Chief Resident
Julia Oppenheimer
- Year in ProgramChief Resident
- HometownPelham, Massachusetts
- UndergraduateBarnard College
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School
- Interests / HobbiesHiking, cycling, baking, knitting
- Personal quoteHiking, walking by the ocean, eating wild blueberries
- Favorite Place in MaineAcadia
- Medical InterestsPrimary Care
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI worked in a greenhouse during college, then spent two years at Boston Children’s Hospital working on an initiative to improve symptom monitoring for children with epilepsy and ADHD.
- Why Maine Medical Center?I was looking for a small, close-knit, and supportive residency program with strong primary care training and opportunities to experience rural practice. Maine Medical Center ticked all the boxes for me and more - to be able to live in Portland and enjoy the ocean, mountains, and incredible food offerings with a wonderful group of co-residents is a dream come true.
PGY3
Ambia Ahmed
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownMogadishu, Somalia
- UndergraduateNile Collage - Khartoum, Sudan
- Medical SchoolNile Collage - Khartoum, Sudan
- Interests / HobbiesCooking, baking and traveling
- Favorite Maine activityenjoying the ocean views
- Favorite Place in MaineOgunquit and Peaks Island
- Medical InterestsPrimary Care, teaching, global and refugee health
- What did you do before Medical SchoolWent directly to Medical school, no time off. After completing medical school, I worked as pediatric general practitioner in Saudi Arabia for 3 years.
- Why Maine Medical Center?I moved into Maine with my husband and never looked back. Portland is an amazing and diverse city. It is full of great restaurants and has amazing and stunning scenes. The residency program is well structured and everyone is supportive and caring. MMC was my first choice and I felt that it would fulfill my career interests and goals.
Elizabeth George
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownAlpharetta, GA
- UndergraduateWashington and Lee University
- Medical SchoolFrank H. Netter MD School of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesAnything outdoors with my husband and dog, DIY projects, and watching British murder mysteries
- Personal quoteCamping with a view of the ocean and learning to surf
- Favorite Place in MaineHarpswell Peninsula
- Medical InterestsStill exploring the options
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI got an MPH and spent a few years working on patient outcomes research and hospital quality measurement at Yale
- Why Maine Medical Center?I love the small size of the program and how invested everyone is in helping us succeed. The people I've met and worked with at MMC bring out the best in me and care so much about each other, our patients, and the community.
Jessica Iyer
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownRochester, NY
- UndergraduateCornell University
- Medical SchoolRoyal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- Interests / Hobbiesyoga, traveling, cycling classes, hiking, music/concerts
- Personal quoteExploring the beautiful outdoors. Plus, Portland has great food, great breweries, and so many cute little shops.
- Favorite Place in MaineThere’s still so much to explore! Anywhere with water and dogs, which is basically everywhere.
- Medical InterestsNeonatology, Adolescent medicine
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI got a Masters in Epidemiology, with a concentration in Maternal and Child health, at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. I also worked on HIV prevention projects for adolescents in Baltimore.
- Why Maine Medical Center?During the interview process, MMC stood out to me for several reasons. Residents are able to gain autonomy while learning closely from attendings (benefit of no fellows!), who get to know you well over the years. Further, MMC has deep ties to the community, and offers opportunities to get involved with projects to serve a diverse patient population. Everyone here is incredibly warm, supportive, and passionate about what they do. Portland is a beautiful, quaint, comfortable and exciting place to live. People that move to Maine often stay in Maine - and for me that was so telling of how awesome and special this place is!
Christina Rittenhouse
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownRichmond, Virginia
- UndergraduateVirginia Tech (Go Hokies!)
- Medical SchoolEdward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesExploring with my dog, Pippa, trying new restaurants, skiing, road bicycling
- Personal quoteEating New England oysters and walking along the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland
- Favorite Place in MainePortland
- Medical InterestsPrimary Care, NICU
- What did you do before Medical SchoolDuring undergrad I did research related to nutrition and physical activity. After graduating, I worked as a unit secretary in an ICU and had a ton of fun as a nanny for a newborn baby!
- Why Maine Medical Center?It was absolutely a gut feeling. I was a little nervous prior to interviewing that I wouldn't find the right fit or feel like I belonged within a program (especially over zoom), but when I interviewed at Maine Med, I felt more comfortable than I had in any other interview! I loved getting to know the residents and faculty, the size of the program, the autonomy and confidence the residents have, and the close relationships with amazing faculty. Not to mention the stellar location, abundant outdoor activities, and food scene in Portland!! I could not be happier with my decision.
Rachel Rockers
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownWoodbridge, CT
- UndergraduateBoston University
- Medical SchoolBoston University
- Interests / HobbiesRunning, traveling, hiking
- Personal quotePlaying on the beach with my children
- Favorite Place in MaineAny beach!
- Medical InterestsEmergency medicine, global health
- What did you do before Medical SchoolWorked in technology research for 5 years, got a Masters in Development Economics and then worked in South Africa doing economic research on HIV for a couple more years
- Why Maine Medical Center?I like the smaller size of the program as well as its focus on teaching and wellness. The Portland area is also a wonderful place to raise a family - I can get out of work and meet my family by the beach within 15 minutes!
Paolo Tavares
- Year in ProgramPRG3
- HometownNew Bedford (Whaling City)
- UndergraduateUMass Amherst
- Medical SchoolUMass Medical School
- Interests / HobbiesWhaling, stand up comedy, turtles, camping, fishing, going to the beach with my dogs and fiance
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandStreet and Co.
- Personal quoteHiking with my dogs and swimming with them
- Favorite Place in MaineCutler Bold Coast
- Medical InterestsHospital Medicine, Acute Care
- Favorite weekend destinationAnywhere my dogs are (the beach or coastal trail)
- What did you do before Medical SchoolPrimate Research, cortisol research, scribe, maintenance
- Best/worse jobBest job: monkey research worst job: pretending to love my fiancé
- Why Maine Medical Center?The wanted me most (jk: the awesome culture, genuine colleagues and friends, an awesome place to live and practice medicine)
- Celebrity I most resembleA young Richard Gear (at least that’s what my grandma says)
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aAnimal conservationist/researcher
PGY2
Clara Williamson
- Year in ProgramPRG2
- HometownActon, MA
- UndergraduateTufts University
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesReally long fantasy books, 1000+ piece jigsaw puzzles, hanging out with my cat
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandUgly Duckling!
- Medical InterestsReducing weight bias in medicine, pediatric psychiatry in primary care, narrative medicine, early literacy promotion, adolescent sexual and reproductive health!
- What did you do before Medical SchoolRare genetic disease research
- Why Maine Medical Center?The culture of collaboration and compassion. My attendings all know who I am and really care about my personal and professional goals.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aFull-time writer!
PGY1
Kerry Aldridge
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownLecompton, Kansas
- UndergraduateUniversity of Kansas
- Medical SchoolUniversity of Kansas School of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesIndoor bouldering, Slow running, Puzzles, Muffins with coffee, Family holidays, Cuddles with my orange cat named Simba
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandLuke's Lobster
- Personal quoteI don't know yet, I will be a new Mainer. Eating Lobster, I suppose?
- Favorite Place in MaineMy apartment
- Medical InterestsAdvocating for reproductive rights, Adolescent medicine, Vaccine awareness
- Favorite weekend destinationCozy B&Bs in a rainy place
- What did you do before Medical SchoolBecame a black belt in Krav Maga
- Best/worse jobThe best job I've had so far is working as a hospital phlebotomist!
- Why Maine Medical Center?Maine Medical Center did the best job at showing what a healthy culture they have. This is essential to me in a residency program and it's the biggest reason why I chose MMC. Also, being from Kansas, I am excited for the cooler summers, snowier winters, and to be close to the ocean!
- Celebrity I most resembleBrie Larson
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aMicrobiologist
Annie Batten
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownNewton, MA
- UndergraduateCarleton College
- Medical SchoolUMass Chan Medical School
- Interests / HobbiesRunning, reading, baking
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandFore Street
- Personal quoteHiking and eating my way through all of Portland’s amazing restaurants
- Favorite Place in MaineAcadia!
- Medical InterestsCritical care, hem/onc
- What did you do before Medical SchoolStudying hypoxia tolerance in deep-diving seals
- Why Maine Medical Center?A strong sense of community and shared values, close working relationships with attendings, and friendly co-residents!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aMarine biologist
Jenna Buckleitner
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownFlemington, New Jersey
- UndergraduateSt. Lawrence University
- Medical SchoolRocky Vista COM
- Interests / HobbiesReading, (bad) knitting, hiking, cooking, art
- Favorite Place in MaineVinalhaven, ME
- Medical InterestsRural health, gender-affirming care, public health, general pediatrics
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI worked as a nanny for a year and a half, and prior to that worked on a book about deer biology.
- Why Maine Medical Center?So many reasons! The program size, the close-knit community, the location, my gut feeling while rotating there and during my interview. The program is incredibly supportive of its residents from the day one.
Frances Chung
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownChapel Hill
- UndergraduateUniversity of North Carolina
- Medical SchoolEast Tennessee State University
- Interests / HobbiesHiking, pottery, watercolors, yoga, propagating plants
- Favorite weekend destinationAnywhere that involves the outdoors and great food!
- Why Maine Medical Center?Between the camaraderie amongst the faculty and residents and the numerous rural community outreach projects, MMC was my dream program. I feel supported to explore my interests in pediatrics and public health, all the while living in a beautiful part of the country!
Emma Freeman
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownScarborough
- UndergraduateUniversity of Maine
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine Maine Track Program
- Interests / HobbiesGoing to the gym, hiking, reading, and traveling
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandAhh so many to choose from, but Lenora is a favorite in my family!
- Personal quoteSunrise hike followed by a brewery or nap on the beach!
- Favorite Place in MaineAcadia National Park
- Medical InterestsInpatient medicine, neonatology & adolescent sexual health
- Favorite weekend destinationA day trip anywhere to hike and get outdoors!
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI graduated from UMaine in 2020 so I did not take a gap year. During undergrad I did mycobacteriophage research and volunteered and traveling with Partners for World Health and Operation HEARTS. I kept my job as a nanny over the summers when able to spend time with the kiddos I babysat all through high school. The summer after graduation and leading up to med school, I worked a little and was able to spend time with family and friends. My friends and I spent many days hiking and enjoying the beach before we all moved!
- Best/worse jobBest - Nanny during high school/college and BBCH intern during college. Worst - None! I've always been able to have a job doing research or working with kiddos!
- Why Maine Medical Center?Maine has always been my home. My experiences growing up here made my want to do the Maine Track Program to learn how to best serve the state that raised me. My clinical experiences through medical school only strengthened my interest in staying in working in Maine. Maine Medical Center is a truly special place full of special people. Not to mention the hiking, beaches, and breweries?! Maine is the best place to spend a day off!
- Celebrity I most resemble“The girl from the doctor show" - my dad
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aHigh school or middle school health teacher!
Kelly Gao
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownGuilderland, NY
- Medical SchoolSUNY Upstate Medical University
- Interests / HobbiesArt (I do a variety of medias! Acrylic, watercolor, ink art, paper cutting, paper quilling - you name it, I’ve probably tried it!), piano (classically trained since the age of 5, but now only will play movie soundtracks because that’s where the real fun is), taking nature walks (not quite hikes), Netflixing sitcoms (The Office, Brooklyn 99, Modern Family, and Arrested Development are a few of my favorites), and having a game night in with my best friends!
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandFlatbread Co
- Personal quoteExploring the beautiful sites of water! So many great places to walk and bask in the beauty around you.
- Favorite Place in MainePortland Head Light
- Medical InterestsMedical education, all things primary care, ADHD
- Favorite weekend destinationFreeport - perfect for retail therapy!
- What did you do before Medical SchoolAttending undergraduate university
- Best/worse jobBest job: TAing anatomy in medical school. I loved it and spent quite a bit of time in my medical school’s anatomy lab teaching via dissection! Worst job was helping clean YMCA facilities. Not my favorite way to spend a summer!
- Why Maine Medical Center?Everyone was so kind and easy to converse with on interview day. The program itself offers incredible training. That, coupled with the incredible location of Portland made it a no brainer!
- Celebrity I most resembleAccording to some app I just downloaded - Arden Cho
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aAn artist with an Etsy shop and my own gallery!
Morgan Howlett
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownBennington, VT
- UndergraduateThe University of Vermont
- Medical SchoolThe University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesHiking, skiing, paddle boarding, horseback riding, playing board games, and trying new ice cream places!
- Personal quoteExploring fun new places!
- Favorite Place in MaineMy family went on vacation to Old Orchard Beach many times when I was young, so that has always been a special place for me.
- Medical InterestsPrimary care and hematology/oncology
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI worked as a medical scribe for a year in endocrinology, family medicine, and pediatric clinics.
- Why Maine Medical Center?I love the smaller size of the program, the incredible location, and the passion and enthusiasm that everyone has for what they do here!
Katherine Maehl
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownWaltham, MA
- UndergraduateWesleyan University
- Medical SchoolThe George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Interests / HobbiesRunning, playing all kinds of sports, yelling at the TV while watching sports, playing guitar and piano, doing crossword puzzles, playing card games, finding the best vinyl records in the dollar bin
- What did you do before Medical SchoolOphthalmic technician and camp counselor (not at the same time)
- Best/worse jobWorst job: doing the laundry for all the sports teams at the athletic center in college—stinky!
- Why Maine Medical Center?Really strong sense of community and great location
Sean Patterson
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownWestwood, MA
- UndergraduateWesleyan University
- Medical SchoolUniversity of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Interests / HobbiesReading, Cooking/Baking, Home Renovation DIY Projects
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandFore St
- Personal quoteBrewery hopping around Portland!
- Favorite Place in MaineThe Old Port in Downtown Portland!
- Medical InterestsI'm very passionate about asthma care!
- Favorite weekend destinationCape Cod, MA
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI worked as an asthma educator in Boston and a waitress!
- Why Maine Medical Center?MMC is filled with kind people who love to teach. They have always made me feel welcome and empowered to become a strong pediatrician!
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aContractor / House flipper
Rayne Whitten
- Year in ProgramPRG1
- HometownNorth Waterboro
- UndergraduateBates College
- Medical SchoolTufts University School of Medicine - Maine Track
- Interests / HobbiesKayaking, hiking, camping, gardening, adventuring with my husband and husky Kodiak
- Favorite restaurant in PortlandDare I say Bissel Brothers?
- Personal quoteCooking smores on campfires with friends and family!
- Favorite Place in MaineAllagash Wilderness Waterway - Priestly Point Campsite
- Medical InterestsHospital Medicine, adolescent health and reproductive medicine, rural barriers to care
- Favorite weekend destinationKayaking to island beaches in Casco Bay
- What did you do before Medical SchoolI was a medical assistant at Harvard Vanguard in Fenway for my first year after college and did bench research at a mouse lab at Maine Medical Center Research Institute for the next year. I also got stranded in El Paso, TX for several months during the COVID shutdown.
- Best/worse jobMy first job in high school was as a "Sandwich Artist" at Subway - you decide if it was the best or worst...
- Why Maine Medical Center?Simply put, Maine Medical Center feels like home to me. The attendings, residents and staff are all welcoming and excited to support your goals both in and out of the hospital. I wanted a smaller, tight-knit program that focuses on mentorship and aspects of community and advocacy while also serving a large rural population. Maine Med checks all these boxes and provides incredible exposure to unique and rare diagnoses in a L1 trauma center that serves the entire state. On top of that, it’s located in Portland, Maine which has my favorite breweries, restaurants, and islands in Casco Bay! Ensuring life balance was an important aspect of my residency search and I think Portland’s proximity to the ocean and plenty of mountains makes that very possible.
- If I wasn't a doctor I would be aPilot for scenic flights or gliders over the White Mountains