Date: 01/29/2024

Northern Light Acadia Hospital has received a $1 million grant from The Manton Foundation to support its new Psychiatric Residency Program. The program is a four-year residency, with four residents in each annual cohort, reaching an eventual total of 16 residents. It’s only the second psychiatric residency program in the state and the first north of Portland. 

“Acadia Hospital is committed to improving access to behavioral healthcare in Maine and workforce development is a critical component to opening doors for those needing services,” explains Acadia Hospital president Mark Lukens, MBA. “We are incredibly grateful to The Manton Foundation for their support of our mission and their investment in our new Psychiatric Residency Program.”

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the place where doctors practice their residencies has a substantial impact on where they continue practicing after they complete training. With that in mind, Acadia Hospital anticipates graduating a number of psychiatrists with a commitment to practicing in Maine and addressing the mental health challenges in our state such as diseases related to aging, pediatric mental health, and substance use disorder.

Upon opening the program to applicants, Acadia Hospital received submissions from 494 candidates on the first day alone. One hundred applicants have been interviewed for the program from medical schools all over the country. On Friday, March 15, 2024, we will learn which medical school graduates will be joining the program in its inaugural class.

Acadia Hospital’s Psychiatric Residency Program is just one of the ways the organization is addressing workforce development as part of their Acadia For All campaign. 

To find out more about making a philanthropic commitment to the Acadia For All campaign, call Northern Light Health Foundation at 207.973.5055 or visit northernlight.org/AcadiaForAll.