When recently retired orthopedic surgeon Ed White recruited Sean Moran, MD to join him at Miles Memorial Hospital, Moran had a few critical questions.

“It was important to talk about our philosophy of the practice,” Moran said in recent interview. “And there also had to be a hockey team and a league that I could play in.”

As luck would have it, there was alignment on both fronts and Dr. Moran came to Damariscotta 32 years ago. In August, Moran will join Dr. White among the recently retired, bringing to end his long and successful career.

“Dr. Moran has done so much for this community for more than three decades,’’ said Stacey Miller, Vice President of Physician Services. “His commitment to this hospital, our team and his patients has been phenomenal and his surgical skills have made many people’s lives more enjoyable. He will be missed.”

Moran grew up in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts and took a year off after high school to play junior hockey. He went to school at North Adams State College for a year and played college hockey there before focusing on his studies at the University of Lowell. Later, he found his way to Tufts University School of Medicine.

Moran learned a lot about Maine from his next-door neighbor, who grew up in Caribou. While working with one of White’s friends at Newton-Wellesley hospital, Moran heard about an opportunity to come to what was then Miles Memorial Hospital.

“The community was small, beautiful and rural,” Moran said. “After going in and out of Boston for 10 years, I’d had enough of that. I was excited to be working with Ed White because we shared the same values in patient care.”

Unlike some doctors starting their careers who use a small hospital as a stepping stone to bigger and better things, Moran was content from the beginning.

“I didn’t take this as a starter job. I intended to stay,’’ he said. “I loved it here. Some people save up all year to come and spend a week here and I’m lucky enough to live here year-round.”

As a general orthopedic surgeon, Moran has seen his share of bone fractures, injured ankles and knees, shoulders that need repair and much more. Technological advancements have led to many joint replacement procedures over the years.

“It’s been a little bit of everything but I’ve found it all very satisfying,’’ he said. “Taking a bone that has been fractured in six different places and stabilizing the leg with screws is still gratifying. Seeing someone three months after knee replacement surgery and hearing about how the procedure has changed their life is great as well. I’ve found the diversity of procedures very appealing.”

Moran has nothing but praise for the support he’s received over his career.

“The Operating Room crew and all of the caregivers are exceptional. They do whatever it takes to give a patient the best possible care,” he said. “That commitment goes all the way up through the administration.”

If he could give advice to surgeons starting out, Moran said he would stress the importance of teamwork and being willing to help out whenever possible.

“As an old hockey player, I’ve always taken a team approach to everything. You can’t do the job by yourself. You need office support, hospital support, OR staff, nursing care, Physical Therapy to help with rehab and lots more,” he said.

Moran said that he is grateful for the trust his patients have shown in him during the last 32 years. He also thanked his wife, Karen and their three children, Brendan, Patrick and Katie for their support and encouragement.

While the retirement years are not well-defined, Moran knows that he will enjoy the outdoors, including fishing, and continue to play hockey for as long as he can.

“There’s nothing like it,” he said. “When you put on the skates and pads, it’s like you’re 12 years old again.”