Gillian Coates
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownSouth Portland, Maine
- UndergraduateNortheastern University
- Medical SchoolTufts University (Maine Track)
- Interests / HobbiesTennis, skiing, sailing, and camping with family and friends
- Favorite Place in MaineLittle Chebeague Island in Casco Bay
- Medical InterestsIntegrative medicine, preventive medicine, and addiction medicine
- What did you do before Medical SchoolPrior to medical school, I spent a year working as a clinical research assistant and traveling cross-country visiting many of our beautiful National Parks.
- Why Maine Medical Center?Becoming a resident at Maine Medical Center has been a goal of mine since applying to medical school! The people at MMC are incredibly welcoming and supportive which has allowed me to grow and move towards my goals as a student, so I am positive that my residency experience will be equally, if not more fulfilling. As a Mainer, it has always been important to me that I am able to serve the communities that make me love this beautiful state and I am so grateful to be here!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aBaker or interior designer!
Mason Crocker
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownGorham, Maine
- UndergraduateUniversity of Maine
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesFishing, staying active/spending time outdoors, reading (usually Cormac McCarthy books), football (both real and fantasy)
- Favorite Place in MaineCadillac Mountain
- Medical InterestsRural medicine, addiction medicine, preventative medicine, adolescent medicine, procedures
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI helped teach undergraduate science courses and conducted biomedical research at the University of Maine and served as a Healthcare Specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves
- Why Maine Medical Center?As a lifelong Mainer, my goal is to build a career that allows me to help serve medically under-resourced communities in my home state. The commitment to this shared value by Maine Medical Center and the people that work here make it a great fit and the best place for me to train.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aTeacher
Zachary Duperry
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownPortland, Maine
- UndergraduateBowdoin College
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine
- Interests / Hobbiescooking/baking, trying new restaurants, bar trivia, soccer
- Favorite Place in MaineMackworth Island
- Medical Interestshealth equity, working with people experiencing homelessness, harm reduction, substance use disorder treatment, immigrant and refugee health, gender-affirming care, healthcare systems reform
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI worked as a healthcare data analyst at physician-owned private medical practice. In that role, I worked on projects related to healthcare operations, quality, and finance using data visualization tools. When COVID first hit, I helped to transition data reports to include telehealth services, and I helped re-forecast the organizational revenue budget in light of the pandemic.
- Why Maine Medical Center?In my medical school experience at MMC, I was impressed by the dedication to education and the supportive, non-competitive learning environment. Further, I am from Portland, and it has always been a priority to learn to best care for members of my diverse community, both at the patient level and the system level. As someone who is interested in health systems, I am eager to build on my existing understanding of the local healthcare landscape with the goal of continually making healthcare more equitable and accessible.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be ahealthcare policy analyst
Logan Gerchman
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownDenmark, Maine
- UndergraduateUniversity of Maine
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine-Maine Track
- Interests / HobbiesI enjoy running (particularly trail running), hiking, reading, and spending time with my husband and our dog, Tucker.
- Favorite Place in MaineMy favorite place in Maine is Baxter state park. It’s so cool being in such a remote part of Maine, and I love hiking Mount Katahdin.
- Medical InterestsI am interested in LGBTQIA+ healthcare, gender affirming treatment, rural medicine, preventative medicine, and addiction medicine.
- What did you do before Medical SchoolBefore medical school I worked for a few years as a medical scribe. I worked mostly in the emergency department, but also spent a year scribing in a hematology/oncology clinic. In college I worked as a volunteer EMT for our campus EMS service.
- Why Maine Medical Center?The biggest reason I chose Maine Medical Center is the people here. I did several rotations at MMC, including with the FM service and genuinely enjoyed working with the residents and faculty. There is an amazing culture here of mutual respect and support between learners and teachers. Additionally, MMC is a great place to learn to care for a diverse population, including access to rural populations from across the state.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aIf I wasn’t a doctor I would be a national park worker or guide. I love spending time outdoors and would also be interested in ecological sciences.
Shivani Patel
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownLaxmipura, Gujarat (India)
- UndergraduateClark University
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesSpending time with friends and family, hiking, cooking, painting
- Favorite Place in MaineAcadia National Park
- Medical InterestsWomen's health, integrative medicine, dermatology
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI had previously worked as a bank teller and researcher/scientist
- Why Maine Medical Center?The people!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aresearcher or an artist
Colleen Szypko
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownWestford, Massachusetts
- UndergraduateCollege of the Holy Cross
- Medical SchoolNew York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesGoing to concerts, traveling, baking and cooking, yoga, and reading
- Favorite Place in MaineMuch left to explore, but so far, Portland and the Eastern Promenade!
- Medical InterestsAdolescent Medicine, Women's Health, Integrative Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
- What did you do before Medical Schoolworked for two years in quality and outcomes research at Mass Eye and Ear and one year as a medical assistant in an urgent care clinic.
- Why Maine Medical Center?The people I met during my interview were so down to earth, kind, and inspiring! It was clear the program creates a warm environment with education and camaraderie at the center. Also as a rotating fourth year medical student I was blown away by the hospital as a whole. Everyone was so friendly and deeply cared about their work.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aSmall business store owner! I love the idea of curating and highlighting local clothing brands, home decor, books, etc. and sharing them with others.
Jacob Buskirk
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownAnchorage, Alaska
- UndergraduateUniversity of Alaska Anchorage
- Medical SchoolUniversity of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesHiking, mountain biking, skiing, gardening, cooking, reading, travel
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Field biologist, state or national park worker
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandVia Vecchia
- Personal quote (100 words or less)"Life is too short to not wear your apron while cooking"
- Favorite place in MaineAcadia National Park
- Medical interestsPreventiative care, addiction medicine, procedures, OMT
- Favorite weekend destinationExploring New England
- Favorite Maine activityHiking
- What did you do before medical school?Before medical school I worked for 3 years as a medical assistant at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency
- Personal goalsBalance work and family
- Best/worst jobBest - medical assistant Worst: none, I have enjoyed all of my different jobs
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I grew up visiting my grandparents in Maine and absolutely fell in love with the state. After thoroughly exploring Maine during medical school, my wife and I decided we wanted to stay permanently. Maine Medical Center affords me the opportunity to train in a beautiful area nestled in a vibrant community with a blend of academic and community medicine that is hard to come by elsewhere.
Emily Groff
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownState College, PA
- UndergraduatePennsylvania State University
- Medical SchoolGeisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
- Medical interestsFull-spectrum family medicine, rural medicine, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, integrative medicine
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I fell in love with Maine after visiting it, and I decided to do an away rotation in outpatient family medicine to learn more about MaineHealth and living in Portland. The people I met during that rotation made me feel that this was the place for me. The patients, residents, faculty, and staff all supported me and made for a great learning environment. Plus, it is hard to beat Portland!
Justine Murphy
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownBarrington, NH
- UndergraduateBay Path University
- Medical SchoolFrank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
- Interests/hobbiesConcerts, Painting/Art, Games, Trivia nights, Dancing, Bowling, Traveling
- Celebrity I most resembleSomeone once told me, Demi Lovato.... but fun fact: I was named after the actress, Justine Bateman
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Interior designer/House Flipper.... I binge HGTV on my free time!
- Favorite place in MaineOld Orchard Beach
- Medical interestsAddiction Medicine, Women's Health, Rural Medicine
- Favorite weekend destinationSummer: the beach / Winter: A new fun coffee shop
- Favorite Maine activityWalking the shops at Old Orchard or York Beach
- What did you do before medical school?Nursing Assistant for Alzheimer's patients and Medical scribe for an ENT office in Kittery, ME
- Personal goalsGrow a big family that is close-knit and love spending time together.
- Best/worst jobMy best job was either working as a nursing assistant or medical scribe. As a nursing assistant, I finally felt like I was making a difference and it was incredibly rewarding. As a medical scribe, I just LOVED all my coworkers and bosses. They are amazing inspiring and fun people! My worst job was probably a seasonal cashier at Target. I have never been so bored in my life...and the 10% employee discount was not worth it!
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I absolutely love the atmosphere of Maine being a coastal and rural place full of fun things to see and do; between beaches to mountains, lighthouses to moose, city life to star gazing, Maine has it all! During my interviews, everyone was so friendly, welcoming, and happy, which is exactly what I hoped for in a program. I felt like I would be incredibly supported and empowered to be a well-rounded, caring physician in a great place to live surrounded by great people.
Julia Natoli
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownSyracuse, NY
- UndergraduateHobart & William Smith Colleges
- Medical SchoolSUNY Upstate Norton College of Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesReading and book clubs, trivia, board games, NYT daily minigames, camping and hiking
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...librarian
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandDuckfat, but I am excited to explore more!
- Personal quote (100 words or less)If you can be anything in this world, be kind
- Medical interestsReproductive justice and abortion care, LGBTQ+ and gender affirming care, rural medicine, preventative medicine
- Favorite Maine activityOrdering Duckfat's "Flight of Sauces"
- Best/worst jobI worked at Old Navy for 5 years, which I honestly think is the hardest job I have ever worked!
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?In my interview, it was clear how passionate the faculty are and how close-knit the department and residents are. This was only further emphasized at my second look, where I realized I could truly fit in with this community. On top of the people, the curriculum seemed like a great fit. I was particularly excited by our shared values, the dedication for reproductive education, and the MERGE programs.
Casey Riddell
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownConcord, NH
- UndergraduateSt. Lawrence University
- Medical SchoolUniversity of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesHaving long conversations with my dogs Archie and Ziggy, painting, knitting, yoga, baking, reading, ice hockey
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Art teacher
- Personal quote (100 words or less)Don't sweat the small stuff!
- Medical interestsPreventive medicine, womens' health, LGBTQIA+ healthcare, mental health, procedures, advocacy
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I chose to pursue my medical training at MMC for its warm and inviting people, its reputation for providing excellent medical education, its deep commitment to serving the community, and its location in the beautiful state of Maine!
Jensen Smith
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownWorthington, KY
- UndergraduateUniversity of Louisville
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Louisville School of Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesSports (Both watching and participating, Go Cards!), Hiking, Being outdoors, Collecting records/playing cards, Microbrewing
- Celebrity I most resembleJensen Ackles
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Teacher or own a bookstore.
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandStreet and Co.
- Favorite place in MaineAcadia
- Medical interestsSports Medicine, Academic Medicine, Procedures, Point-of-care Ultrasound, Chronic disease management
- Favorite weekend destinationThe White Mountains
- Favorite Maine activityTrying all the different restaurants
- What did you do before medical school?I went from undergrad to medical school but I have worked as a road crew member for my local county's road department and I worked as a server at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby!
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?The people! During my interview, everyone was incredibly welcoming and kind. Plus I have had the privilege of visiting Portland before, and every time I come to the city I fall more and more in love with it.
Jacylin Ticatic
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- UndergraduateEast Carolina University
- Medical SchoolUNC School of Medicine
- Medical interestsFull spectrum Family Medicine, Geriatrics
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?From the very start, I felt a strong sense of community and support at Maine Medical Center. Every interaction, whether with faculty, residents, or staff, reaffirmed that this is a place where people truly care for one another—not just as colleagues, but as a family. I found like-minded individuals who share my passion for compassionate, patient-centered care, as well as a commitment to lifelong learning and growth. The camaraderie among residents, the faculty’s investment in mentorship, and the genuine warmth of the program made it clear that this is the kind of environment where I would thrive.
Kaitlyn Belknap-Chagnon
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownDurham, NH
- UndergraduateUniversity of New Hampshire
- Medical SchoolUniversity of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesHiking, yoga, cooking
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I fell in love with Maine during medical school, and I’m so excited to be returning to such a beautiful place. Being at MMC puts me close to everything I enjoy like the mountains for snowboarding and hiking, the beach for summer swims and dog walks, and the city for ALL the food. It’s also especially meaningful to be near my family and closest friends. On top of that, MMC offers the experience of a large academic center, with incredible learning opportunities and amazing people to learn from.
- Celebrity I most resembleSaoirse Ronan
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Teacher!
- Medical interestsPalliative Care
- Favorite weekend destinationHome with my family
- Favorite place in MaineStuben, ME
- Favorite Maine activityBeach walks with my dog
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandDuckfat
- What did you do before medical school?Research at Dana Farber and clinical work as emergency department and dermatology technician
- Personal goalsBe the best provider I possibly can be while also being the best mom I can be.
Julia Delziel
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownGeorgia, VT
- UndergraduateUniversity of Vermont
- Medical SchoolWest Virginia University School of Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesrunning, skiing, hiking, playing violin, reading, and drinking good beer!
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?This program's unique street medicine curriculum and incredible addiction medicine faculty were huge draws for me! The patient population was also the perfect mix of rural and urban underserved.
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Social worker (or maybe ski bum)
- Medical interestsstreet medicine, addiction medicine, harm reduction, rural healthcare, wilderness medicine, reproductive health
- Favorite place in MaineIslesboro Island
- Favorite Maine activityExploring the beautiful outdoors, whether that's skiing or hiking!
- Favorite restaurant in Portlandlooking forward to finding out!
- What did you do before medical school?I worked for AmeriCorps at a county public health organization outside of Denver, CO as a Harm Reduction Specialist.
Lauren Ellis
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- UndergraduateQuinnipiac University
- Medical SchoolWake Forest University School of Medicine
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I chose MMC for the warm learning environment with enthusiastic faculty, a curriculum that aligns with my career goals, and the chance to explore a beautiful city surrounded by everything Maine's outdoors has to offer!
- Medical interestsPoint-of-care ultrasound, procedures, community medicine
Rae Hermans
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownRochester, New York
- UndergraduateUniversity at Buffalo
- Medical SchoolJacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
- Interests/hobbiesConcerts, exploring new coffee shops, skiing, hiking, and I recently got into needlepoint!
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I was immediately drawn to Maine Medical Center because of the unique balance of community and academic medicine. The program aligns with my personal goals and offers full-spectrum training with a robust reproductive education. Everyone I met at MMC during my interview and second look were warm, inviting, and passionate about providing great patient care, while also having hobbies and passions outside of medicine. Additionally, Maine is absolutely gorgeous and offers easy access to explore the outdoors!
- Medical interestsPreventive Medicine, Women's Health, Reproductive Health and Abortion Care
- Favorite Maine activitySkiing at Sunday River!
- What did you do before medical school?I worked as an EMT for a private ambulance agency and volunteered at my local fire department.
- Personal goalsWatch the Buffalo Bills win the Super Bowl!
Mackenzie Hulme
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownCanandaigua, NY
- UndergraduateBoston College
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
- Interests/hobbiesOutdoor sports (hiking, climbing, SUP, kayaking), cooking and sharing meals with family and friends, reading and the occasional craft
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?The kindness and camaraderie of the residents and faculty was so clear and made it easy to picture myself in this community for the next 3 years. Opportunities like working at Preble Street and the MERGE collaborative epitomized what I love about family medicine, and being able to train in a place like Portland is hard to beat!
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Environmental scientist or park ranger!
- Medical interestsPreventive care, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, addiction medicine
- Favorite weekend destinationBoston to visit friends
- Favorite place in MaineBaxter State Park
- Favorite Maine activityHiking or eating lobster rolls
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandBecky's Diner has a great blueberry pancake!
- What did you do before medical school?I worked for an environmental health organization in Maine on a public health project then I worked as a lab manager and research assistant in the Department of Hem-Onc at BU/BMC!
- Best/worst jobBest: the Shaw Institute (we got to monitor wildlife on a research boat in the Gulf of Maine)
Worst: sideline assistant (ball girl) for college sports (basically dodging sports equipment for a few hours)
Helena Redgate
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownWorcester, MA
- UndergraduateClark University
- Medical SchoolUMass Chan Medical School
- Interests/hobbiesPortrait photography, paddle boarding, reading, hiking, metal music
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?Maine Medical Center has great community oriented full spectrum training with a unique blend of urban and rural medicine. The people I met were all kind, genuine, and enthusiastic, and there was a clear dedication to great patient care. Then when I visited Portland, it felt like I was coming home and I knew it was the right place for me.
- Medical interestsCommunity medicine, LGBTQ+ health, gender affirming care, reproductive health, palliative care
- Favorite weekend destinationAnywhere on the water
- What did you do before medical school?I worked as an EMT, mostly transporting people to their scheduled medical appointments, where I fell in love with continuity care. Then I converted an ambulance into a camper and travelled the east coast from Atlanta to the Blue Ridge Parkway to Niagara.
Hannah Rae Slattery
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownGilford, NH
- UndergraduateBates College
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine - Maine Track
- Interests/hobbiesCooking, spending time with my nieces and nephews, exploring Maine
- Celebrity I most resembleAubrey Plaza - in sarcasm
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...A writer, and I still plan to be!
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandTaj Indian Cuisine
- Personal quote (100 words or less)"Authenticity is the external manifestation of your sacred values."
- Favorite place in MaineCresent Beach State Park
- Medical interestsAddiction Medicine, Public Health Policy, Indigenous Health Equity
- Favorite weekend destinationLake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
- Favorite Maine activityVisiting the Casco Bay Islands
- What did you do before medical school?Geologist and a medical researcher.
- Personal goalsStay active, get 8hrs of sleep whenever possible, prioritize family
- Best/worst jobBest: stair sweeper at Bates College Worst: Landscaper (found out I'm allergic to yellow jackets)
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?This is my community and home, and I am committed to a career in health justice and advocacy for the Wabanaki Tribal Nations.
Zach White
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownMaplewood, Ohio
- UndergraduateMiami (OH) University
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesI enjoy road cycling, lifting weights, watching my Cincinnati Bengals every Sunday (unfortunately), attending live music concerts, and visiting National Parks with my wife and our dog, Theo.
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?Before my interview day at Maine Med, I told my wife "If any program will change our mind, it may be this one". On interview day, to say I was blown away by every person I interacted with would be an understatement. From my initial conversation with Dr. McAteer about our favorite donuts, Dr. Bouchard and I discussing cycling, or talking with Jacylin about the struggles of being a Bengals fan (she had a cardboard cutout of Joe Burrow in the background of her camera - I knew it was meant to be), it was the first time along the interview trail that I felt truly at home. The folks at Maine Med were not only able to express an interest in what I had done up to this point, but also who I was as a person. It was evident the intentional approach they took to building a supportive culture focused on academic excellence and attending to the development of future family doctors as clinicians and real-world people.
- Celebrity I most resembleA young Lucas Black
- Personal quote (100 words or less)Go Get 'Em Tiger
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...rancher. I love being outside and doing physcial labor. My dad and I have a joke that "physical labor is good for the soul, bad for the back".
- Medical interestsI am interested in rural medicine, improving access to underserved communities, teaching undergraduate medical students, sports medicine, and providing care to those that are unhoused.
- Favorite weekend destinationLL Bean Flagship Store in Freeport
- Favorite place in MaineAs a transplant, I still have much to explore but so far the Eastern Promenade at sunrise is my favorite.
- Favorite Maine activityA scenic drive along the coast in my truck
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandThe Highroller Lobster Company
- Best/worst jobLandscaping - best and worst. Great to see a project get finished and learned plenty of important life lessons, but for someone who sweats standing still, the summer heat was brutal.