Looking for a change

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by tooby2

That's so strange that basically one organization seems to rule the medical community. Is that even legal??? Are you saying that virtually every doctor is directly associated or governed by MMC? Is a doctor not allowed to move into the state and open up their own clinic or hospital? Is a doctor allowed to leave the MMC to open his/ her own practice? For some reason I feel like I may be wrong in my understanding. Please straighten me out if I am wrong... (I sure hope I am wrong)

I do not know the answer to your questions, but you got to keep two things in mind here:

1--The Portland area is fairly small (there are many suburbs in Texas that are larger both in land size and population).

2--Mainers kind of have a if it isn't broke, don't fix it attitude. So, basically, I am guessing that no-one saw/sees the need for another clinic or speciality doctor shop.

Another thing is that most doctors who leave do so to take better (paying) jobs in Boston, New York, etc. I am also guessing that they move to these places to set up their private practices.

[flower girl]

Originally Posted by Fort Lauderdale mermaid

Flower girl, I'm not 50 yet!

Not everyone waits until retirement age to get away from the harsh winters.

Many people in Maine go to Florida for vacation, I just extended mine.

Maine is home, Florida is just where I live (right now).

I was home last week, I'll be back next month for the summer!

lol....this is true,many do go for vacations...

[dmyankee]

Although, I know doctors and surgeons who gave up practice to work at the major hospitals, Maine is dotted with all kinds of specialty practices. Many are group practices for obvious reasons, expense sharing, etc.

There are Imaging, Pathology and other diagnostic services. There are Rehab, Neurology, Sports medicine, Orthopedic, Pain Management, and Rheumatology practices. For instance, I use a practice in Bangor. They are the only two Rheumatologists in the entire Eastern Maine region. There is a whole slew of Chiropractic practices, as workman's comp will pay. Many have licensed massage therapists working for them. Most FNP's and PA's, however, will work for hospitals or Doctor's practices.

I think your best bet is to start with the award winning Maine State website at Maine.gov and search for the contact for health care licensing and services.

I'd be interested in knowing what your specialty is. Could you DM me?

[K-Luv]

Okay tooby2, I feel like a moron as I just realized that there are indeed quite a few specialty shops out there, among them being a Foot and Ankle Center, an Eye Center, a Gastrological Center and a co-worker (who got beamed in the head with a soft ball) just went to a clinic that is not affiliated with MMC.

So, I apologize for giving the impression that the scene was bleak around here. However, MMC still dominates the region.

Yup, my foot is tasting pretty good right about now

[tooby2]

Don't sweat it K-Luv, I appreciate you getting back to me on that one. I thought that it sounded a little weird but it is nice to know that healthcare is normal in Maine. I am truly looking forward to it. Right now I need to find out where I will be needed the most. Thanks again for taking the time to respond back to me about this.

[nullgeo]

tooby2 — I lived in Maine in my youth (about a couple hundred years ago it seems) and have been back since. Have also lived in Minnesota, Michigan, California, Washington, Hawaii, D.C. and Virginia, and some overseas. I know cold, hot, mild, sunny, gloomy, city and country. I have an intuition from reading your posts that you all (ya'all) will love Maine — intensely.

(I rather expect I am moving back there in the next couple years myself.)

Best wishes.