BRUNSWICK — Mid Coast Hospital has again been selected as a training site for two Tufts University School of Medicine students to gain hands-on clinical training. Andrew Rogers and Daniel Gerges, students of the 2016 class, are taking part in a ninemonth Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) under the supervision of Mid Coast Hospital providers.

Their training began June 9.

The MMC-TUSM Maine Track Longitudinal Integrated Curriculum (known as “Maine Track”) is a joint venture between Maine Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine. The innovative medical curriculum trains medical students through hands-on, clinical education and close faculty mentoring, while allowing students the opportunity to explore medical practice in rural and non-urban communities. Longterm, the program seeks to attract medical students to begin their practice in rural communities throughout Maine.

Born and raised in Maine, Rogers received his undergraduate degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he developed an interest in medicine as a lab assistant and volunteer first responder with the Emergency Medical Services team. He recognizes the need for health care providers in rural parts of Maine and “would consider it a privilege to return to Maine to work and live after I am done with school.”

A 2008 Mitchell Scholar, Gerges received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maine Orono and knew early on that he would take part in Maine Track. He said, “As a doctor dedicated to rural medicine, I would like to not only help cure illnesses, but also teach patients how to live healthy lifestyles so they won’t be faced with future health problems.” In contrast to more traditional rotation-style training programs, the structure of Maine Track provides students with a view of the comprehensive care their patients receive over a longer period of time. In addition, being just two students at the hospital, they will work in multiple medical disciplines including family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, OB/GYN, psychiatry, and pediatrics, giving them increased exposure and educational opportunities.

Mid Coast Hospital

MID COAST HOSPITAL is a full-service, 92-bed, independent, not-for-profit hospital governed by a community board of directors. The active medical staff includes more than 180 providers in more than 32 primary care and specialty areas. Mid Coast Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission, and is recognized as a Magnet facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for exceptional nursing and patient care.