ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Portage Lake native Dr. Robin Caron, DO, can add the title of medical physician contributor for “ABC News” to her already impressive resume.
Dr. Robin Caron, 29, the daughter of Roland and Linda (Theriault) Caron of Portage Lake, graduated valedictorian from Ashland Community High School in 2003, and went on to Saint Joseph’s College of Maine to earn her undergraduate bachelor of science degree as a biology major with minors in chemistry and mathematics in 2006. From there, she went on to graduate from the University of New England in osteopathic medicine along with a master of public health degree in 2009.
Caron attended medical school at the University Of New England College Of Osteopathic Medicine, attaining her doctor of osteopathic medicine in 2012. She is now currently completing her third year (of a four year) psychiatry residency at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine with the intention of pursuing a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. Caron currently practices medicine in Worcester, Mass. and is in the process of publishing a scientific paper on Angleman Syndrome in collaboration with physicians from Massachusetts General Hospital.
Caron began her position with “ABC News” June 1 and will serve in the medical unit advising producers and correspondents on medical stories and will write health stories and contribute to health segments on “ABC World News,” “Good Morning America,” “Nightline,” “20/20,” national affiliates, radio and ABCNews.com. She is granted access to embargoed material (information soon to be released, but available early to the media) and helps to determine what the significant findings will be such as if the information is factual and if the new/innovative material will benefit most Americans.
“I have the ability to connect with the leading researchers and medical experts from around the world,” said Caron. “It is a wonderful opportunity to grow as a physician and make the most of my dual degrees (of DO and MPH). It is a very rewarding position, and although the true implications are unknown, I cannot help but think that what I am doing is contributing to the way Americans live and practice healthy choices.”
Caron became interested in the position because “ABC News” has “a well-established resident physician program” adding with an upbeat point of view, “It is a wonderful experience. My motivation here is the same as all other aspects of my life, to make the most of every moment.”
Many physicians apply and interview, and if selected, are provided the opportunity to learn the ins-and-outs of medical journalism. Caron feels fortunate to have been “selected and supported.” While she is not necessarily interested in pursuing a career in television, she is “very interested in how medical/health information is released to the public” and how through the use of media “we are able to implement positive change.”
Caron, at this time, has not been featured on camera, although she has been told it’s a “possibility.” She is on-set at “Good Morning America” several times a week and must be present at 6:15 a.m. Caron resumed her full-time medical responsibilities in Worcester July 1, and will make her contributions to “ABC News” remotely. She is thankful she was able to take the month of June off to live in Manhattan to acclimate to her new position with “ABC News.”
Though Caron’s schedule is very demanding, she gets home to Portage Lake about twice a year, which she says is “not as often as I would like.” She will be home this July Fourth for her family’s annual river trip and lobster bake. Her parents, who still live in the home where she was raised, are “now and have always been” her biggest supporters.
“Even at 29 years of age, with multiple degrees and a professional career, my parents cheer me on the same way they did when I first learned to ride a bike,” said Caron. “They are proud. My Mom says it’s awesome and my Dad says it’s fantastic.”
Ashland Summer Feeding Program
The Ashland District School is participating in the Summer Food Service Program sponsored by the USDA. Both breakfast and lunch will be provided to all children without charge. Meals will be served in the Ashland School cafeteria, Monday through Friday, through Friday, Aug. 29. Breakfast will be served from 8-9 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-noon. Come join them for breakfast and lunch!
Ongoing events
The Portage Lake ATV Club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Office. All are welcome to attend. Contact Rena Belanger for membership or more information at 435-2780.
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens meet the first and third Thursday at noon for a potluck luncheon at the LeBlanc Junkins VFW Post 9699 on the Portage Road with a meeting to follow. This active and growing club of senior citizens also takes trips to various restaurants throughout The County, hosts cookouts, enjoys guest speakers and entertainment such as musicians. For more information, contact Roberta Savary at 435-6422.
The Portage Lake Over 50’s Club lunch is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Town Hall. All individuals 50 and over are invited to attend and can bring a potluck dish to share. For more information, contact Jean Clark at 435-8034 or Donna Martin at 435-7108.
The Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet every third Thursday of every month at Dean’s Motor Lodge. Membership dues are $2. Come and have a great meal and a great time, too!
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 227-7760 or Feenhop@aol.com.
