Ellen Lauer, DO, Named Young Physician of the Year

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Ellen Lauer, DO, Pediatrician at Penobscot Pediatrics, has been named the Maine Osteopathic Association’s Young Physician of the Year!  Dr. Lauer was recognized for her anti-bullying education work called “Skate Don’t Hate” with Central Maine Derby. She has made a significant impact on the lives of many youth living in Maine with her important message about bullying prevention. The Central Maine Roller Derby (CMD) started Skate Don’t Hate, an anti-bullying program, to share the belief that that everyone should live in a world without bullying. Through this program, skaters present at local schools and talk to kids about promoting tolerance and acceptance, working as a team, respecting diversity and speaking out against bullying.

Dr. Lauer, states, “The more energy and effort we put into making happy, healthy kids, the more likely they are to turn into healthy, happy adults. That’s the mission of a pediatrician, and I can carry that mission on as a member of a community.”

Dr. Lauer was recognized by the Maine Osteopathic Association on June 6th at its annual Presidential Awards Luncheon at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME. The MOA recognized two outstanding osteopathic physicians (DOs) who have made a tremendous impact on the profession. Ellen Lauer, DO, was named the MOA Young Physician of the Year. The award is presented to a Doctor of Osteopathy who has been in practice for at least one full year but no more than five years, demonstrates involvement as a practitioner and member of his or her community, and is recognized as having the potential to become a major force in osteopathic medicine in the future.

Angela Cole Westhoff, Executive Director, Maine Osteopathic Association, states, “Skate Don’t Hate is just one way this DO gives back to her community. She also volunteers at her local YMCA and participates in its annual triathlon fundraiser. A graduate of UNECOM, this physician is employed at the Penobscot Community Health Care in Bangor where she’s well-liked by her colleagues and her patients.”