HOOKSETT – In the heart of Hooksett, New Hampshire, Dr. Maria Alicia Davila has built a remarkable legacy through her medical practice in pulmonology and internal medicine, which she has run from her home at 1611 Hooksett Road since approximately 1969, with her devoted sister Agnes by her side from the very beginning.
While Agnes expertly handles the office administration, Dr. Davila focuses on her patients, affirming, “My patients love me. My patients love me. That is why I didn’t retire two years ago.”
This unwavering partnership has been the backbone of their practice. Dr. Davila recalls, “You won’t ever pay her more than what I pay her. Good luck,” as she turned down other doctors wanting to hire Agnes.
This spirit of family unity reflects the deep-rooted values that Dr. Davila holds dear.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Davila arrived in the United States in the 1960s, bringing with her a profound commitment to patient care and community service.
Educated at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain – a university established 700 years ago – she learned the European approach to medicine before specializing in Connecticut.
“It was important for me to gain some experience of the United States with the technology,” she said.
Her journey eventually led her to serve as the chief of pulmonary medicine at the New Hampshire Veterans Association Hospital in Manchester, a position she left after a year due to her concerns about how veterans were treated. This pivotal moment inspired her to start her own practice.
Having first rented an apartment in Hooksett, she often passed by 1611 Hooksett Road and noticed it appeared empty. “That is when I purchased the property,” she said.
Now, at 88 years old, she prepares for retirement, leaving behind a legacy of compassion that has profoundly impacted countless lives.
The home where Dr. Davila practices medicine is steeped in history, having been previously owned by the Blakeslee family, a prominent name in Hooksett’s early years.
The Blakeslees were deeply rooted in the community, contributing to local politics and founding the beloved Indian Cliff Inn & Cabins just under a mile south of the home, known for its scenic beauty and hospitality.
Dr. Davila formed a close friendship with Ken Blakeslee, who inherited the house from his father George Blakeslee, and recalls fondly, “Ken and his wife attended many community fundraisers and events that I hosted – over 200, inside the home.”
These gatherings fostered a sense of community and support, embodying her belief that caring for people is essential in any profession.
“I always stayed (in) private practice. I never worked for anybody,” she said with pride, emphasizing her independence.
Dr. Davila has been a tireless advocate for her patients, often fighting for their needs.
“I went to the New Hampshire Attorney General three times when Elliot Hospital looked to buy Catholic Medical Center in Manchester,” she said.
Her efforts were instrumental in preserving the unique cultural care that CMC provided, ensuring Manchester residents had access to two community hospitals. This was during the administration of Gov. John Lynch. She got to know the governor and many other influential people in New Hampshire and beyond during her life in this work.
Her commitment to the community has been reflected not only in her advocacy but also in her friendships with local leaders. Long Standing Manchester Parks & Recreation Director Clem Lemire was a “friend of a friend from Connecticut” and he came to the Hooksett home and renovated the downstairs basement into Dr. Davila’s current office today. She says he never charged her a penny.
The former mayor of Manchester in the 1980s, Emile Beaulieu, became a patient, as did numerous doctors and administrators at the local hospitals.
“I was the doctor of everybody,” she said with a smile, reflecting the trust and rapport she built over decades. “I have fantastic relationships with everybody.”
When asked what is the key to these relationships, she simply answers “compassion.” Davila said “I see an individual as an individual.”
Locally famous resident Christina Katsikas, owner of Hooksett Fireworks and proud owner of South Hooksett’s Stone House, is also a patient of Davila’s and so was Katsikas’s parents.
This generational pattern of patients is not rare to Davila after having practiced here for over 50 years now. She laughed, saying “I think I have the most death certificates than any other doctor in town because I have been doing this for so long.”
Dr. Davila’s influence extended beyond her pulmonary and primary care practice; she also directed hospice care at Elliot Hospital.
“Hospice is end-of-life care. It’s absolutely important, and this community doesn’t give it the importance it has. You have to read about death and dying. It’s very important because that is the biggest problem we have.”
Her dedication to her patients even included making cocktails for them at the end of life, adding a personal touch to her care and making house calls when needed.
Dr. Davila emphasized that listening to her patients is crucial to effective care.
“You have to love people,” she said. “Love what you do.”
This mantra has defined her practice, endearing her to patients who often feel like family. “They think that I walk on water,” she smiles, a testament to the loyalty she has cultivated over her extensive career.
As Dr. Davila prepares for retirement, she is overwhelmed by the love and gratitude from her patients, who continue to send cards and messages expressing their appreciation. Dr. Davila’s journey from Puerto Rico to Hooksett stands as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a community and our country.
As she transitions into the next chapter of her life, the spirit of compassion she championed will continue to resonate in Hooksett, inspiring future generations to prioritize care and community – just as the Blakeslee family and Dr. Davila has done.
