My wife and I are medical students who have been training at Rumford Hospital since June. Recently the hospital applied to the state for permission to improve its facilities. Gov. John Baldacci came to town to meet with hospital CEO John Welsh, hospital board members, staff physicians, employees, our local representatives and concerned citizens.

The governor talked about his support for the hospital and his hopes that the independent commission considering the hospitals’ needs would eventually be successful. The 40-50 or so people who gathered applauded his comments and support. The governor also mentioned that the hospital should be proud of not raising its prices in years, lowering its health insurance premiums, having the only rural training for physicians in the state and its nursing training program.

My wife and I are grateful to train in Rumford. We are Mainers who grew up in a rural setting and hope to practice in the area. We have been welcomed by a wonderful staff and community, and hope the state will continue to support this hospital and the patients who use it.

The greater Rumford area should be proud to have a hospital with dedicated physicians and employees, who serve them every day of the year with quality health care.

Sunny and Jess Aslam,

Rumford