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The Maine Osteopathic Association (MOA) recently held its first live event in more than a year, with continuing medical education sessions and an awards luncheon, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME.  The hybrid event on June 12 allowed osteopathic physicians and guests to gather in person or virtually via live stream. During an Awards Luncheon to honor the contributions of osteopathic physicians in Maine, York Hospital’s own Christine Munroe, DO of Eliot, Maine was honored as the recipient of the 2021 Roswell P. Bates, DO Public Service Award. The award is named after Roswell P. Bates, DO, a prominent figure in osteopathic medicine in Maine. Nominations for Dr. Munroe highlighted her attitude of selfless service, a cornerstone of the Bates Award tradition. Bruce Bates, DO, son of Roswell Bates, presented the award, explaining that his late father “felt strongly that the privilege of being a physician required an acknowledgement of that privilege through service above oneself.”

Left to Right: MOA Executive Director Amanda Richards; Bruce Bates, DO; MOA President David Scaccia, DO; and MOA Bates Public Service Award 2021 Recipient Christine Munroe, DO

Dr. Munroe, a University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM) graduate, joined York Hospital in 2007. She sees patients at Great Works Family Practice in South Berwick and is also known for her work in substance use disorder and recovery.

Dr. Munroe played a key role in establishing York Hospital’s Recovery Center which offers outpatient treatment for patients with substance use disorders and for those affected by others’ use, and during this past year has continued to manage 25-30 Recovery Center patients in individual and group Zoom meetings in addition to her family medicine patient panel at Great Works. She is on call 24/7 for the Recovery Center patients and the emergency room, initiating intakes and protocols at all hours. Dr. Munroe also serves on the Death with Dignity Committee at York Hospital, serves as a board member for the Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure, and has consulted for the Governor’s council on the opiate epidemic. She also volunteers in her community, including teaching first aid to a local Brownie troop. It is because of her selfless service to her patients and greater community that she was chosen as the 2021 Bates Award recipient.

Upon being notified of Dr. Munroe’s award, York Hospital President and CEO Dr. Patrick Taylor stated: “We are honored to recognize Dr. Munroe for receiving this well-deserved award. Her commitment to York Hospital patients and dedication to serving our community exemplifies, in real time, the patient-centered mission and vision of care, provided with kindness and compassion, that make York Hospital such an important cornerstone of our region as we look to the future.”

Congratulations, Dr. Munroe, on this great achievement! For more information, please contact York Hospital’s Community Relations office at 207-351-2385 or [email protected].