MaineHealth celebrates the Maine Track Class of 2026

MaineHealth honored the 37 students in the Tufts University School of Medicine – Maine Track Class of 2026 during a ceremony at Hannaford Hall in Portland, Maine. This marks the 14th graduating class from the program, a partnership between MaineHealth and Tufts established 18 years ago to tackle Maine’s physician shortage. Students complete their education through a mix of classroom instruction in Boston and community-based practice in Maine, with 11 of this year’s class set to begin residencies at MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland. The program emphasizes community-focused, relationship-centered medicine, as highlighted by keynote speaker Dr. Jason Moran, a MaineHealth oncologist. Student speaker Grace Gile described the program’s impact, stating it has shaped them into physicians grounded in connection and resilience. Since its launch, 516 physicians have graduated from Maine Track, with 104 currently practicing in Maine, and 72% of them receiving scholarships through the program. MaineHealth awards over $2 million annually in scholarships, funded by private donations and the state’s Doctors for Maine’s Future program, which provides up to $25,000 per student. However, legislative funding for the program remains incomplete, with a bill to fully fund the scholarships failing this year. Without action, the state will fund two fewer scholarships by 2030. MaineHealth is now seeking to raise additional endowed funds to increase scholarship awards to $40,000 per student. Dr. Dena Whitesell, assistant dean for students in the Maine Track program, emphasized the financial barriers to medical education, particularly for those pursuing primary care. She urged the Maine Legislature to invest in the program as a way to strengthen healthcare in rural communities. The ceremony celebrated the students’ achievements while also underscoring the ongoing efforts to sustain and expand the program’s impact.