Houlton Regional Hospital negotiates with surgeon facing past misconduct allegations

Houlton Regional Hospital is in negotiations to hire Dr. Ian Reight, a former surgeon at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta. Reight has been the subject of multiple investigations by the Maine Human Rights Commission, the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, and investigative reporting regarding allegations of bullying staff and sexual harassment of women.

While Reight was cleared on most counts during previous investigations, former colleagues described a pervasive toxic culture during his tenure leading the medical staff at MaineGeneral. Following highly publicized hearings in 2024, Reight had previously stated he did not plan to practice in Maine again due to the press coverage and complaints against him.

Houlton Regional Hospital officials did not directly address Reight’s history. Hospital spokeswoman Nichole Jandreau stated that the hospital’s medical staff office works with the credentials committee, Medical Executive Committee, and Board of Directors to finalize provider appointments, reaffirming a commitment to ensuring all practitioners are fully qualified and appropriately privileged.