University of New England

We need to create the finest state-of-theart
facility to support that vision. We
also must work to establish relationships
that lead to true partnering that ensures
the finest clinical experiences for our
students, as well. We have a world-class
faculty, but growth in student numbers
will require an augmentation of both the
number and the diversity of faculty.
Health care reform is a widely discussed
and debated topic today. Can
you share some of your thoughts?
Our current health care system is neither
focused on health nor is it a system. It
is best described as a disease management
paradigm. What I mean by that is
that we so often see patients when they
are critically ill. We must embrace the
tenets of osteopathic medicine, which
is focused upon disease prevention and
the maintenance of health. We must
also develop a true system that has open
and unfettered lines of communication
among providers.
How does University Health Care fit
into that system? University Health
Care has been an important part of the
College of Osteopathic Medicine and
the University of New England for many
years. We have a commitment to our
patients, to our students, and to this
community to assure that we offer the
finest services. Going forward, we will
need to explore all models to ensure we
deliver on that commitment, and that
may include exploring partnering so as
to grow services and programs.
Any final words on your experiences…
or being back in New England?
As a Rhode Islander, I enjoy being
back in New England. I am also an avid
Patriots fan, and that didn’t garner any
friendships back in “Cowboys country.”
Dean Marc B. Hahn, DO (left) with scholarship recipients Justin Valiquet, Emily Morrill, Ashley Austin,
and Tobin Carson, and Associate Dean Bruce Bates, DO
Doctors for Maine’s Future scholarship recipients named
Four College of Osteopathic Medicine
first-year medical students – Ashley
Austin of Brewer, Tobin Carson
of Starks, Emily Morrill of Gray and
Justin Valiquet of Sanford – have been
awarded Doctor’s for Maine’s Future
scholarships.
The Finance Authority of Maine in
association with the Maine Legislature
established the Doctors for Maine’s Future
Scholarship Program in July 2009
to provide a tuition subsidy of up to
$25,000 annually for eligible students
who enter qualifying Maine-based medical
school programs. The scholarships
aim to address Maine’s acute shortage
of primary care physicians and the high
cost of medical education.
In announcing the scholarship, Governor
John Baldacci said, “We have a
need for more primary care physicians
and those who serve in rural areas of
the state. Research shows that doctors
tend to settle near the hospitals where
they complete their training. I know
that given the chance, young doctors
will stay in Maine.”
The College of Osteopathic Medicine
is the only Maine-based medical
school and the only osteopathic medical
school in New England. Located on
UNE’s oceanfront Biddeford Campus,
the College emphasizes the education
of patient-centered primary care physicians
and since its founding in 1978
has graduated more than 2,300 osteopathic
physicians, many of whom practice
in rural areas. More than 70 percent of
UNECOM graduates practice in primary
care disciplines.
Marc B. Hahn, DO, the new Senior
Vice President for Health Affairs and
Dean of the College of Osteopathic
Medicine, praised the Governor and Legislature
for addressing the primary care
needs in Maine through this important
program: “I am proud to be taking the
reins of Maine’s medical school at a
time when our state’s leaders see the
importance of assisting our students in
shouldering the cost of their professional
education and helping them to enter a
career path in primary care.” Dr. Hahn
added, “The University of New England
has trained 9% of Maine’s physicians
and we are committed to partnering with
the state to address critical medical,
nursing and other health shortages.”
Scholarship recipient Emily Morrill
stated, “This scholarship will allow me to
continue my training to fulfill my dream
of becoming a doctor of osteopathic
medicine, and to give something back to
the state of Maine. I appreciate all of the
support from my state, my school, and
especially my friends and family. I know
I couldn’t do it without you!” Justin Valiquet
said, “I have a lot of pride in Maine,
and it’s great to have the support of my
state behind me.”
The Doctors for Maine’s Future Scholarship requires clerkship experiences and training in rural
health care and primary care. It also stipulates that the medical schools raise matching funds
through philanthropic and private medical education to increase the number of scholarships available
to eligible students. Individuals interested in supporting this important scholarship should contact
Harley Knowles, UNE Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 207-221-4378.
14 UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND