PGY5

Sean Francois
- Year in ProgramPRG5
- HometownPort-au-Prince, Haiti
- UndergraduateThe University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Medical SchoolThe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Interests / HobbiesVolleyball (indoor, beach, grass), languages, video games (when I can), soccer, basketball, traveling, TV shows (Sci fi)
- Medical InterestsGlobal surgery, Trauma, CT, Plastics, Vascular
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI was a physics teaching assistant and MCAT Kaplan instructor
- Why Maine Medical Center?Honestly, the reasons beyond my interest in Maine Medical Center were the intangibles. Gut feelings aside, I felt during my interview day that it was a program with a commitment to the community and a mission to serve. The faculty and the residents were down to earth. It seemed like the ideal learning environment for me.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aa linguist

Chinedu Okoli
- Year in ProgramPRG5
- HometownPortland
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Nigeria
- Interests / HobbiesPuzzles, soccer enthusiast, volunteering, traveling
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandFire street restaurant
- Favorite ActivityHiking, Casio Bay Lighthouse sunset cruise
- Favorite Place in MaineAcardia
- Medical InterestsCardiac surgery, medical education, AI in surgery
- Best/worse jobPrimary care doctor in rural hospital
- Why Maine Medical Center?Frankly, it was just gut feelings and the positive experience of the residents that robbed off on me.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aSoccer coach
Brianna Philbrick
- Year in ProgramPRG5
- HometownBrewer, Maine
- UndergraduateBoston University
- Medical SchoolTufts University - MMC Maine Track
- Interests / Hobbieswilderness backpacking, skiing, swimming, musical theatre, hanging out with my cat Uchie and my husband Conor
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandTough call, it’s either schulte&herr or Figgy’s or Green Elephant
- Favorite ActivityClimbing Mt. Katahdin
- Favorite Place in MaineMidcoastal area (Camden to Belfast)
- Medical Interestsglobal health, rural health, indigenous health, reproductive justice
- Favorite weekend destinationBangor, Maine - to see my family
- What did you do before Medical SchoolMoved to Vancouver, Canada and worked as a swim instructor
- Best/worse jobSummer Camp Counselor (best), Magician’s Assistant (worst)
- Why Maine Medical Center?Desire to serve the people of Maine, dedication/camaraderie of the staff, and the opportunity to teach future Maine Track medical students!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aveterinarian or a summer camp director.

Spencer Scott
- Year in ProgramPRG5
- HometownCape Elizabeth, ME
- UndergraduateNew York University, B.A., University of Southern Maine, B.S.
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesSailing, woodworking, carpentry, skiing, cooking, singing in the shower, making my friends laugh, making strangers laugh
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandFor a great dinner, David’s 388, for a drink and snack, Eventide, and for brunch… actually I’m going to keep that one a secret, I like that I don’t have to wait for a table – sorry!
- Favorite ActivityAnchored and swimming off the boat at Vail Island on a cloudless day
- Favorite Place in MaineSitting on the seawall at Ma’s cottage on Two Lights
- Medical InterestsTrauma and critical care; medical education; informatics
- What did you do before Medical SchoolBroadcast journalism; CNN, Fuse TV, ABC’s Boston Trauma
- Best/worse jobCraziest: Producer for Fuse TV’s music news broadcast “Fuse News,” Worst: Stuffing dead herring into bait bags for my brothers while we set our lobster traps, Best: Surgical resident!
- Why Maine Medical Center?Maine Medical Center combines excellent clinical medicine, academic rigor, and a commitment to upholding humanity in medicine and surgery, all while serving the most incredible community in the greatest little city in the greatest state in the country!
- Celebrity I most resembleI’ve gotten “Blake Shelton” a few times… not sure how I feel about it.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aJournalist, probably, carpenter, maybe, farmer, possibly…

Liam Trimble
- Year in ProgramPRG5
- HometownWest Barnstable, MA
- UndergraduateVillanova University
- Medical SchoolWilliam Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesBaseball, football, running, chess, traveling, coastlines, music festivals, guitar, friends & family
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandEl Corazon
- Favorite ActivityEating lobster. But that's a favorite activity anywhere
- Favorite Place in MaineAcadia - specifically Sand Beach
- Medical InterestsRobotic surgery, Colorectal
- What did you do before Medical SchoolMore school!
- Best/worse jobIn college I was that guy who calls alumni and asks for money
- Why Maine Medical Center?MMC has a unique hybrid feel of a community program with gaining traction for academia and research. This plus the supportive faculty set up residents for success. Plus Main has a natural beauty that's tough to beat. Big fan of cities on the water
- Celebrity I most resembleApparently, Andrew Garfield
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aActuary
PGY4

Molly Caron
- Year in ProgramPRG4
- HometownTufts University School of Medicine - Maine Track
- UndergraduateUniversity of Maine, Orono
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine - Maine Track
- Interests / HobbiesTraveling, collecting house plants, watching hockey, raising German Shepherd puppies
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandGreen Elephant, El Corazon, Becky’s Diner
- Favorite Activitygoing for a walk on the beach or finding a new hiking trial to try
- Favorite Place in MaineWells Beach (or really anywhere on the Maine Coast)
- Medical InterestsSurgical critical care, women in surgery, increasing access to care, rural medicine, medical education
- What did you do before Medical Schoolpharmacy technician, research assistant
- Best/worse jobretail pharmacy technician could have been the craziest, best, or worst given the day
- Why Maine Medical Center?MMC combines top notch clinical medical education with an open and welcoming atmosphere, creating an optimal environment for learning and professional growth. As a 5th generation Mainer, I also get to stay close to family and friends, while at the same time giving back to the communities that helped me get to where I am today.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aveterinarian, or find a way to get paid to travel
Peter Kyros
- Year in ProgramPRG4
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine

Bridget Olsen
- Year in ProgramPRG4
- HometownEliot, Maine
- UndergraduateColby College
- Medical SchoolTufts Univ. School of Medicine - Maine Track
- Interests / Hobbiesdonuts, gelato, dumplings, occasional tennis
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandIzakaya minato, Wayside Tavern, Miyake
- Favorite Activityrelaxing by the water
- Favorite Place in MaineYork Harbor beach
- Medical Interestsendocrine, surgical oncology, teaching
- What did you do before Medical Schoolwaitress, ED tech and unit coordinator
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be amedical/cultural anthropologist
PGY3

Ariel Francois
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- Medical SchoolBurrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Audria Greenwald
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownPownal, VT
- UndergraduateUniversity of Vermont
- Medical SchoolFrank H Netter School of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesAll things outside, especially trail running and Nordic skiing
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandToo many to choose, Bard, Tandem, Izakaya Minato
- Favorite Place in MaineDrinking coffee on a dock
- Medical Interestsgeneral and colorectal surgery
- Why Maine Medical Center?I want to be a clinically and technically talented surgeon and there is no better place to live to get that education
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aNational Park ranger, haven't ruled it out for retirement
Kristen Kelliher
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- Medical SchoolUniversity of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kelly McGuirl
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- UndergraduateUniversity of Maine; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (graduate school)
- Medical SchoolUniversity of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Medical InterestsGeneral surgery, global surgery and public health, rural surgery
- What did you do before Medical SchoolTraveled, lived abroad, worked in public health, stayed home with my children
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aArtist
Ryan Meehan
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- Medical SchoolDrexel University College of Medicine

Lucy Paredes
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownBoca Raton, Florida
- UndergraduateWashington University in St. Louis
- Medical SchoolBoston University School of Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesMusic, dancing, movies, spending time with family and friends, cross-stitching, exploring new cities!
- Celebrity I most resembleTroy Polamalu… the hair has a mind of its own
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Drummer in a rock band
- Personal quote (100 words or less)“It always seems impossible, until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela
- Favorite place in MaineNew to the state but definitely looking forward to all the beaches and lighthouses!
- Medical interestsMedical education, trauma, health inequity and social justice, diversity in medicine
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?The sense of acceptance and inclusion I felt here was unlike anywhere else. I felt extremely comfortable on my interview day and everyone seemed invested in my training and empowering me to become the surgeon I hope to be. Also, the delicious food and beautiful nature were definite perks!
PGY2
Noah Blythe
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownVirginia Beach, VA
- UndergraduateVirginia Commonwealth University
- Medical SchoolGeisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
- Interests / HobbiesGardening, crocheting, quilting, hiking, generally anything outside
- Medical InterestsRural general surgery, trauma & critical care
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI was a cook in a coffee shop & I scribed for an orthopedic surgeon
- Best/worse jobBeing a cook in a coffee shop was the actual worst but I got free coffee. Best job was working at a gardening center in high school where I just watered plants and hung out with the shop cats all day.
- Why Maine Medical Center?I was looking for a program that would allow me to practice confidently after 5 years and that had some sort of rural flavor to it. Plus, I missed living by the water but wanted to stay in New England, and I am not a big city person, so Portland is the perfect spot.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be afarmer
Andrew Eksi
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownOverland Park, KS
- UndergraduateUniversity of Nebraska - Lincoln
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
- Interests / HobbiesSoccer, Golf, Chess, Eating, Hiking, Weekend Trips, Fantasy Football
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandCommercial Street Pub (Go Huskers!)
- Favorite ActivityThe Portland food scene is unreal.
- Medical InterestsSurgical Oncology, Vascular Surgery, Plastic Surgery, MIS/Bariatrics, Medical Education
- What did you do before Medical SchoolUrban Air Trampoline Park Attendant
- Why Maine Medical Center?Maine Medical Center provides the perfect balance of surgical training, expert faculty, access to research, and resident individualization all while maintaining a truly unparalleled culture. After having the opportunity to interact with current residents, program leadership, and the beautiful city of Portland, I was sold. There was no other place I wanted to be.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aWorld Traveller

Keira Goodell
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownShaftsbury, VT
- UndergraduateUniversity of Vermont
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Vermont
- Interests / HobbiesSkiing, hiking, mountain biking, reading, adventuring with my partner and our dog
- Medical InterestsGeneral surgery, Acute care surgery
- Why Maine Medical Center?Community feel with all the perks of an academic center and lots of happy people!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aPark ranger

Kikko Haydar
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownFayetteville, AR
- UndergraduateUniversity of Arkansas
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- Interests / HobbiesBasketball, cooking, playing with my children
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandFlatbread
- Favorite ActivityRelaxing at the beach in the Summer
- Favorite Place in MaineSaddleback Island
- Medical InterestsTrauma/Burn, MIS, General Surgery
- Favorite weekend destinationAny beach!
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI played basketball in college and professionally overseas in Lebanon, then I worked at a small business as a Director of Licensing and Logistics
- Best/worse jobTo be determined
- Why Maine Medical Center?The program is committed to excellent training while creating an environment of community and teamwork. The location is amazing and a great place to raise a family!
- Celebrity I most resembleI have no idea, you decide haha
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aBasketball Coach

Melanie Mait
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownOgunquit, Maine
- UndergraduateBates College
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine - Maine Track
- Interests / HobbiesListening to music, embroidery, skiing and snowboarding, bird watching
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandTerlingua
- Favorite Place in MaineDodge Point trails on the Damariscotta River
- Medical InterestsRural Surgery, Medical Education
- Favorite weekend destinationAnywhere by the water
- What did you do before Medical SchoolWorked as a research assistant in Boston
- Why Maine Medical Center?The people at Maine Med are amazing and extremely supportive. And I get to continue living in my home state!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aRecord store owner

Monica Stevens
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownDover-Foxcroft, ME
- UndergraduateSaint Michael's College
- Medical SchoolUniversity of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesSpending time with my husband & kids, baking, hiking, camping, skiing, pick-up field hockey, running, Peloton
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandDuckfat or Becky's Diner
- Personal quoteGoing upta camp
- Favorite Place in MaineMy nana's camp on Stetson Lake
- Medical InterestsRural outcomes, Thoracic, Colorectal, Critical Care
- Favorite weekend destinationLamoine to see my mom, sisters, and nieces
- What did you do before Medical SchoolCase Management assistant at a local hospital, basic research at MGH, and Dunkin' Donuts all over New England & Florida
- Best/worse jobDunkin' Donuts (Best/Worst up to interpretation)
- Why Maine Medical Center?I loved my away rotation at MMC and was impressed with the operative exposure, clinical strength, and collegial environment amongst all members of the surgical team. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to care for the residents of my home state. Also, my family has lived in Maine since before it was a state, so it is only right that I came home for my surgical training!
- Celebrity I most resembleLeighton Meester, so I have been told
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aBasic scientist or financial advisor...or own a bakery!
PGY1

Megan Halkett
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownSan Marino, CA
- UndergraduateElon University
- Medical SchoolFeinberg School of Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesBaking sourdough and going to concerts!
- Medical interestsTrauma surgery and MedEd
- What did you do before medical school?I worked in research, in retail, as a medical scribe - I even spent some time as a middle school teacher!
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?The people! I could see myself thriving in this community of supportive people. Plus Portland is gorgeous.

Kaylie Machutta
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownSparks Nevada
- UndergraduateUniversity of Nevada Reno
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Nevada Reno
- Interests/hobbiesRunning, Biking, Skiing, exploring trails with my dog, trying new coffee shops, looking for the best gluten free bakery, and crocheting
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...High school agriculture teacher
- Personal quote (100 words or less)Life is now
- Medical interestsTBD.. Definitely critical care, but maybe general or colorectal surgery as my primary.
- Favorite weekend destinationAnywhere on the mountains in a tent
- Favorite Maine activitySo far, biking along the coast. But more to come!
- What did you do before medical school?I was a certified veterinary assistant, then briefly an urgent care medical assistant
- Personal goalsRun a marathon, Hike the Appalachian trail
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I did a visiting rotation at Maine Med, and one, loved the area for how bikeable it is and close access to trails. But more so I loved the supportive culture I witnessed between residents, and how skilled residents who were only few years ahead of me were, indicating the potential I could have here.

Chellie Nayar
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownAltadena, CA
- UndergraduateUniversity of California, Berkeley
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesSkiing, mountain biking, running, camping, triathlon, crossfit - generally being outdoors, especially with my partner Tyler and our dog Frank!
- Medical interestsColorectal, vascular, plastics...TBD!
- Favorite weekend destinationAnywhere with mountains
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?Maine Med feels like the perfect balance between community practice with academic resources, and with genuinely happy residents! And for me, Portland is an ideal place to live- a small city with an awesome food scene and beautiful outdoors.

Taylor Ogden
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownMonterey, California
- UndergraduateUniversity of Southern California
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Queensland - Ochsner Clinical School
- Interests/hobbiesSurfing Backcountry Skiing Knitting Tennis Reading
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...An adventure writer
- Favorite place in MaineTo be determined!
- Medical interestsGlobal and Rural Surgery Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Wilderness Medicine
- What did you do before medical school?Ski Patrol at Mammoth Mountain and Scientific SCUBA diver
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?During my interview day, even virtually, I felt immediately at home with the people I spoke to. I'm excited for the opportunity to focus on rural general surgery while also getting excellent academic training!

Kennedy Wheeler
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- UndergraduateUniversity of Tennessee
- Medical SchoolETSU Quillen College of Medicine
- Interests/hobbiesHiking, kayaking, thrifting, cake decorating, travel
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Park ranger or own a bakery
- Medical interestsPediatric surgery, surgical oncology, transplant, global health
- What did you do before medical school?Clinical coordinator/medical assistant
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?I wanted a program that incorporated academic medicine while still creating a sense of support and community. After speaking with the residents and staff I knew this was where I wanted to be (even though I’m allergic to lobster).

Delani Woods
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- UndergraduateUT Austin
- Medical SchoolUT Houston
- Interests/hobbiesKnitting, Espresso, Volleyball
- Celebrity I most resembleDaniel Day Lewis
- If I wasn't a doctor, I would be a...Woodland hermit
- Medical interestsTrauma & Emergency General Surgery
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?MaineHealth offers a unique combination of community and academic surgery which makes for strong training and lots of operative exposure. The people involved have been lovely and Portland is an amazing location.
Research

Kara Button
- Year in ProgramRESEARCH
- HometownEast Syracuse, NY
- UndergraduateBrandeis University
- Medical SchoolUniversity of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests / Hobbieshiking, alpine touring, backcountry skiing, golf, traveling to places where I can do these activities, spending time with my husband and our energetic German Shepherd.
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandThere are too many to choose from! Sichuan Kitchen, Pai Men Miyake, and Boda are my 3 go-to's
- Favorite ActivityStaring at the ocean from different locations
- Medical Interestssurgical oncology, HPB surgery, palliative care, medical student education
- Favorite weekend destinationWhite Mountains in NH
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI spent one year working as an English teacher to French middle school students just outside of Paris, and one year working as an Emergency Department scribe.
- Best/worse jobTeaching middle school students abroad, Best: spending a year as teaching fellow for first and second year medical students, Worst: working in retail
- Why Maine Medical Center?When I did a rotation at Maine Med I knew that it was the place I wanted to train. I was surrounded by kind and hard-working people who were eager to teach and who clearly cared about each other and their patients. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to be working with and learning from. Getting to stay in Portland for residency is a huge plus!
Kelsey Han
- Year in ProgramRESEARCH
- UndergraduateHarvard College
- Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School
- Medical intereststrauma surgery, surgical critical care
- Why MaineHealth Maine Medical Center?Time moves in one direction – each day is precious and should bring a person one step closer to the life they envision. MMC’s commitment to helping residents achieve their personal and professional goals was the deciding factor for me.