Munson Healthcare (MHC) announced that after 35 years of dedicated service as a surgeon and esteemed clinical and administrative leader, Walt Noble, M.D., FACS, Chief Medical Officer, will retire effectively August 1.
“Dr. Noble has left an indelible mark on the Munson Healthcare system, earning widespread respect for his exceptional patient care, kindness, and dedication to the community,” said Joe Hurshe, Munson Medical Center President. “While his presence will be missed, we celebrate his well-deserved retirement and look forward to his upcoming chapter, which will include spending more time with his family.”
Walt served as Chief Medical Officer at MMC, starting in 2020, during the first global pandemic in 100 years. “His steady leadership was instrumental in navigating Munson Healthcare through this turbulent period,” added Hurshe.
He has been active on the medical staff of Munson Medical Center since 1989 and has been the chief surgical services officer, chair of the Department of Surgery and interim trauma medical director, as well as part of the Trauma Acute Care Surgery Service. He also served on medical mission trips throughout his career.
Munson Healthcare has introduced Thomas Schermerhorn, MD, MHCDS, FAANS, a distinguished Neurosurgeon at MHC, as the next Chief Medical Officer of Munson Medical Center. “Dr. Schermerhorn brings over 26 years of expertise to this role, beginning with his residency at Mayo Clinic and culminating in his most recent position as Attending Neurosurgeon and Section Chief at MMC,” said Hurshe. “His appointment ensures a seamless transition, honoring Dr. Noble's legacy while guiding Munson Medical Center toward continued excellence in patient care and community service.”
Dr. Schermerhorn has been instrumental in advancing Munson Healthcare’s neurosurgical capabilities, including leadership contributions to becoming Northern Michigan’s first and only Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Beyond his medical contributions, Dr. Schermerhorn is a graduate of West Point, serving for 7 years in the U.S. Army. He was Salutatorian of his Wayne State medical school class and a recent graduate of Dartmouth’s Master of Health Care Delivery Science program. Dr. Schermerhorn will begin his new role on August 1.