News & Events

2023

Eastern Maine Medical Center recognizes Lights of Life honorees

This holiday season, we invite you to join us for our 23rd annual Lights of Life at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center. You can help our holiday trees at Lafayette Family Cancer Institute shine brightly by purchasing a light to memorialize or honor caregivers and those affected by cancer.

December is Universal Human Rights Month

December 10 commemorates the acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. This document was written by people of different backgrounds with the goal of creating a basic standard for treating all human beings.
Expanding care for patients with cancer: three oncologists join Northern Light Cancer Care

Brewer, Maine (December 5, 2023) — Northern Light Cancer Care in Brewer is pleased to welcome three new oncologist/hematologists. Khalil Kamar, MD, Deepali Pandey, MD, and Alexander Wu, MD recently joined the team to expand access to care. All three doctors are board certified in Internal Medicine and board eligible for certification in Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Wu is also board certified in Palliative Care.
Medical Center recognizes Lung Cancer Screening Day and Great American Smokeout

Early detection is one of the best ways to improve lung cancer survival. It’s a message Northern Light Health is sharing this month in the fight against the leading cause of cancer death in the US.

Northern Light Primary Care – University of Maine stands ready to help college students and staff

We are pleased to announce Cutler Health Center on the University of Maine Orono campus is now Northern Light Primary Care – University of Maine. Patients of this primary care office will see the same skilled healthcare providers and staff and be cared for with the same compassion as always; they will just see a different name on the door!
Medical Center recognized American Diabetes Month

Thirty-seven million Americans have diabetes; in fact, one in two people has diabetes or prediabetes. Northern Light Health hospitals across Maine are recognizing American Diabetes Month in November with information to help everyone make a difference against this diabetes epidemic.
Scoring an A for Effort and Outcomes in Patient Safety

Bangor, Maine (November 7, 2023) — Keeping patients safe from errors, accidents, and infections while receiving healthcare is of the utmost priority. On November 6, The Leapfrog Group, an organization that evaluates US hospitals on safety, recognized Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center with an A Hospital Safety ScoreSM.

Medical Center acknowledges Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and despite these alarming statistics, there is good news. Early detection is key, and, thanks to Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Lung Cancer Screening Program, Mainers can discover potential issues earlier, resulting in more treatment options and better outcomes. Patients without symptoms are detecting cancer earlier and living longer because of these screenings.
Northern Light Acadia Hospital shares mental health resources in response to Lewiston mass shootings

October 26, 2023 – In the wake of the tragic and senseless shootings in Lewiston Wednesday evening, Northern Light Acadia Hospital’s experienced team of counselors and psychiatrists have rallied to compile helpful resources to assist Mainers who are struggling to process such violence in our home state.

Navy Reserve to Commission Eastern Maine Medical Center Physician

Jared Darlian, DO, a resident physician at Northern Light Family Medicine and Residency and decorated Navy Reservist, will be commissioned as an officer in the US Navy Reserve on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.
A New Surgical Oncologist joins Northern Light Surgical Specialists

​Bangor, Maine (October 3, 2023) — Alexander Fisher, MD, surgical oncologist, recently joined Northern Light Surgical Specialists. Dr. Fisher earned his medical education from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and completed a residency in General Surgery, as well as a fellowship in Surgical Outcomes Research, both at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He also completed a fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
Northern Light Neurology welcomes three new physicians.

We are very excited to welcome three new physicians to the Northern Light Neurology team. Ch. Hassan Ali, MD; Avirag Goswami, MD; and Ahatjon Juraboev, MD specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Northern Light Cardiology Welcomes new Electrophysiologist

Northern Light Cardiology is pleased to welcome Malachy Sullivan, MD to the team. Dr. Sullivan joins the dynamic team at Northern Light Cardiology with specialties in electrophysiology and cardiovascular disease. 
One Tiny Device Improving the Lives of 300 So Far

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has reached another exciting milestone in improving patients’ lives. On August 17 the Cardiology team celebrated 300 WATCHMAN procedures, a permanent heart implant that effectively reduces the risk of stroke and bleeding that can come with long-term use of blood thinners.
Northern Light Cardiology Welcomes new Cardiologist

Welcome Thorarinn Arni Bjarnason, MD to the team. Hailing from Iceland, he received his medical education from the University of Iceland and completed his internship at the National University Hospital of Iceland.
U.S. News & World Report recognizes five EMMC services as “high performing”

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been named by U.S. News & World Report as a high performing hospital in five adult procedures or conditions.

Northern Light Orthopedics recognized as an “Own The Bone” Star Performer

Northern Light Orthopedics at Eastern Maine Medical Center is proud to announce its recognition as a Star Performer by the American Orthopaedic Association's "Own The Bone" program. This recognition underscores the orthopedic team's commitment to reducing the incidence of fragility fractures, one of the most devastating consequences of osteoporosis. 
Medical Center receives four-star review by CMS

On July 27, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced that Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center was awarded a four-star rating at Hospital Care Compare, a website that ranks US hospitals in patient safety and experience. CMS bases ratings on publicly shared quality measures, such as preventing infections and pressure injuries, improving outcomes after surgery, and patient experience.
Medical Center recognizes World Lung Cancer Day
Saving surgical patients’ blood, cleaning it, and giving it back

Bangor, Maine (July 19, 2023) — For nearly 20 years, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been leading the way in decreasing blood loss and providing an alternative to receiving transfused blood during surgery. ​ The perioperative autologous blood collection and processing program, or Cell-Saver Program, was launched at the medical center by a few cardiac nurses during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Welcoming a new OB/GYN to care for women throughout life

Bangor, Maine (July 6, 2023) — Deidre Heber, DO recently joined Northern Light Women’s Health in Bangor. She earned her medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford and completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA.
Northern Light Cardiothoracic Surgery welcomes new surgeon

(July 3, 2023) Northern Light Cardiothoracic Surgery welcomes new surgeon, Dr. Christopher Wigfield, MD, FRCS.
See what your vote can do - Tanzania Donations

The Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Community Volunteer Impact Team (CVIT) is a group of motivated and passionate employees who go out and do good in our community through various engagements.

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Recognized for Tobacco-free Achievements

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Recognized for Tobacco-free Achievements Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center among 28 Health Organizations Celebrated for Leadership through Annual Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program
Families find respite during a week of summer camp

Bangor, Maine (June 14, 2023) — Growing up, kids just want to go to summer camp. When families face a cancer diagnosis, enjoying summer activities that others take for granted may be far from their minds. Camp Hope, a partnership between Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center and the Bangor YMCA, is held at the YMCA Wilderness Center at Camp Jordan in Ellsworth from June 18 - 24. This special week gives children a real summer camp experience, doing all the things they love, learning new skills, creating arts and crafts, paddling boats, going hiking and swimming, singing songs, and building campfires.
Northern Light Health and Roux Institute Help Students Make a Gap Year a Growth Year

- Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is excited to announce a new Gap Year Program for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.

New President Named at Medical Center

Brewer, Maine (May 30, 2023) – Northern Light Health president and CEO Tim Dentry is pleased to announce that Gregory T. LaFrancois, MHA, FACHE will become Eastern Maine Medical Center’s next president. In this role, LaFrancois will continue to serve as a senior vice president for Northern Light Health.
Sleep medicine provider now seeing new patients

Bangor, Maine (May 23, 2023) – Good quality sleep creates a better life and improves overall health. Frank Breznyak, FNP, has been caring for Maine patients with sleep conditions for more than 16 years. He recently joined Northern Light Pulmonology and Critical Care and is accepting referrals from primary care providers for patients with sleep conditions.
Nurses volunteer at local soup kitchen to support community

A group of community minded nurses from Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center have taken their passion for caring beyond the hospital walls and into the community.

Stroke community struts their stuff to remind patients to “BEFAST”

Bangor, Maine (May 16, 2023) — Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center staff members, stroke survivors and their families, and community members will walk together in the Stroke and Heart Walk on Sunday, May 21 at the Cohen Middle School track in Bangor from 9 to 10:30 am.
John Webber Estate Leaves Millions to Support Bangor Healthcare

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is honored to be a beneficiary of the late John M. Webber’s estate.   In a joint news conference today, John Webber’s estate made a partial distribution of $9,000,000 to Eastern Maine Medical Center along with a $9,000,000 partial distribution to St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation. An additional distribution of several million dollars is anticipated at a later date for both organizations following the final settlement of the estate. This gift, the largest in the history of Eastern Maine Medical Center, will influence healthcare in the greater Bangor community for generations to come. 
Celebrating Nurses Day with a blessing at the medical center

Bangor, Maine (May 10, 2023) — Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center will celebrate Nurses Day on Friday, May 12 as part of National Hospital Week. The day will kick off with two nursing award ceremonies, followed by a Blessing of the Hands event at 12:30 pm.
Medical Center receives top safety rating

Bangor, Maine (May 3, 2023) – Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is pleased to share it received an A Hospital Safety Score from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit that evaluates US hospitals on preventable errors, infections, and more.
Green for 17 Years and Counting

Bangor, Maine (April 21, 2023) – Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has been a pioneer in green energy since the opening of a co-generation facility onsite in 2006. The turbine powered facility enables the hospital to efficiently generate more than 93 percent of the total electricity used on the medical center’s State Street campus. It also produces steam used to clean and sterilize clinical instruments used during surgeries and procedures. The co-gen plant is so efficient it paid for itself in less than five years.
Medical Center invites community to join in for Volunteer Appreciation Week

Bangor, Maine (April 13, 2023) – Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center is proud to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week April 16 - 22, recognizing the contribution of more than 180 volunteers who gave over 17,500 hours of service last year.

Medical Center Earns Nine Patient Safety Accreditations

Bangor, Maine (April 10, 2023) – Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center has passed a rigorous inspection by Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), a nonprofit patient safety organization that provides accreditations for surgical facilities and medical professionals. The visit officially grants the medical center nine accreditations, the first facility in Maine to hold these designations.
Lung Cancer Screenings Hit Record Numbers in March

Northern Light Health reported a significant increase in the number of lung cancer screenings conducted in March. On average, Northern Light performs approximately 300 tests monthly and March reported 427 lung cancer screenings, a 33% increase. The system attributes this success to heightened awareness in the community that early-stage lung cancer is treatable, and screening saves lives.

Medical center honors the dedication and commitment of physicians on Doctors’ Day

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) is proud to celebrate National Doctors’ Day on Thursday, March 30, 2023. This day is an opportunity to thank physicians for their efforts in providing high-quality healthcare to patients.
Medical Center recognizes Certified Nurses Day by thanking 217 Board Certified Nurses

Medical Center recognizes Certified Nurses Day by thanking 217 Board Certified Nurses
Treating Tuberculosis in Maine – an info session for providers

Bangor, Maine (March 8, 2023) – More than 1.7 billion people are estimated to be infected with Tuberculosis (TB) globally. Though TB is uncommon in Maine, many people with latent TB infection remain undiagnosed and at risk for re-activation of the infection. Re-activation can result in active TB disease and pose a significant risk to individuals as well as community health, as it is highly contagious and may cause outbreaks.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center President Departing

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center President Departing
Congratulations to our newest DAISY Award Recipient

Help us congratulate our newest recipient of the DAISY Award, Caleb G., RN. Caleb came in on a day off to assist with transport home in an ambulance for a patient passing away.
Open for all new medical oncology referrals

Bangor, Maine (January 24, 2023) – Northern Light Cancer Care at the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute in Brewer is pleased to open access to all new patient referrals for medical oncology. The team has been working diligently to ensure patients with a new cancer diagnosis can receive the care they expect and deserve close to home.
Champion the Cure Challenge Announces 2023 Honorees

Champion the Cure Challenge, the region’s only event whose proceeds fund local cancer treatment and research, proudly celebrates the individuals, businesses, and organizations that help bring the best treatments to Maine, contribute to future cures, and inspire others to join in the fight to defeat cancer. Since the first event in 2010, Champion the Cure Challenge has raised more than $6.5 million to benefit patient care and research at Northern Light Cancer Care.
Make volunteering a New Year's resolution

Volunteer opportunities at the Medical Center are varied and appeal to a wide range of interests. From delivering the Care Cart through hospital units to bring joy to staff, patients, and families, to providing a friendly phone call to seniors living alone, the volunteer program offers a way for people to offer important service to the community in a way that suits them.
Strategic Relationship Launched to Enhance Health Care Experience

Northern Light Health and Optum Launch a Strategic Relationship to Enhance the Health Care Experience.

First baby born at Northern Light Health

Bangor, Maine (January 4, 2023) - The first baby born at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in the new year came into the world at 2:20 pm on January 1.
Walk-In Care hours change temporarily for Union Street location

Walk-In Care hours change temporarily for Union Street location.