Pines Health Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center located in Caribou and Cary Medical Center are pleased to welcome two new Internal Medicine physicians. Yonas Ateshim, M.D., and Dione Chua, M.D., have relocated to Caribou and have opened their practices in the Pines Caribou Health Center located at 74 Access Highway. The two Internists help to fill a significant need for primary care physicians in Aroostook County focusing on the treatment of adult patients with serious chronic illnesses and complex health issues.

Dr. Yonas Ateshim earned his medical degree at the Gondar University in Gondar, Ethiopia. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the St. John's Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York from 2007  2010.

Dr. Dione Chua earned her Medical Degree in Medicine and Surgery, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Manila, Philippines. She completed her Internship and Residency at the New York Downtown Hospital in New York City.

Kris Doody, RN, and CEO of Cary Medical Center said that the addition of Drs. Ateshim and Chua will be a great benefit to people in Aroostook County.

"We have been working very hard over the past couple of years to build upon our Primary Care services and the arrival of these two outstanding physicians will help meet a growing need for high quality physician care. We have many patients who need the unique skills and training that both Dr. Ateshim and Dr. Chua bring to their practice of medicine. We welcome them to Aroostook County and we are delighted they chose Caribou as their practice location."

Jim Davis, Chief Executive Officer at Pines Health Services, which in addition to it's offices in Caribou has health centers in Limestone, Presque Isle, and Van Buren, said that the ongoing success in recruiting new physicians to the area is a reflection of the community's needs, and additions will continue.

"We are very excited about the arrival of two new internists, joining two new general surgeons who arrived in August. We still have a number of needs and will be bringing additional physicians to the communities we serve. The support of physicians and mid-level providers at Pines and Cary Medical Center has been a big part of this successful effort. Equally important, Caribou and all of Aroostook County have extended a traditional very warm welcome to these new physicians. The friendliness of people here, the quality of life and the natural environment all contribute to recruiting and retaining new members of the medical community.

Patients wishing to schedule an appointment with these new physicians are encouraged to call Pines Health Services at 498-2356.