MaineGeneral pediatrician Dr. Kammerer is MHA Caregiver of the Year
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(Augusta and Rockport, Maine) Kieran Kammerer, MD, a pediatrician and medical director of MaineGeneral pediatric pracitices, is the Maine Hospital Association’s 2023 Caregiver of the Year.
The MHA Caregiver of the Year Award is given to a caregiver employed by a member institution who, on a daily basis, demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the delivery of care to patients and their families. Dr. Kammerer received the award at the Association’s annual Summer Forum on June 21 at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.
Dr. Kammerer has dedicated his career to his young patients at MaineGeneral for 30 years.
“As he approaches retirement, he continues to give the best care and service to patients and families, as well as setting up the next generation of leadership at MaineGeneral pediatric practices,” said Chuck Hays, MaineGeneral Health president and CEO. “Additionally, he participates in events and fundraisers and uses his creative talents outside of the health system to support his community, thereby impacting the lives of young people in the Kennebec Valley beyond his professional contributions.”
Emily Bessey’s infant son Ezra was Dr. Kammerer’s patient when he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a fatal genetic disease. “Dr. K took such incredible care of not only our son, but our whole family. He would check on us from time to time to see how we were managing,” she said.
“Dr. K had an understanding of the severity of this diagnosis and encouraged us to find a way to channel our fear and grief in a productive way,” she said. “Together, we created Hearts For Ezra, a foundation with the mission of raising awareness and fighting for a cure for SMA. We held community events to raise awareness about the disease and generate money to help fund research efforts. Dr. K provided a very tangible way for the larger community to rally around a family in need and helped us all make a difference.”