MAFP PineCones E-Newsletter

Spring 2026

Fun Facts About Maine

Shocking fact! Maine native Dr. Bernard Lown invented the DC Defibrillator in 1962. Old, often ineffective AC Defibrillator shocks caused severe tissue damage were phased out in favor of Dr. Lown's invention, who grew up in Lewiston and graduated from the University of Maine.

Spring Highlights from MAFP

During our annual business meeting on March 21st, I presented MAFP accomplishments for the past year - and there were many. Click to read more.

Marco Cornelio, MD

MAFP President

MAFP Annual Update

2026 MAFP Annual Update Recap

We had our 34th Annual Update on March 19-21st at the Samoset Resort in Rockport. Over 70 family physicians, residents, and students came together for 2.5 days of learning, networking, and having fun. Click to read more.

2026 MAFP Award Recipients

During our Annual Meeting in March 2026, we presented two awards to MAFP members. Francis Bellino MD, FAAFP was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors a MAFP member who has demonstrated continuous dedication to family medicine throughout their career and whose work has made a lasting, significant impact on the specialty in Maine and on the health and well‑being of all Mainers. Click to read more.

Rose Fuchs, MD was awarded the Family Physician of the Year award. This award recognizes a MAFP member with extraordinary accomplishments and service to family medicine over the past year. The recipient exemplifies exceptional dedication to their patients, makes meaningful contributions to their community, demonstrates strong commitment to the practice of family medicine, and serves as a role model to their peers. Click to read more.

Save the Date - 35th Annual Maine AFP Family Medicine Update

Mark your calendars for the 35th Annual Maine AFP Family Medicine Update, taking place May 13–15, 2027 at the beautiful Samoset Resort.

Join family physicians, residents, students, and healthcare professionals from across Maine and beyond for a weekend of learning, collaboration, and connection. This year’s conference will feature timely clinical updates, engaging speakers, networking opportunities, and the chance to reconnect with colleagues in a stunning coastal setting.

Connecting. Learning. Leading. Together.

Additional details, registration information, and program updates will be shared in the coming months.

Introducing the MAFP Board

Get to Know Your MAFP Board!

Brendan Prast MD, MPH practices in Sanford, Maine and serves on the Advocacy Committee as Co-Chair. He is involved in healthcare education as an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at Tufts University College of Medicine and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

MAFP Board Members

At our annual business meeting conducted during our annual update in March 2026, the following members were elected to serve on the Maine Academy of Family Physicians Board: Jiana Menendez, MD, MPH, FAAFP and Lydia Thorp, MD for 3 year terms as officers, Isabella Taylor, DO for 2 year term for alternate delegate for AAFP's Congress of Delegates and Dieter Kreckel, MD, FAAFP for 2 year term as delegate to AAFP's Congress of Delegates. Alicia Kane, DO, is the new Maine–Dartmouth Resident Representative.

If you are interested in becoming a MAFP board member in the future or if you would like to join one of our committees, let us know.

Here is the current list of board members and when their term expires.

Membership Updates

MAFP Connects with Family Medicine Residents at Northern Light

In April, the Maine Academy of Family Physicians recently hosted a residency lunch for first-, second, and third-year family medicine residents at Northern Light Family Medicine and Residency. The lunch provided an opportunity to introduce residents to the MAFP and highlight the services and supports available to members, including physicians in training.

Discover What's New on the MAFP Website

We have updated our website! Visit anytime for updated information about the MAFP or annual meeting, as well as current board members or ways to get involved. https://maineafp.org/

We have Facebook and Instagram accounts! Please follow, like and share the links below to follow the MAFP!

Check out our new Facebook Page!

We’d love to hear from you!

Have ideas for future MAFP newsletters? Contact amuckley@lutinemanagement.com with your ideas!

We look forward to hearing your thoughts