Reflections on 10 Years at Northeast Pain Management

Monday, March 1, 2021

After 10 years at Northeast Pain Management, in Bangor, I decided to leave and move to Southern Maine. It was time to go. The family had needs that would be better met in Portland, but almost as important, I’ve been yearning to build something entirely my own. A place that reflects my unique personal mission for connecting with and serving patients. In ten years I’ve experienced a lot of growth, and I have my patients to thank for that. Everyone has taught me something new or refined my approach to communication, problem-solving, and the technical aspects of care. Thanks to them I listen better, notice more, empathize deeply, and have full confidence that in time the medical answers will come, even if we don’t know how. I’ve learned to meet patients on their own terms. The most startling part has been saying goodbye. In the rush of the day, it’s hard to fully appreciate and enjoy the connections I’ve had with patients. But saying goodbye has a way of making the importance of relationships starkly apparent. It’s been hard on me, as I can plainly see it has been for my patients. We’ve together written an ongoing story about our lives and shared experiences, and every visit added new lines. While I look forward to building Portland Pain Solutions, meeting new people, and connecting with new patients, I will always enjoy the indelible memories of caring for my wonderful Northern Maine patients.