Dover-Foxcroft, Maine – Northern Light Mayo, CA Dean, and Sebasticook Valley Hospitals recently celebrated the graduation of five individuals from their medical assistant program. The new medical assistants – Isabella Fay, Heidi Bowley, Allie Tilton, Lileighanne Miller, and Stacy Edgerly – have begun working in local health centers, according to a statement released by the hospitals.
The graduates received their certificates at a ceremony held at Mayo Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, attended by family, friends, and hospital staff. Medical assistants play a vital role in healthcare settings, supporting physicians, family nurse practitioners, and physician associates with direct patient care. Their responsibilities include assisting with medical procedures, following up on lab results, preparing patients for examinations, and managing appointment schedules.
Nikki Chadwick, RN, MSN, CPHQ, Vice President of Education and Preparedness for Northern Light Mayo, CA Dean, and Sebasticook Valley Hospitals, praised the graduates’ dedication and teamwork. “The group embraced teamwork, worked hard and had a lot of fun,” Chadwick said. “I’m proud of them for completing a challenging course of study in a short time. They are well prepared to start their new careers, and I wish them the best as they initiate caring for our community.”
Chadwick was recognized in November 2023 as a Rural Healthcare Community Star for her visionary approach to nursing education and workforce development, an award presented by the Maine Rural Health and Primary Care Program. Northern Light CA Dean Hospital was also honored at the same ceremony for its leadership in rural healthcare quality, having been named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals in the nation for quality by the National Rural Health Association earlier in 2023.
The medical assistant program provides a pathway for individuals to enter the healthcare field and can serve as a stepping stone for further education in areas such as nursing or medical practice management. The hospitals stated that medical assistants can continue their education and training to pursue careers in these fields.
