Platinum Level | 2024 Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program

MDI Hospital has been recognized at the Platinum level for the 2024 Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program!

The Breathe Easy Gold Star Standards of Excellence program recognizes Maine health organizations that are addressing tobacco use and exposure by implementing strategies that support tobacco treatment and prevention.  Recognized as a leader in health by this program, MDI Hospital seeks to optimize the health of patients, clients, and the surrounding community; and the teams’ efforts to provide key community support and be an exemplary role model of healthy behaviors is celebrated.

This year, forty-four healthcare, hospital, higher education and behavioral health organizations are being recognized in the Gold Star Standards of Excellence Program. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Maine and the United States. By creating tobacco-free social norms through the adoption of strong policies, educating about the harmful effects of use and exposure, and providing support in quitting, MDI Hospital helps reduce the number of tobacco users in Maine.

“It’s such a beautiful race,” she said. “The scenery is breathtaking, and the crowd energy is amazing. My mom has come up both years to cheer me on, which also makes it really special.” Whether she’s racing along the island’s winding roads or venturing into Acadia’s trails, Caitlin has found that being outdoors recharges her and deepens her appreciation for the intersection between health, resilience, and nature, a passion that has inspired her next step.

After residency completion this year, Caitlin is pursuing a fellowship in Wilderness Medicine, a field that perfectly blends her love for the outdoors with her dedication to emergency care. “Working at MDI Hospital has been an example of the merger between helping people in challenging environments and working closely in nature that I hope to experience during fellowship,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at MDI Hospital, Caitlin expressed deep gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped her journey. “I plan to use the skills I have learned across my rotations at MDI Hospital going forward into my medical career so that I can provide great patient-centered care,” she said. “I will also remember the wonderful people I have met and cared for here who have helped shape my medical training to date.”

Whether running along the rugged coastline or responding to patients in the ED, Caitlin has found that MDI offers the perfect mix of challenge, inspiration, and community. It’s no surprise that for her, coming back to Mount Desert Island felt less like returning to a rotation, and more like coming home.

MDI Hospital

MDI Hospital
10 Wayman Lane
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
207.288.5081

At Mount Desert Island Hospital, we provide comprehensive care for you and your family through our hospital in Bar Harbor and a network of health centers across Mount Desert Island.