TURNER — DFD Russell Medical Centers has added doctor of osteopathic medicine Gary Rivard to the Turner location as medical director, the organization announced.
The medical center also announced that physician assistant Kassie Skvorak joins the staff in both Turner and Monmouth.
Rivard earned a medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.
He completed a fellowship in academic medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a fellowship in executive leadership through the Hanley Foundation. Board certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Osteopathic Family Medicine, Rivard has more than 12 years’ experience.
“My goal since applying to medical school has been to be the big city doctor in a small town,” said Rivard. “I wake up every day hoping to make a difference in someone’s life, whether it be to help diagnose and treat an injury or disease, or to help my patients achieve their own healthcare goals around healthy lifestyles to prevent disease or minimize the burden of it.”
Rivard’s specialties include chronic disease management, musculoskeletal medicine, and contraceptive care. He is skilled at patient education and strives to engage patients and families so that they may have a clear understanding of their health issues and/or the rationale behind treatment options.
Rivard comes to DFD after years practicing at Elsmore-Dixfield Family Medicine and Rumford Hospital, where he was lead physician.
DFD Russell has locations in Leeds, Monmouth, and Turner.
Skvorak holds a bachelor of science and master of science in physician assistant studies from the University of New England. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Maine Association of Physician Assistants.
“My healthcare philosophy is really about making the patient the center of their care,” said Skvorak, “giving them the tools and education to make informed decisions when it comes to treatment planning, coordination of care and preventative medicine.”
Skvorak specializes in preventative care, pediatrics, women’s health and adult medicine. She offers many services to patients, including health education and small office procedures such as biopsies and other skin care procedures.
“I am truly passionate about helping people feel better, working to get them back to doing the things they enjoy, and giving them the chance to see that they made a huge difference in their health,” said Skvorak.
Before joining DFD Russell Medical Centers, Skvorak worked as a family medicine physician assistant at Central Maine Healthcare and an emergency medical technician at Raymond Fire and Rescue Department.
PHOTO: Gary Rivard, D.O. joins DFD Russell Medical Center as Medical Director of the Turner location. (Submitted photo)
