Title:Reflections on Health with Kieran Kammerer, M.D. (M’86)

I knew about Georgetown’s great reputation through my oldest brother, Dennis (C’74). I also knew Thomas Rizzo, M.D. (M’85) and Peter Rizzo, M.D. (C’82, G’83, M’87) from my hometown of Bronxville, New York.

My two closest friends are from my class: Donald Lewis, M.D. (M’86) and Kenneth Meehan, M.D. (M’86, R’89). We still stay in very close contact and I follow their career successes.

I chose pediatrics because I knew I could make a big impact on the world through kids.

I was the recipient of a Uniformed Services Air Force scholarship and subsequently did my residency with them. I loved my time in the military and met a great group of people. However, I always knew I wanted to practice in a smaller town where I could get to know the community and develop close relationships with pediatric patients and their families.

For the last 31 years, I’ve been with Kennebec Pediatrics located in Augusta, Maine.

Receiving the Maine Hospital Association’s 2023 Caregiver of the Year Award came as a big surprise for me. I’ve never expected any kind of accolades. Like many health care provider’s families, my family made many sacrifices during my career. It was very special to share the award with all of them. I was also honored to receive the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Kenney Award earlier this year.

Because my practice is located in the state capitol, I often get the opportunity to talk to legislators about issues impacting the children in Maine. Recently we worked with our local city counselors on getting flavored tobacco products out of my own city of Hallowell.

Over the years, I’ve cut back on office hours and pursued my woodworking business, Hallowell Woodworks. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and woodworking allows me to create and decompress. When my first daughter was born, I built her a cradle. I then merged my two passions and focused on creating heirloom, wooden baby rattles. I design the rattles to stimulate infant’s visual, auditory, and tactile senses.

Retirement is rapidly approaching and I can truly say I have worked in one of the best possible professions. As I quietly work in my shop, I know I will reflect fondly on a career made possible through my Georgetown education.