MaineHealth Program

The Leadership in Preventive Medicine program at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center (MHMMC) offers a comprehensive fellowship aimed at training physician leaders in the fields of preventive medicine and public health. The program is situated within the Division of Community Health and Preventive Medicine, which integrates various clinical departments such as family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics. The program collaborates with Preventive Medicine Enhancement for Maine (PrevME) initiatives, focusing on improving community health outcomes and disease prevention strategies.

Vision and Objectives

The goal of the fellowship is to prepare graduates to effectively address population health needs through leadership roles in health systems, policy-making, and community engagement. Key outcomes for fellows include:

• Developing leadership skills and advocating for preventive medicine within healthcare policy.
• Engaging with clinical specialties to reduce the burden of disease.
• Enhancing patient safety and quality of care.
• Contributing to educational initiatives to improve health among Maine residents.

Fellows will have the opportunity to tailor their educational experiences based on their interests, supported by numerous academic and clinical partners.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The Leadership in Preventive Medicine program is a two-year fellowship that comprises:

• Academic coursework leading to a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, including a practicum project relevant to quality, safety, and population health.
• Clinical work within the fellow's primary specialty, offering a robust integration of preventive approaches.
• Community public health engagement at local and state levels, emphasizing collaboration and interdisciplinary skills.
• A leadership curriculum designed to foster skills essential for navigating health disparities and integrative medicine.

Fellows participate in a diverse array of educational experiences structured to meet their career aspirations within preventive medicine, which are also hands-on, including direct patient interactions.

Eligibility and Application Process

To qualify for the Leadership in Preventive Medicine fellowship, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• Completion of a primary ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship in family medicine, primary care, or a specialty.
• Satisfactory completion of all levels of the USMLE or COMLEX-USA exams.
• A commitment to integrate preventive medicine and public health with clinical training.

Applicants are welcomed to apply for consideration even if their primary ACGME-approved program is incomplete on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual's specialty and experience.

The application timeline for the program generally runs from August to December preceding the academic year beginning on July 1. Candidates must submit a completed application form, along with a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is committed to supporting qualified international medical graduates (IMGs) and will sponsor suitable visa types necessary for international candidates to train in the fellowship.

Competitiveness

The Leadership in Preventive Medicine program is seen as a competitive fellowship, drawing candidates from diverse backgrounds including DO's and international medical graduates, all of whom are encouraged to apply.

Training Sites

The program's principal training site is the MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, alongside collaborating institutions for the MPH degree and public health rotations. Notable training partners include:

• UNE School of Public Health
• Portland Public Health
• Greater Portland Health
• Various MaineHealth organizations for clinically relevant rotations.

Fellows are expected to balance clinical activities with didactic learning, engaging with community health workers and other leaders in preventive medicine throughout their training.

Research Opportunities and Community Engagement

Fellows are encouraged to participate in research initiatives and community engagement efforts as part of PrevME which supports population health improvements across Maine. Involvement in community-based projects helps fellows to design effective interventions targeting health disparities.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program promotes a diverse and inclusive training environment, ensuring that all fellows experience a respectful and equitable educational space. This is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing.

Overall, the Leadership in Preventive Medicine fellowship at MaineHealth integrates rigorous clinical training with meaningful community health engagement, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about preventive health.