and coffee shops. I also enjoy singing, dancing, and reading.
- Favorite Place in MaineI just moved here so I'm about to start exploring Maine!
- Medical InterestsI am still exploring my interests within oncology, but I love patient education and advocacy.
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI got a Masters in Medical Sciences and was a travel medical scribe!
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I was really drawn to the people I connected with before I interviewed! Everyone was so warm. I felt like I would have a wonderful training experience at MaineHealth and it would provide me with a balance of academic medicine and community practice!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be amusic teacher. But I really can't imagine not being a doctor!
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandMiss Portland Diner
Anna Gates
- Year in ProgramFEL1
- HometownMechanic Falls, ME
- UndergraduateFranklin & Marshall College, University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine Maine Track
- Interests / HobbiesRunning, cooking, playing with my dogs, reading, exploring local trails and state parks
- Favorite Place in MaineIt’s a tie between Crescent or Willard Beach at sunset, or snowed in at home with my husband, our dogs, and lots of coffee.
- Medical InterestsMedical education, addressing gaps in cancer care access
- Why Maine Medical Center?Having grown up in Maine, it is a true privilege to learn from and care for patients in the place that made me who I am. I am so happy to be continuing my medical training in a collaborative and supportive atmosphere full of people who highly value teaching, learning, and the best quality patient care.
Razhan Madhar
- Year in ProgramFEL1
- HometownErbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
- UndergraduateHigh School for Talented Students, Erbil (Kurdistan Region, Iraq)
- Medical SchoolHawler Medical University
- Interests / HobbiesI enjoy spending quality time with my family, playing bowling and exploring hiking trails—especially as I continue discovering the outdoors in the U.S.
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandStill exploring—but excited to find a go-to spot soon
- Favorite Maine activityExploring nature—especially hiking and outdoor adventures
- Favorite Place in MaineStill exploring—but excited to find hidden gems across Maine’s coastline and mountains
- Medical InterestsSpecial interest in women’s health—particularly breast cancer care and gynecological malignancies improving patient outcomes
- Favorite weekend destinationThe Berkshires have quickly become a favorite, with seasonal visits to Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, and Naumkeag. That said, I’m looking forward to discovering Maine’s weekend destinations next
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI pursued an advanced science-focused education at a high school for talented students, which laid the foundation for my medical career
- Best/worse jobBest: Being in a role where I can truly change someone’s life; Worst: Any situation where I feel my work does not make a meaningful impact
- Why Maine Medical Center?Maine Medical Center offers the ideal balance of strong academic training, diverse clinical exposure, and a collaborative environment—making it a place where I can continue to grow both professionally and personally
- Celebrity I most resembleI’ll leave that for others to decide—but no clear match yet!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aStill a doctor—there’s nothing else I would rather do
Called the “Jewel by the Sea” by its celebrated native, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Portland combines vibrant city life with natural beauty and abundant recreation opportunities.
It's important to take good care of yourself during post-graduate training so you can fully participate in your education and patient care.