Dr. McDermott has been the President of the Medical Staff at Mayo Regional Hospital since 1999. He is a family practice physician at Dover-Foxcroft Family Medicine, has been an active member of Mayo's staff since 1993 and is certified by the American Board of Family Practice.

The Maine Medical Association has been representing the needs of physicians in Maine since 1853. The MMA provides education for physicians about changes in health care regulations, compliance with federal and state mandates, and aspects of clinical medicine. They also are advocates for physician issues and represent physician interests in the deliberations of the State Legislature in Augusta. The Piscataquis County Medical Society is one of 16 county societies active in Maine, and is composed of physicians who live and work in Piscataquis County. All of its members are on the Medical Staff of Mayo Regional Hospital. The Piscataquis Society dates back at least as far as 1898. It has served as a forum for local physicians to share concerns and learn about new aspects of medical care for the last 100 years.

"I look forward to continuing to serve my physician colleagues in this role," said Dr. McDermott of his appointment. "Mayo Regional Hospital has an exceptional group of physicians active at this time on their medical staff. The issues that face physicians working in rural Maine are unique. Without strong representation at the state level of decision making, their ideas may not be considered in policy development.

This is an opportunity to bring our voices to the state organization, and to bring back to our physicians the most current information on issues that affect our ability to continue to provide quality services to our patients, and to continue to attract new physicians to our communities and hospital."