Maine Medical Association Executive Vice President Gordon Smith, Esq. was named in Maine Magazine's July 2016 edition as one of 50 Mainers charting the State's future. The article pointed out Gordon's advocacy for Maine physicians and public health, particularly in the area of smoking prevention. "One of his proudest accomplishments is the work done by Maine Medical Association and its partners in forming the Maine Coalition on Smoking or Health in 1980 and proceeding to pass more than 20 laws over the next three decades, cleaning up the indoor air in the state from second-hand tobacco smoke."

Gordon was lauded for his collaborative work in a variety of areas, not the least of which is his recent work on licensing and regulating midwives' practice to protect the health of mothers and babies. “I have an opportunity every day to be engaged in some of the most challenging issues of our time," Gordon is quoted as saying, "to build collaborative relationships, and to improve both the health and healthcare of Mainers.”

Also featured in the same article is MMA member Dr. Hector Tarraza, chair of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Maine Medical Center. Dr. Tarraza has participated in over 100 medical mission trips to various parts of the world over the last 20 years.  Dr. Tarraza says of this work, “We immerse ourselves within the community and learn from them where the gaps exist.  We embrace their culture, with respect, and build on their knowledge. ”He focuses on improving surgical practices in the countries he visits, as well as on improving the knowledge and skills of the OB/GYN resident physicians who accompany him on the trips. 

All of us at the MMA are very proud to work with Gordon and Dr. Tarraza, and we are pleased that their work is being recognized in this way.