As part of our Committed to You brand campaign, we’re sharing stories from your healthcare teammates about how they demonstrate their commitment to our patients every day. Today, Michael Stargardt, DO, FAAP, Manistee Pediatrics is Committed to Young Lives.
“Growing up in Charlevoix, I always admired my best friend’s dad, who was our town’s physician. I respected how committed he was to our community and his patients, and he inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. After graduating from Charlevoix High School, I went to Alma College where I dual majored in Spanish and Biology. I also began volunteer work in clinics, which made me fall in love with medicine even more – especially pediatrics.
I attended medical school at Michigan State University, followed by a residency program at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, focusing on taking care of critically ill children. I eventually went on to complete fellowship training in intensive care medicine. This background gives me a unique ability to treat families with compassion and help guide them through challenging times.
As a parent of now adult children, I can relate to the excitement, joy, and stress of parenting. After decades of working with pediatric patients and their families, I find it rewarding to offer support, encouragement, and medical care on their journey. The part I enjoy most about my job is educating and guiding families as they move through life.
Although I spent most of my career practicing in Southeast Michigan, I always had a desire to return to Northern Michigan and joined the Munson team in 2021. Working at Munson has been incredibly rewarding, including the opportunity to work in the same hospital system where my siblings were born and my parents continue to receive healthcare. Munson is a special place because of the deep commitment to the region and providing an elevated level of medical care.
In addition to my work at Munson, I enjoy working with Spanish speaking families and participating in medical missions in Latin America. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Casa Colibri, a not-for-profit organization serving rural Guatemala. I believe we are very fortunate in our country to have medical services, and it is rewarding to help communities that have no access to healthcare. This occurs particularly in rural regions, where there are no medical facilities, and transportation for patients is very limited.”
To learn more about the Committed to You campaign, visit our community webpage.