Leading-edge patient care starts with an exceptionally trained and stable workforce. MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (MHMMC) is dedicated to overcoming workforce shortages by training the next generation of physicians, nurses and health care professionals.
We also empower our caregivers at all stages of their careers to continue their education and elevate their practice. Supporting educational initiatives at MHMMC is a vital way you can help the next generations of Mainers gain access to the most advanced health care education.
Maine Track Scholarships
The Maine Track is a unique and visionary way to cultivate a new generation of physicians for Maine. Partnering with Tufts University School of Medicine, we set out to create a program that would ease the financial burden of medical school for Mainers and develop a community-based curriculum that emphasizes primary care and rural practice.
We are committed to providing generous scholarships for Maine-based students, which helps bring the cost of their education in line with “in-state” tuition at a public medical school—giving them the financial flexibility to pursue primary care specialties in rural communities.
After medical school, physicians complete their training in residency and fellowship programs. MHMMC is proud to be Northern New England’s premier teaching hospital, with over 275 residents and fellows in over 23 programs, all approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
MHMMC is nationally recognized for excellence and innovation in graduate medical education, which has catalyzed the development of a new model of education and patient care that focuses on interprofessional communication and teamwork.
Extending our educational reach to support and sustain a robust rural physician workforce, MHMMC has developed rural residency training tracks for some of Maine’s most needed specialty areas, such as internal medicine.
Maine is facing a major challenge as our current workforce reaches retirement age. MHMMC is actively engaged in tackling the state’s nursing shortage.
Our multi-pronged strategy includes facilitating increased nursing school enrollment, recruiting new nurses, and retaining and advancing our current caregivers. Nursing scholarships, completely supported by philanthropic donations, empower our nurses at all stages of their careers to elevate their practice and the level of care they provide for our patients.
Great caregivers and teachers are lifelong learners, and MHMMC is committed to providing continuing education and professional development opportunities for our faculty throughout their careers. The MHMMC Institute for Teaching Excellence offers a wealth of internal opportunities to learn, promote and recognize teaching excellence in the continuum of medical education. Philanthropic donations enable nursing and medical education faculty to attend conferences and continuing education to deepen their knowledge and hone their skills.
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center’s education programs are strongly enhanced by clinical simulation programs. The Hannaford Center for Safety, Innovation and Simulation is a state-of-the-art training center that offers high-tech and realistic simulation, allowing students and practicing caregivers to learn new techniques and enhance their skills.
Simulated experiences include a dedicated skills lab for general and surgical skills, high-fidelity inpatient simulators for team training, and standardized patient settings. The work and learning that takes place here has a direct impact on improving the quality of care and patient safety.
Special Projects and Funds for Educating Tomorrow's Caregivers
Donors who wish to designate gifts toward a special project or fund have a variety of options. We have included a sampling of opportunities below for you.
General Surgery Residency and Faculty Development Fund supports the advancement of general surgery faculty and enhances the education and camaraderie of general surgery residents. To donate now, visit the Educating Tomorrow's Caregivers online giving page, and choose this fund.
Gibson Staff Appreciate Fund was created in support of appreciation efforts for staff of the Gibson Pavilion including staff education needs. To donate now, visit the Educating Tomorrow's Caregivers online giving page, and choose this fund.
Dr. Karl C. Sze Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship Endowment was established by a former patient, support of this fund will be used to provide opportunities for young doctors to pursue compelling research projects, and attend and participate in important cardiovascular conferences around the country. To donate now, visit the Dr. Karl C. Sze Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship Endowment online giving page.
Nursing Education scholarships are completely supported by philanthropic donations. Nursing scholarships empower our nurses at all stages of their careers to elevate their practice and the level of care they provide for our patients. To donate now, visit the Educating Tomorrow's Caregivers online giving page, and choose this fund.
MHMMC-Preble Street Learning Collaborative was established by MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, Preble Street, and additional community partners in January 2017 to bridge identified gaps in health care services for people who are experiencing homelessness in Portland. Funds are used in graduate medical education planning and operation of this health clinic for vulnerable populations. To donate now, visit the MHMMC-Preble Street Learning Collaborative online giving page.
Richard Engel, MD Scholarship Endowment was created by friends and colleagues of Dr. Engel in support of one student per year, forever, in the Maine Track program. To donate now, visit the Richard Engel, MD Scholarship Endowment online giving page.
The Maddie Kate Fund was established by the family of Maddie Kate Smart to show appreciation for the outstanding care that cancer patients and their loved ones receive from our compassionate nursing staff. Donating to this fund supports oncology education and leadership development for nurses. For more information or to donate now, visit The Maddie Kate Fund online giving page.
The Maine Track Scholarship Fund helps make it possible for Maine’s brightest students to pursue a career in medicine, while addressing the shortage of doctors in Maine, especially in rural areas. To donate now, visit The Maine Track online giving page.
Vascular Surgery Residency Education Fund supports MHMMC's vascular residency program which provides comprehensive training, knowledge and skills needed for the independent practice of vascular surgery. To donate now, visit the Educating Tomorrow's Caregivers online giving page, and choose this fund.
For more information, please contact John Curran who can work closely with you to ensure your philanthropic intentions are achieved.