At the March gathering of the Felician and Dianne Davis Societies, attendees were treated to an inspiring afternoon of stories, insight and connection. Among the many guests were St. Joseph Healthcare President Gregory LaFrancois and a large group of community members eager to hear from two of the organization’s skilled surgeons, Michael Starks, MD, and Pedro Gomez, MD.
Dr. Starks shared his remarkable journey from growing up in Alaska to completing his surgical residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland, ultimately choosing St. Joseph Healthcare as the place to build his career. Dr. Gomez offered a similarly compelling story, tracing his path from Medellín, Colombia, to Texas for residency, and finally to Bangor, where he now practices as a general surgeon.
Both physicians spoke warmly about their lives in the greater Bangor area, highlighting not only the joy of raising their families there but also the strong, supportive culture they’ve found at St. Joseph Healthcare.
Professionally, each surgeon brings unique expertise to the team. Dr. Starks specializes in endocrine surgery and plays an active role on the national stage within his field. Dr. Gomez, meanwhile, has embraced advanced surgical technology, utilizing robotic-assisted procedures to help patients recover more quickly and comfortably. Together, they emphasized how much they value collaborating within a close-knit and highly skilled group of general surgeons.
Their dedication extends far beyond Maine. Just days after the luncheon, Dr. Starks departed for Kenya, continuing a long-standing commitment to performing endocrine surgeries for patients in need.
Events like this luncheon are held at least four times each year, bringing together members of the Felician Society—those who have included St. Joseph Healthcare in their estate plans—and the Dianne Davis Society—those who have given for three or more consecutive years. These gatherings offer a meaningful opportunity to connect, learn and hear firsthand from the people whose work is shaping the future of care in the community.