UNE partners with Piper Shores to open new medical clinic at Scarborough facility

The University of New England has announced a partnership with Piper Shores — Maine’s only nonprofit life plan retirement community — to open a new, collaborative health care facility at the organization’s The Meadows campus in Scarborough. 

The new Medical Clinic at The Meadows will be staffed by qualified family physicians and nurse practitioners from UNE’s MatureCare program, a geriatric physician and physician-extender practice within the College of Osteopathic Medicine that specializes in care and services for older adults living in assisted living and congregate housing environments. 

The partnership with UNE extends Piper Shores’ wellness offerings, which currently include personal care, in-home care, medical emergency response care, and an array of specialty services. The new clinic will provide timely and convenient care for minor conditions including, but not limited to, allergies, abdominal pain, minor burns and bruises, cough, fever, nausea, and sprains — ensuring that residents’ common health concerns can be addressed onsite.

The clinic is led by Kathryn Brandt, D.O., clinical professor within the College of Osteopathic Medicine and chair of the Department of Primary Care, along with Bill Burge, M.D., associate clinical professor.

With the guidance of these and other leading UNE physicians, UNE students will gain valuable learning experiences, including shadowing opportunities and the ability to work directly with professors who are also practicing physicians, helping them transition smoothly into the workforce upon graduation.

UNE is among the few private universities with a comprehensive health education mission, encompassing medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, nursing, and the allied health professions.

“Our partnership with Piper Shores aligns perfectly with our mission to expand and diversify our health care offerings for older adults,” Brandt remarked. “UNE has a long-standing commitment to training health care professionals and serving older adults in Maine. This clinic not only provides essential medical services but also serves as a teaching practice where we can model exemplary care for our students. It’s a tremendous opportunity for our MatureCare physicians to engage with healthier, more vigorous older adults, providing our students a broader range of medical experiences.”

The collaborative development of these walk-in services allows both Piper Shores and MatureCare to diversify their practice offerings, providing enhanced care for residents.

“The health and well-being of our residents is always our top priority,” stated Piper Shores CEO Philip Jean, MBA. “With over 450 residents in our care, we are proud to introduce this new preventive and supportive care service as a significant milestone in our commitment to providing high-quality health care. The clinic will treat a wide range of conditions, complementing our existing services.”

Jean continued, “This exciting partnership with the University of New England not only enhances our ability to meet the evolving needs of our community but also offers valuable learning experiences for University students under the guidance of qualified physicians. By continuing to lead in the continuing care retirement community space, we ensure that residents and their families have peace of mind knowing they receive comprehensive, top-notch care.”

The Medical Clinic at The Meadows opens on Aug. 9 and is available exclusively to Piper Shores residents.