2021 saw a major evolution of the MaineHealth system in the founding of the MaineHealth Medical Group, the largest medical group in Northern New England. It unifies all 1,800 MaineHealth-employed providers at the system’s 300 specialty and primary care practices in Maine and New Hampshire.

The new, unified group grew out of a deliberative process begun in 2016 that included frontline providers, clinical leaders and the MaineHealth executive team. Governance is provided by a 20-member board of directors, all of whom are participating physicians who practice in diverse specialties and locations.

United by our patient-centered clinical mission

Members of the board were integral in defining the group’s patient-centered clinical mission, which strives for continuous improvement, clear communication and the advancing of medical knowledge. Its board-approved goal is to deliver on the MaineHealth vision of “working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.”

Aileen Mickey, MD, was selected as president of the medical group in June. Previously the chief administrative officer of a large medical group in Washington State, she began her tenure in July.

“Dr. Mickey is a dedicated physician leader who shares the same values, mission and vision that we aspire to at MaineHealth. She enthusiastically shares in our commitment to deliver high-quality care to our patients and communities, and to strive for an exceptional patient experience,” said MaineHealth CEO Andrew Mueller, MD.

Initial priorities for the group include developing a system-wide structure that draws on the strengths of the local health systems.

“The local health systems, embedded in the communities they serve, are truly a support that extends beyond health care delivery, and each has a unique and vibrant culture,” said Dr. Mickey. “To provide just three examples from my visits to practices across the system, I saw community gardens and investment in school-based clinics at LincolnHealth, incorporation of integrative medicine and care of IMAT patients into primary care at Western Maine Health and a real commitment to integrating MaineHealth’s academic and educational mission into frontline care at the Portland practices. MaineHealth truly has a sincere commitment to the community in each and every part of the organization.”