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Medical Students Receive Intensive Clinical Training at Mid Coast Hospital

July 24, 2015

Now in its seventh year, Mid Coast Hospital is again participating in the Tufts University School of Medicine and Maine Medical Center Longitudinal Integrated Curriculum program (TUSM.MMC-LIC). Through this 9-month program, class of 2017 medical students will gain hands-on clinical training under the supervision of Mid Coast Hospital providers. This year’s participants are Erica Hidu and Michael Tozier.

Beginning in June, Hidu and Tozier began exploring multiple medical disciplines including OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and General Surgery. The intensive program assists students in fulfilling their third year core competencies while offering a uniquely broad view of the types of comprehensive care patients may receive over many years of their life.

“The LIC program is beneficial for both the participating students and the region,” explained Marybeth Ford, MD, the program coordinator for Mid Coast Hospital. “For the students, it is an innovative way to receive exceptional training and close faculty mentoring. For the region, it is an opportunity to address the growing need for more doctors in Maine's smaller and rural communities. The hope is that we can encourage students in the program to return to Maine to pursue their medical careers.”

Born in Bangor and raised in Hampden, Hidu is a fifth generation Mainer. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology/Bacteriology from the University of Maine, she was accepted into the TUSM.MMC Maine Track Early Assurance Program in 2011 and participated in Maine Medical Center’s Mini Medical School. She also spent time in Aroostook County with the University of Maine’s Medical Outreach program, learning about the challenges and rewards of serving rural areas. In discussing her participation in the program, Hidu noted, “I would be honored to serve the people of Maine, who work hard and try to do the best for their families.”

A seventh generation Mainer, Tozier was born and raised in Waterville. He’s a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He learned valuable leadership skills while participating in the Washington University Outing Club and was an elementary student tutor for the St. Louis Each One Teach One program. As an intern with the Maine Department of Transportation, he traveled the state and realized how much of the state is medically underserved. Excited to return to the region, Tozier noted, “This program will help me make valuable connections throughout the state and gain an appreciation for where I might want to practice and in what capacity.”