150 Years of GME: Residency & Fellowship Programs Expand and Excel

2024 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of graduate medical education (GME) at MaineHealth. In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the GME program, which began in 1874 with the founding of Maine General Hospital, our health system is proud to announce the expansion of six existing residency programs; three existing fellowship programs; and the creation of one new residency (Neurosurgery); and three new fellowship programs (Vascular Surgery, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology). These expansions and new programs will welcome 62 new trainees, further strengthening our commitment to patient care, education and research.

The expansion of GME programs supports developing a skilled workforce essential to providing the highest quality care to patients. Residents and fellows, now numbering over 400 when programs are fully expanded in 2030, are integral members of MaineHealth care teams, contributing to patient care, teaching trainees and medical students, and engaging in scholarly activities that drive innovation and improvement across the health system.

Training the Workforce of the Future

Kalli Varaklis, MD

One of the most significant impacts of the GME programs is the role in addressing the health care workforce needs of our communities, according to Kalli Varaklis, MD, MaineHealth Medical Education. “On average over the last five years, 48.6% of our GME graduates remain in Maine after completing their training, with approximately 40% practicing in our locations north of Bath and west of Westbrook. This is particularly crucial as rural communities face a critical shortage of physicians,” said Dr. Varaklis.

The GME team, in collaboration with colleagues at MaineHealth Franklin Hospital (MFH) in Farmington, Maine, was awarded a $750,000 Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) grant this year. This funding will be used to develop and introduce MaineHealth’s first rural residency program – a Family Medicine residency at MFH – reflecting its continued commitment to serving the needs of rural patients.

“This program will be a game-changer, providing much-needed care and solidifying MaineHealth’s leadership in GME rural health care education,” said Dr. Varaklis.

Improving Learning Opportunities for Nurse Residents and Advanced Practice Providers

Nurse Residents

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Advanced Practice Providers

MaineHealth hosts more than 200 advanced practice provider (APP) students in clinical placements each year. By applying years of experience managing residency and fellowship programs, the Department of Medical Education supports APP leaders in establishing and running innovative programs.

The Impact of Residency Program Growth

The first phase of the GME expansion focused on bolstering existing categorical programs, including Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Diagnostic Radiology and OB/GYN residencies. These programs are essential to meeting the growing demand for skilled health care providers in our health system. The addition of a new Vascular Surgery Fellowship further complements our existing Vascular Surgery residency program, ensuring that we continue to lead in specialized surgical care.

In addition to the growth of these existing programs, MaineHealth announced the creation of new training opportunities. Thirty-four GME positions will support expansions in Neurology and Family Medicine residencies, fellowships in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Cardiology.

Furthermore, launching three new programs: a Neurosurgery residency and fellowships in Gastroenterology and Endocrinology. These additions reflect MaineHealth’s commitment to staying at the forefront of medical education and meeting the evolving needs of our patients and communities.

Many graduates remain in the MaineHealth system after completing their training, with some choosing to practice in rural communities.

Pathways for Aspiring Phlebotomists
Expanding Opportunities and Elevating Care

The foundation of exceptional patient care begins with a dedicated and well-trained team. In FY24, NorDx made significant strides in expanding training opportunities for those interested in phlebotomy careers, ensuring that MaineHealth attracts and retains top talent to meet the growing demands of the health care system.

Expanding Training Opportunities

To attract individuals to phlebotomist careers, NorDx has actively collaborated with partners such as Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG). These partnerships have been instrumental in creating accessible pathways for aspiring phlebotomists. SMCC has provided grant funding to assist with the costs of supplies and training, making these opportunities more attainable for many. Additionally, MaineHealth’s involvement in numerous JMG career exploration events help inspire interest in the phlebotomy field.

Achieving Goals

One of the primary goals for FY24 was to reduce the time between training sessions to minimize the number of candidates who accepted a job offer but later rescinded due to delays in starting their training. Previously, NorDx ran new training sessions every five to six weeks, which often led candidates to continue job hunting while they waited. To address this, they now start a new class every three weeks, overlapping sessions to accommodate more trainees. This change has made a significant impact, allowing the team to train 80 new phlebotomists in the first half of 2024, surpassing the usual yearly total.

Another critical goal was to bolster the phlebotomy staff at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland. By working closely with their lab management, NorDx developed a strategic plan that involved stationing a phlebotomy trainer to mentor new hires, while another trainer handled the didactic portion of the class. This approach allowed them to train larger groups simultaneously, rather than bringing in just a few new hires at a time.

Supporting the Entire Care Team and Enhancing Patient Care

The impact of the expanded training program extends beyond phlebotomists. NorDx successfully trained registered nurses and certified medical assistants to perform blood draws, significantly enhancing their skill sets and supporting our broader care team. This initiative has not only broadened the capabilities of our health care professionals but also fostered greater collaboration and consistency across the entire system. Consistency in training across all NorDx locations ensures that our patients receive the highest standard of care, no matter where they are treated within our system.

MaineHealth Department of Education

MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (MHMMC) is a highly-respected academic institution with a vibrant faculty and world-class training facilities. Since 1874, we have had a long, proud tradition of medical education excellence. Learn more about the many educational programs available through MaineHealth. 

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