03/06/2026
Dear Valued Patients,
I was hoping to never have to write this letter, but I must share the difficult news that Downeast Ob/Gyn will be closing. Our final day of business will be Thursday, July 2, 2026. Until that time, we will continue providing care for our patients at our office as we begin the process of transitioning to the next chapter.
This decision has not been made lightly. With the recent loss of two physician partners and a midwife, I now find myself on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As much as I wish I could continue, this level of coverage is simply not sustainable long term. While there are many factors that contributed to this incredibly difficult decision, the primary challenge has been the inability to recruit new physicians into the private practice setting.
When I took over this practice in 2019, my intention was to continue serving this community until my retirement. Please know that I have explored every possible avenue to remain in business, and arriving at this decision has been both professionally and personally distressing.
That said, I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to remain in my hometown while continuing to care for the patients who mean so much to me. I will be joining Women’s Healthcare of Maine at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, and it is my sincere hope that many of you will choose to follow me there so I can continue to be part of your care.
At this time, Emily Skrok, FNP-C and Jaime Williams, FNP-C are still determining where their next professional steps will take them. Both intend to remain in the area, and if possible, they hope to transition their current patients to wherever they land next. We will share additional information regarding their plans as soon as it becomes available.
Over the coming weeks, patients will begin receiving written notification of our closure along with a medical record release form. This will allow you to transfer your records either to Women’s Healthcare of Maine to continue seeing me, or to the provider of your choice. For our obstetric patients, please know that there will be no interruption in the continuity of your care. Our staff is working closely with the team at Women’s Healthcare of Maine to ensure your transition is as seamless as possible.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible staff of Downeast Ob/Gyn. They have helped make this office a place filled with compassion, dedication, and warmth. Their commitment to our patients and to this practice has meant more to me than words can adequately express. As you can imagine, this transition will be difficult for them as well. I kindly ask that as you navigate your own emotions about this change, you continue to extend them the same kindness and patience they have always shown to you.
Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you. Thank you for trusting me with your care, for allowing me to share in some of the most important and intimate moments of your lives, and for supporting me, my family, and this practice over the years. It has been a great privilege to serve this community and to be part of so many of your stories.
Owning Downeast Ob/Gyn has been an incredible honor. I took immense pride in being the only remaining private practice in the area offering full-spectrum obstetrical and gynecological care. While I am deeply saddened that this chapter must come to an end, I remain hopeful that the relationships built here will continue as we move forward into this next phase of care together.
With sincere gratitude,
Christopher A. Rumsey, DO
