MCPH Media Release: Mid Coast Medical Group Neurology Welcomes Fourth Physician

BRUNSWICK, ME – Mid Coast Medical Group–Neurology and Mid Coast Hospital welcome Christian Dinsmore, MD, to the active medical staff. He joins Kathryn Seasholtz, DO, William Stamey, MD, and John Taylor, DO, in providing neurological care for disorders of the peripheral and central nervous system.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Dinsmore join our team at Mid Coast Hospital,” said Dr. Scott Mills, Vice President of Medical Administration and Chief Medical Officer. “With a growing need for neurological care in our community, we are expanding our physician team in order to ensure patient satisfaction and best possible outcomes.”

Board certified in neurology, Dr. Dinsmore completed his medical degree and internal medicine internship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, followed by neurology residency at the University of Washington in Seattle.

“I am honored to continue my practice at Mid Coast Hospital in collaboration with the exceptional team at Mid Coast Medical Group–Neurology,” said Dr. Dinsmore. “I look forward to joining them in caring for the neurological needs of this community.”

Mid Coast Medical Group–Neurology is located at 81 Medical Center Drive in Brunswick. For information, referrals, and appointments, call (207) 373-6099 or visit www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/neurology.htm.

WATCH MAINE POSITIVE TV

150 Families Join in Celebration of Mid Coast Hospital CenteringPregnancy Program

Heather and Andy Seymour of Pownal, Maine celebrate with one-year old Emmet at the Mid Coast Hospital CenteringPregnany reunion, May 20 in Freeport.

More than 150 Families Join in Celebration of
Mid Coast Hospital CenteringPregnancy Program

Reunion held at Winslow Park in Freeport May 20

Brunswick, ME — On Saturday, May 20, more than 150 families gathered at Winslow Park in Freeport to celebrate Mid Coast Hospital’s CenteringPregnancy program offered by Mid Coast Medical Group–Women’s Health Care.

Josh and Annie Smith of Freeport, Maine enjoy
the Mid Coast Hospital CenteringPregnany reunion
with their newborn, David, May 20 in Freeport.

Mid Coast Hospital’s CenteringPregnancy is a model of group prenatal care that integrates basic prenatal health assessment and education with social support. Facilitated by a nurse and one of five certified nurse midwives on staff, the program allows women due in the same month to receive care in a group setting. Each pregnant woman is able to bring a support person to the two-hour group visits, which typically meet in the evening.

Heather and Andy Seymour of Pownal joined a CenteringPregnancy group at Mid Coast Hospital in 2016. They had some initial concerns that group care would not be as attentive as individual care, but it did not take long before they realized the benefits. “We recognized the unique benefit of having high-quality care partnered with group education and support. It was truthfully unexpected,” said Heather. “We have both become strong advocates for Centering and the midwives at Mid Coast Medical Group–Women’s Health Care. Andy is just as involved and enthusiastic, even a year after giving birth.”

The Centering program at Mid Coast Hospital has resulted in better preparation for birth and parenting, as well as a decrease in the cesarean section rate, decrease in premature and low birth weight births, and an increase in breastfeeding rates. As an additional benefit, families create a community of support for before, during, and after birth. Families often get together frequently during the post-partum period and often stay in touch for many years after.

In addition to the certified nurse midwives, the Mid Coast Medical Group–Women’s Health Care team includes six board certified OB/GYN physicians, collaborating to offer a full range of maternity care options. As the only nationally certified site in Maine, families travel from Freeport to Damariscotta and beyond to attend the Mid Coast Hospital CenteringPregnancy program.

When Annie Smith of Freeport became pregnant, she visited an OB/GYN physician at Mid Coast Medical Group–Women’s Health Care who discussed different options for prenatal care at Mid Coast Hospital. “I ended up switching to a midwife so that I could take part in the Centering program,” said Annie. “I was looking for the group interaction and the opportunity to connect with other parents.” Her husband Josh commented, “I wanted to learn information and be present. Centering really solidified our decision to switch.” They mentioned that since participating, they recommend the program to every one they meet who is expecting a child.

“Mid Coast Hospital is committed to offering the highest-quality maternity care with a full range of options to meet the needs of all families in our region,” Kristin Anthony, RNC, MSN, NEA-BC, Vice President for Nursing and Patient Care Services at Mid Coast–Parkview Health. The CenteringPregnancy program provides a wealth of resources and support that has shown to improve outcomes and provide a better experience for our patients.”

For more information about CenteringPregnacy and maternity care at Mid Coast Hospital, visit www.midcoasthealth.com/maternity<http://www.midcoasthealth.com/maternity>.

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About Mid Coast Hospital
Mid Coast Hospital is a full-service, 93-bed, independent, not-for-profit hospital governed by a community Board of Directors. The active medical staff includes more than 200 providers in over 30 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.

About Mid Coast Medical Group
Mid Coast Medical Group is comprised of more than 100 providers in 4 primary care and 18 specialty practices. They are located in Bath, Topsham, and Brunswick. Mid Coast Medical Group is a department of Mid Coast Hospital, part of Mid Coast–Parkview Health.

Mid Coast Medical Group–Women's Health Becomes First Official CenteringPregnancy® Site in Maine

Brunswick, ME – In mid August, the midwifery practice within Mid Coast Medical Group (MCMG) – Women’s Health Care became the first certified CenteringPregnancy site in the state of Maine.  Only ten other practices in the New England region have been granted this designation by the Centering Healthcare Institute in Boston, MA. Certification demonstrates that the group has met essential standards specific to the CenteringPregnancy model, which contributes to better health outcomes for mothers, their partners, infants and the greater community.

Pioneered in the early 1990s, CenteringPregnancy was conceived as a way to improve birth outcomes by increasing access to prenatal education and community, and empowering women to take an active role in their prenatal care. The model of care is based on a body of research that revealed that both infant and mother benefit when women make informed health choices health during the childbearing year, as well as understand what will happen to their bodies in the birth room, during the postpartum period and in the years to follow.

Coordinated by a program facilitator and five Certified Nurse Midwives, CenteringPregnancy at Mid Coast brings together groups of expectant mothers due in the same month along with their partner or one support person, it may be their first or fourth child, creating a dynamic atmosphere for learning and sharing. In this group setting, there is more time for women and families to explore the issues that impact their health and the health of their infants. The results provide excellent preparation for labor, birth and infant care, as well as creating community, resources, and support. Clinically, this model of pregnancy care has shown a decrease in cesarean section rates and the occurrence of premature births.

“We are very proud to have achieved this certification. It required a great deal of preparation and work by our maternity care and midwifery service staff. We are thrilled to be able to offer this service to our community,” stated Aoife O’Brien, Certified Nurse Midwife. “It meets all of our Triple Aim goals for health care improvement including enhancing the patient experience and quality of care, improving health outcomes, and reducing the per capita cost of healthcare.”

For more information about CenteringPregnancy, Mid Coast Hospital Maternity Care, or to tour the facility visit www.midcoasthealth.com/maternity<http://www.midcoasthealth.com/maternity> or call 207-373-6500.

www.shootmainestudios.com

New Primary Care Physician

New Primary Care Physician Joins Topsham Family Practice

Topsham, ME – Beginning January 2015, Midcoast residents have an additional choice when selecting a primary care provider. Deirdre Heersink, DO, has joined the team at Mid Coast Medical Group-Topsham Family Practice and the active medical staff of Mid Coast Hospital, providing routine and preventative care to children and adults. The Family Practice office opened in October 2014, co-located with Mid Coast Medical Group-Topsham Internal Medicine, in the new medical office building on Wellness Way, just off Route 196 in Topsham.

“We are delighted to have Dr. Heersink join the new Family Practice and the Medical staff at Mid Coast,” said Dr. Scott Mills, Vice President of Medical Administration and Chief Medical Officer at Mid Coast Hospital. “These Topsham practices are state-of-the-art facilities with the highest quality care providers. Through our continued investment in primary care we are making advancements in the overall health of our community by offering routine, integrated healthcare to all.”

Dr. Heersink earned her medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency in Family Medicine at Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency. She is board certified in Family Medicine with interest in women’s health and special training in Osteopathic Manipulation. Most recently she worked as a hospitalist at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta.

Paul Hyman, MD heads the family care practice, joined by Mary Lake, RNC-S, MSN, FNP. With the addition of Dr. Heersink, the team is well-positioned to provide routine and preventative care for families and individuals in Topsham and throughout the community.

“I look forward to joining the Family Practice team at Mid Coast Medical Group and share in their belief of primary care being the foundation of health for the community. I value the opportunity to provide one-on-one, patient-centered care with the full support of Mid Coast Hospital and the continuum of care provided by Mid Coast Health Services.”

Patients interested in making an appointment at Mid Coast Medical Group-Topsham Family Practice should call (207) 406-7667.

Mid Coast Medical Group Opens Family Practice in Topsham

TOPSHAM, ME – Mid Coast Medical Group has opened a new primary care office dedicated to providing routine care for the entire family. Mid Coast Medical Group–Topsham Family Practice is located within the new medical office building on Wellness Way, just off Route 196 in Topsham. Pediatric and adult patients are being accepted.

Physician Paul Hyman, MD, has recently joined the active medical staff of Mid Coast Hospital and will head the new practice. Dr. Hyman earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency through Massachusetts General Hospital. He is board certified in both Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. Dr. Hyman is fluent in Spanish.

“I am honored to join the team at Mid Coast as I share in the vision for the future of health in our community,” said Dr. Hyman. “I value the opportunity to build a trusting and caring relationship with the whole family. Taking care of the health of one’s family, with early treatment and prevention of chronic health concerns, is key to long-term health and well-being.”

Dr. Hyman is joined in the practice by Mary Lake, RNC-S, MSN, FNP, a well-established healthcare professional within the Mid Coast system. Together they will provide routine and preventative care to children and adults. The new practice has adopted the advanced primary care delivery model known as the Patient-Centered Medical Home. This innovative concept encourages patients to actively participate in their own care, a measure proven to improve quality of care, health outcomes, and lower costs.
Dr. Scott Mills, Vice President of Medical Administration and Chief Medical Officer at Mid Coast Hospital, commented “Opening this new Family Practice and bringing the expertise of Dr. Hyman to the Mid Coast team, is just one of the many ways Mid Coast continues to lead the way for better health in our community.”

Patients interested in making an appointment at Mid Coast Medical Group–Topsham Family Practice should call (207) 406-7667.

Foushée Joins Mid Coast Health Services Development Team

Nancy Eckel Foushée (Photo by Jeff
Morris, The Pierce Studio,Brunswick)

Foushée Joins Mid Coast Health Services Development Team

Brunswick, ME — Mid Coast Health Services has appointed Nancy Eckel Foushée as Associate Director of Development. In her new role, Foushée will plan, coordinate, and execute Development Department events and programs to generate support for the non-profit health care organization focused on providing high-quality healthcare to the Midcoast region.

“I am very excited to join the Development team at Mid Coast Health Services and help fulfill the mission of such an important organization in our community,” said Foushée. “As a long-time resident of Brunswick, I look forward to continuing to build relationships and broadening the impact and resources of health and wellness in this region.”

Foushée will oversee and coordinate the Mid Coast Hospital Golf Fore! Health Tournament, an annual event responsible for raising vital funds that directly support community health and wellness initiatives at Mid Coast. She will also assist with annual giving, donor research, business outreach, and additional events held in support of Mid Coast Health Services. Furthermore, Foushée will oversee Heritage Circle speaking events and special celebrations for those that support Mid Coast Health.

A graduate of Bowdoin College, Foushée received her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of New Hampshire followed by a career dedicated to non-profits, including professional positions at Bowdoin and Bates Colleges. She brings extensive experience in event planning and fundraising as well as volunteer and board positions at Midcoast area organizations.

Kara Johnson, Director of Development at Mid Coast Health Services commented, “Nancy’s love for the Midcoast community and passion for her work dovetails nicely with Mid Coast’s mission to improve access to care and the overall health of our community. We are thrilled to have her as part of the team.”

Mid Coast Welcomes Third Nurse Midwife to Women’s Health Team

Mid Coast Welcomes Third Nurse Midwife to Women’s Health Team

BRUNSWICK, ME – Mid Coast Medical Group – Women’s Health Care welcomed Aoife E. O’Brien, RN, CNM to its Midwifery services team. Working collaboratively with the obstetricians and gynecologists, the three nurse-midwives on staff offer traditional birthing services in an advanced care setting.

O’Brien joins Alexis Nolan, RN, CNM, and Suzanne Zimmerman, CNM providing full scope nurse-midwifery services including maternity care, family planning, and well woman gynecological care at all stages of life. Together, they provide 24/7 coverage and services at Mid Coast Hospital’s state-of-the-art Maternity Care Center.

“I am thrilled to join the midwifery practice here at Mid Coast Hospital, as its reputation for providing exceptional care and building community precedes it,” said O’Brien. “I look forward to becoming a part of that community myself, while building trusting, autonomous relationships with women and their families through the childbearing years, and across the lifespan.”

O’Brien obtained both her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing and Master’s of Science in Nurse-Midwifery from Columbia University School of Nursing in New York. She has been involved in birth work for almost ten years in various settings, most recently on staff at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital. She is proficient in medical Spanish.

Mid Coast Medical Group – Women’s Health Care is located at 121 Medical Center Drive in Brunswick. Appointments are available by calling (207) 721-8700. More information and a virtual tour of Mid Coast Hospital Maternity Care Center can be found at www.midcoasthealth.com/maternity<http://www.midcoasthealth.com/maternity>.

Mid Coast Medical Group Launches Patient Portal

Mid Coast Medical Group Launches Patient Portal
Patients now have online access to personal records, information


Brunswick, ME – Patients of Mid Coast Medical Group (MCMG) now have access to a convenient web-based option for communicating with their provider team. The Patient Portal launched in March, providing secure online access to health information and provider communication across the MCMG system.



A department of Mid Coast Hospital, Mid Coast Medical Group is comprised of primary care and specialist physicians in over 30 clinical areas. They are located in Bath, Topsham, and Brunswick.



Once the patient enrolls, he or she will have access to portions of their medical records, test results, and information about their health; will be able to easily and quickly request refills, appointments, and referrals; and will have an additional way of corresponding with their healthcare team from the privacy of their home or office.
The Mid Coast Medical Group Patient Portal is accessible to patients after completing an enrollment process designed to protect the patient’s privacy and security. Existing patients should contact their provider’s office first, and can then sign up at: https://secure.midcoasthealth.com<https://secure.midcoasthealth.com/>. Those not currently patients of Mid Coast Medical Group, looking for a provider, can visit www.midcoasthealth.com<http://www.midcoasthealth.com/> or call the Mid Coast Physician Referral Line at (207) 373-6033.

Mid Coast Collaborates to Build New Bath Medical Home

Bath, ME – Mid Coast Medical Group, in collaboration with JHR Development and area architects, announced construction of a new primary care medical building in downtown Bath, Maine. With plans to open in early 2015, the new medical facility will be centrally located at the corner of Centre and Franklin Streets, easily accessible with ample parking available.

The Mid Coast Medical Group – Bath office, and its team of healthcare providers and support staff, will relocate from its current Washington Street location. The practice specializes in keeping patients healthy and well, offering preventative and chronic disease care as well as integrated behavioral health counseling. New and existing patients will be welcome.

“We are delighted for this opportunity to establish a modern medical facility in a convenient Bath location,” said Lois Skillings, President and CEO of Mid Coast Health Services. “Consistent with our mission to provide high quality, patient-centered care to our community, this facility will benefit the city, its residents, and the broader region by expanding healthcare services and providing easier access for all.”

“Construction of this new practice space in Bath represents an important next step in Mid Coast’s commitment to our patients and to the health of our community,” said Nancy A. Hasenfus, MD, an internal medicine physician with the practice. “Like our recently opened practice in Topsham, this space is being crafted to further improve the coordination of care and to facilitate seamless communication among the provider team. Designing a clinical space that supports patient participation in their care enables excellent health outcomes.”

Local developer JHR Development worked closely with the City of Bath to finalize plans for this 20,000 square-foot, two-story facility, valued at more than $6 million. JHR is known locally for its quality development in downtown Brunswick, including the thriving Brunswick Station. Mid Coast Health anchors this complex with its popular Primary Care & Walk-in Clinic.

“The facility that we are developing in downtown Bath is a great collaboration among several local partners,” said J. Hilary Rocket, JHR Development Owner/Manager. “With our past experience working with Mid Coast and the project architects and builders, as well as a great opportunity to work with the City of Bath, we are expecting this project to be mutually beneficial and rewarding for all involved.”

Designed by Maine-based architects Gawron Turgeon, the preliminary drawings indicate an emphasis on blending with the existing historic architecture of downtown Bath. SMRT of Portland will design the interior space, three-quarters of which will be occupied by the Mid Coast Medical Group practice. The building contractor is Wright-Ryan Construction of Portland.

The new space will be built to accommodate delivery of an advanced model of care known as the Patient-Centered Medical Home. This innovative concept encourages patients to become involved with their own care and has proven to improve outcomes and lower costs of healthcare. All Mid Coast Medical Group primary care offices have transitioned to this delivery model, supporting its mission to transform healthcare in the region.

The City of Bath, local businesses, and organizations have been vocal in their support for the new medical facility. Bath City Manager Bill Giroux has been supportive since Mid Coast proposed the idea in 2013.

Groundbreaking for the project is estimated for summer 2014.

New Mid Coast Medical Practice Opens in Topsham

Topsham, ME – The providers of Mid Coast Medical Group – Topsham began seeing patients at their new state-of-the-art medical facility on Monday, March 3. Offering adult internal medicine and primary care, Mid Coast Medical Group – Topsham is conveniently located just off Route 196, adjacent to The Highlands, at One Wellness Way. Current and new patients are welcome.

The new 11,000 square-foot medical building represents a strong collaboration among several local organizations, as well as a positive statement about the future of healthcare in the region. Mid Coast Health Services worked with The Highlands to negotiate space for the new facility, developed and owned by Sea Coast Management Company. Project architects included Maine-based Gawron Turgeon and SMRT, while Landry/French oversaw construction.

The new facility was built to accommodate an advanced primary care delivery model known as the Patient-Centered Medical Home. The innovative concept encourages patients to actively participate in their own care, a measure proven to improve quality of care, health outcomes, and lower costs. All Mid Coast Medical Group Primary Care offices have transitioned to this model, supporting Mid Coast’s mission to transform healthcare and improve the overall health of the community.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mid Coast to establish this new modern medical facility at The Highlands,” said John Wasileski, Founder/Developer of The Highlands and neighboring Highland Green. “The professional, high quality care that they provide and their focus on improving community health and wellness is perfectly in line with our vision for the health of our residents.”

Mid Coast Medical Group – Topsham offers adult primary care, preventative care, chronic disease management, specialty referrals, and integrated behavioral health counseling. The provider team includes Amy Etzweiler, MD, Kristin Jhamb, MD, Susan Lohnes, ANP, Christopher Meserve, MD, John Parker, MD, and Jennifer Riehl, MD, who will continue to serve their current patients, while also accommodating requests for new patients. All of the doctors are board certified in Internal Medicine and are members of the active medical staff of Mid Coast Hospital.

“Our new facility speaks to Mid Coast’s dedication to transform healthcare within our region,” said Amy Etzweiler, MD, a physician with the group. “Starting from the ground up, this new building was created to emphasize care coordination and communication among providers. We are excited about having a space that promotes patient participation and encourages better health outcomes for all.”

Patients interested in making an appointment at Mid Coast Medical Group – Topsham may call (207) 406-7600. Mid Coast Hospital also offers personal assistance with finding a physician by calling the Physician Referral Line at (207) 373-6033.

Vance Heads Mid Coast Orthopedic Therapy Team

BRUNSWICK, ME – Stephen Vance, PT, CHT, has joined Mid Coast Medical Group–Orthopedics as the Manager of the Orthopedic Therapy Center. In his new role, he will oversee the team of trained physical and occupational therapists that offer acute injury therapy and post-operative orthopedic rehabilitation, working closely with the four board-certified surgeons of Mid Coast Medical Group–Orthopedics.

“Having been a physical therapist in the Midcoast area for over 30 years, I am familiar with the high quality care and professionalism that Mid Coast offers,” said Vance. “I am honored to be a part of such a great team that works so hard to exceed patient expectations for care and quality.”

One of just five Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) in the Midcoast region, Vance specializes in the rehabilitation of tendon repairs, hand replants, and rehabilitation therapy for hand surgery, particularly in an industrial orthopedics application. He also offers clinical expertise in spinal dysfunction and musculoskeletal evaluation. He received his Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree from the University of Kentucky and has been a CHT for over twenty years.

Dr. Lisa Khoury is the newest member of the MCMG–Orthopedics surgical team. “We are so lucky to have Steve Vance head up our team of expert therapists. He brings with him a wealth of experience as well as a fresh perspective that will help further improve an already outstanding therapy team,” Khoury commented.

Mid Coast Medical Group–Orthopedic Therapy Center is conveniently located at 430 Bath Road, Suite 102 in Brunswick. For information on referrals and appointments, call (207) 371–8123, or visit www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/orthopedics.htm.


About Mid Coast Medical Group
Mid Coast Medical Group is comprised of primary care and specialist physicians in over 30 clinical areas. They are located in Bath (Washington Street)<http://www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/bath-maine-doctors.htm>, Topsham (at the Bowdoin Mill)<http://www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/topsham-maine-doctors.htm>, Brunswick (on the Mid Coast Hospital campus, and Brunswick Station in downtown Brunswick).<http://www.midcoasthealth.com/mcmg/brunswick-maine-doctors.htm> Mid Coast Medical Group is part of the Mid Coast Health family of services.

About 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 160 physicians in over 30 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.

About Therapy Services at Mid Coast Health Services
Mid Coast Medical Group–Orthopedic Therapy Center is part of a larger scope of therapy services offered throughout the Mid Coast system. Mid Coast Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services that cover a wide array of medical needs including joint replacement, stroke, trauma, and speech and hearing complications. In addition, a full range of rehabilitation services is offered by CHANS Home Health Care and at the Mid Coast Senior Health Center to address the unique needs of older adults.

Highlands and Mid Coast Medical Group raise excitement with new medical center.

The Highlands and Mid Coast Medical Group raise excitement with new medical center

Tuesday, October 17, 2:00 p.m., corner of Route 196 and Community Way, just off of the Coastal Connector, ceremony marking construction of new medical office building

TOPSHAM, Maine – While a “groundbreaking” usually involves hard hats, shovels, and the people instrumental in getting a project started, this event on October 17 is so much more. The Highlands of Topsham and Mid Coast Medical Group are partnering to build a new office building featuring adult health care. This new home of the Mid Coast Medical Group – Topsham is specifically designed to deliver an innovative model of care known as the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH).

There is so much excitement about this new center that we just couldn’t wait for everyone’s schedules to sync up for the actual groundbreaking. So, what happens October 17 is a celebration in progress, just like the construction in progress. John Wasileski, owner/developer of The Highlands and Highland Green is very pleased this is moving forward. “We are delighted to welcome Mid Coast Health Services to The Highlands/Highland Green campus which will continue the expansion of services to our residents, and to the community.”

Besides Wasileski and Highlands’ residents, several members of Mid Coast Hospital and Mid Coast Medical Group boards, management team, and medical staff will attend the ceremony.

Lois Skillings, President and CEO of Mid Coast Health Services, said, “The new location of Mid Coast Medical Group – Topsham will accommodate all of the practice’s current patients, as well as accept new patients from the community and region, including Highlands and Highland Green residents.”

The new building should be up and running by March 2014.

Mid Coast Medical Group–Women’s Health Care hosts film documentary on the media’s negative portrayal of successful women

MISS-Representation to screen June 21 at Frontier Café & Cinema

BRUNSWICK— The negative way women of power are portrayed in media today, and the pressure that puts on young women, is the subject of the documentary film MISS-Representation, which will have a special screening at Frontier Café & Cinema at Fort Andross, 12 Maine Street.

Hosted by Mid Coast Medical Group–Women’s Health Care, the film will be shown at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21, and will be followed by a panel discussion.

“As a women’s healthcare professional, I think MISS-Representation has an important message for our community’s girls and women. We are frequently unaware of the powerful messages the media sends—and that we unwittingly accept—regarding women,” says Melissa J. Streeter, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist with the Women’s Health Care group.

“To raise a generation of empowered, self-assured, and successful women we need to be able to consciously evaluate how we wish to be represented and portrayed. MISS-Representation is a great step in thisdirection.”

To reserve a seat for the screening, call 725-5222. A suggested donation of $10 per person will be accepted at the door. All proceeds will benefit Sexual Assault Support Services of Mid Coast Maine (SASSMM).

Miss Representation exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.  The film challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself.

A panel is composed of Lori Voornas, of the Radio Q97 Morning Show with Meredith, Jeff and Lori, moderator; Susan Hall Dreher, executive director of Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine; Jessica Johnson, a cosmetics industry expert; Amy Albert, chair of the Maine Down Syndrome Network’s Augusta Buddy Walk; Jennah Godo, MS; and Jessica Maher, Esq., an attorney with Moncure & Barnacle.

The panel will frame a discussion of the issues raised in the film and relate them to efforts which can be undertaken locally to bring about change.


MISS-Representation is by Jennifer Siebel Newsom and is a selection of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and the OWN|Documentary Club.