Position opening - medical director

Maine CDC’s Division of Population Health has an opening for a full-time medical director based in Augusta.  The successful candidate will provide leadership for public health activities within the state that pertain to maternal and child health and chronic diseases and their prevention.  

Direct Hire applications must be completed and sent to Human Resources by Feb. 17.  To learn more, go to: http://go.usa.gov/QaG

Position Description:

The Population Health Medical Director serves as the principal medical subject matter expert and resource in the Population Health Division of the Maine CDC. This position provides leadership and medical direction for public health activities within the state that pertain to maternal and child health and chronic diseases and their prevention. Assists program managers with program planning and implementation. Provides guidance and consultation to ensure programming is evidence-based or best practices. Provides technical assistance to epidemiologists in the Division and assists in developing reports on disease burden and epidemiology. Represents the Division as the medical subject matter expert on internal and external workgroups and committees.

Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited Medical or Osteopathic School in the United States (graduates of foreign medical schools must present evidence of having passed FLEX or National Board Examinations or of current Maine licensure) AND a Masters Degree in Public Health or at least two (2) years of full-time experience in specialty area. Certificate of registration with the right to practice medicine and surgery in Maine as issued by the State Board of Registration of Medicine is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in public health, preventive medicine, or quality improvement.

Norovirus

 Since the end of December, Maine CDC has investigated 16 reports of gastroenteritis outbreaks statewide. Norovirus Genotype II has been identified as the cause of one of the outbreaks. Norovirus infections typically increase during the winter months, and Maine CDC routinely receives reports of suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks each year. Public health partners are encouraged to consider norovirus when assessing clusters of gastroenteritis and to act promptly to prevent the spread of illness.

Noroviruses spread easily, causing more than 20 million gastroenteritis cases each year in the U.S. There's no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection and no drug to treat it. Wash your hands often and follow simple tips to stay virus-free.

For more information, see this health alert  or this US CDC feature.

Salmonella associated with pet turtles

 US CDC is collaborating with the Pennsylvania State Health Department in an ongoing investigation of the outbreak of 132 human Salmonella infections between August 2010 and September 2011 associated with exposure to small turtles (those with shell lengths less than 4 inches). Many of these infections occurred in young children, whose illness can be severe and cause hospitalization.

Despite a three-decade ban on the sale of small turtles, these infections continue to occur. Turtles are not appropriate pets in households with young children or other high risk individuals (pregnant women, older persons and the immune-compromised).

For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SalmonellaFrogTurtle/

American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month.  Most of us know someone who has had a heart attack or stroke.  In Maine about 23% of all deaths are from heart disease and another 5% are from stroke.  

You can help protect yourself and your loved ones from heart disease and stroke by understanding the risks and taking these steps:

• Know your ABCS
• Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day
• Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, if you do, work with your doctor to treat it
• If you Smoke, get help to quit
• Be physically active at least 30 minutes on most days
• Eat more fruits, vegetables and other foods low in sodium and transfat
• Take medicine as prescribed by your doctor

For more information visit http://www.mainehearthealth.org/