Millinocet Regional Hospital to offer support group to those suffering from Irritable Bowel Disease
by Robbie McKay, The Lincoln News
As Millinocket Regional Hospital continues to offer programs to their patients, they have announced the formation of an Irritable Bowel Disease support group. Held on the second Wednesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at MRH, the group will be patient centered with supporting medical personnel attending.
The group is the concept of Dr. Mira Olson who recently joined the staff at MRH specializing in gastroenterology. She practiced Gastroenterology at Eastern Maine Medical Center for seven years; during which time she also served a stint as the Medical Director of Endoscopy. With an extensive following of patients located in Northern Maine, and the opportunity to practice at MRH, Dr. Olson relocated her practice to Millinocket to be closer to her patients; making her the only gastroenterologist north of Bangor.
Dr. Olson envisions the group as being an intimate gathering where patients and their loved ones can share stories, seek emotional support, find answers to their questions and connect with others who share their challenges. The group will be patient centered and run by patients. Multiple providers will be in attendance, including Dr. Mira Olson (gastroenterologist), Mark Robinson, RD (registered dietician), Laurie Jamo (Director of Perioperative Services), Kathy Frodahl (Clinic Coordinator for Wound Care, Ambulatory Clinic and Cardiac Rehab) to familiarize patients with others that might be involved in their care. These providers will also be available to address questions, concerns and provide support.
Dr. Olson treats a wide array of conditions including: inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, acid reflux and swallowing disorders, hepatitis C, and long term management of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis to name a few. She and her colleagues, Dr. Kowalski and Dr. Rauf, offer a variety of services including: routine screenings, endoscopy, polyp surveillance and capsule endoscopy.
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About Millinocket Regional Hospital
Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital nestled at the base of Baxter State Park that provides vital healthcare services to those who live, work and play in the Katahdin Region. Beyond the friendly staff and award-winning patient care, MRH provides an impressive range of specialty and general services; with a recent expansion resulting in the addition of eight new specialties and a Walk-In Care facility. In 2016, MRH was recognized as the Cleanest Hospital in New England by Becker’s Hospital Review and received a five star rating on the Medicare Quality Scale. Providing jobs to approximately 250 people, MRH is the largest employer in the Katahdin Region and a crucial economic force within its community. For more information, please visit www.mrhme.org or www.facebook.com/MillinocketRegionalHospital