News

Bob and Pauline Young were honored by Munson leaders and staff this past weekend for a recent $1 million donation which has provided new cutting-edge technology to Munson Medical Center’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

The Youngs made their first donation to Munson Healthcare almost a half-century ago...

Livia Argyle, R.N., steps into her nursing role on a cardiothoracic nursing floor at Munson Medical Center with a world of perspective and perspective of the world.

She is a native of Manaus, Brazil, a city of nearly 2 million that is the capital of the state of Amazonas. The large modern city sits...

Munson Medical Center’s Echocardiography program was recently recognized by IAC Echocardiography with Bronze Milestone Recognition for its long-term commitment to continuously improving patient outcomes and safety.

The hospital received the Bronze Milestone Recognition for its 20 years of...

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., FAAP, and President of Ambulatory Services and Business Development Ellen Smith today announced the appointment of Dino Recchia, M.D., FACC, as Heart and Vascular Service Line Medical Director for the health system.

“Dr. Recchia will...

Brandon M. Wojcik, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Munson Medical Center specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. 

Dr. Wojcik practices widely in both adult cardiac and thoracic surgery. He has special interests in open and endovascular thoracic aortic surgery, valve repair and replacement...

Munson Healthcare Foundations Manager John Gower, left, receives a check from Fraternal Order
of Eagles President Mike Bristol.

As the statewide president of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Mike Bristol of Traverse City can choose the beneficiary for all the state’s Eagle Aeries charity...

Erik H. Howell, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in interventional cardiology.

Dr. Howell practices with Traverse Heart & Vascular as part of Munson Healthcare’s heart team of 22 cardiologists. He will be seeing patients at the Traverse City and...

Junewai L. Reoma, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in thoracic and cardiac surgery. 

Dr. Reoma practices at Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Grand Traverse, 1221 Sixth St., Suite 202, Traverse City. He is accepting new patients, and appointments can be...

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital is proud to announce the recertification of its cardiac rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). This national certification is recognition of Manistee Hospital’s commitment to improving the...

Jennifer G. Emmons, D.O., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in cardiology and echocardiography. 

Dr. Emmons has joined the Traverse Heart & Vascular team of 21 cardiologists. She will be seeing patients at the Traverse City and Grayling locations. She is accepting new...

John L. Coatney, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in cardiology and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. 

Dr. Coatney is a member of the Traverse Heart & Vascular team of 20 cardiologists. He will be seeing patients at the Traverse City location. He is accepting...

Kristen N. Maurice, D.O., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in cardiology. 

Dr. Maurice has joined the Traverse Heart & Vascular team of 20 cardiologists. She will be seeing patients at the Traverse City and Cadillac locations. She is accepting new patients, and...

“If you want your old life back, this is the place that can make it happen! Life as you know it does not have to be over. Just go for it! You won’t be sorry!”

Wise words from 64-year-old patient John Teesdale – who completed cardiac rehab at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital following a...

Susan Kotila is now an advocate for heart health after undergoing triple bypass surgery. She shares the symptoms she experienced and how getting her heart checked out through Munson Healthcare helped her prevent a heart attack.

“Women tend to be caregivers and tend to take care of their families...

A great little choice that can make a big difference in your heart health is to simply change how you snack. Watch as Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Wellness Instructor Rachel Sytsma Reed, PhD, shares one of her favorite crunchy – and heart-healthy – snacks. Find the recipe following the video below.

...

Here’s a little choice from Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Wellness Instructor Rachel Sytsma Reed, PhD, that is instantly enjoyable: choose bread with just FIVE ingredients (typically found in the bakery or produce section of your local grocery store) for a sandwich or toast that’s filled with heart...

Watch as Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Wellness Instructor Rachel Sytsma-Reed, PhD, explains step #1 of this heart-healthy, three-part challenge that encourages you to slowly incorporate little choices that can really add up. See her remaining two challenges following the video as well as a delicious...

As Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Wellness Instructor Rachel Sytsma Reed, PhD, shares, your daily salads don’t have to be so leafy green after all. Adding nuts and seeds, fruits, root and cruciferous veggies, and even heart-healthy starches like sweet potatoes or beans can help you fill up on colorful...

Little Choices, Little Symptoms: Understanding Heart Disease in Women

Women are just as vulnerable to heart disease as men. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among both genders in the US. For women, the symptoms can feel much different than they do for men. For example, only...

"I love the concept of talking about health around the table," says Rachel Sytsma Reed about the cooking classes she is teaching at the Charlevoix Wellness Workshop.

Rachel changed her diet at age 15 after showing signs of heart disease. This has lead to reducing the number of medications. She now...

Stroke threats in any form represent major concerns for any patient or physician.

Munson Medical Center is among the first hospitals in the country – and one of just four in the state – to introduce the Sentinel® Cerebral Protection System. The technology helps protect patients from the risk of...

Life is about so much more than surviving. It’s about living. At Munson Medical Center, we believe that the people in our beautiful communities deserve to enjoy all of the great things life has to offer us here in northern Michigan – and patients with heart conditions are no exception.

Our Traverse...

Hunting can put stress on the body and especially the heart. Traverse Heart & Vascular cardiologist Kevin Clayton, DO joins local experts to offer tips on how to stay healthy and safe when heading out into the woods this hunting season.

Video courtesy of 7 & 4 News.

 

Munson Healthcare YouTube...

The MitraClip and Watchman are two new devices that allow for less invasive heart procedures and serve as an alternative to open heart surgery in many cases. Learn one man’s story about how these procedures allowed him to resume his active lifestyle.

Video courtesy of 9 & 10 News.

 

Munson...

Ensuring heart care services are available in Frankfort and Benzie County makes sense to longtime Benzonia resident John Riegler. Five years after his massive heart attack on Feb. 4, 2013, he still sees big value in continuing his exercises at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation...

Benzie County-area residents are invited to see the sparkling new Cardiac Rehabilitation Suite at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital during a grand opening from 4 - 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4.

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital President Peter Marinoff said the new suite is a significant upgrade from the...

Like many northern Michigan residents, caring for her yard - a sprawling stretch of green in Falmouth, MI - was Maria Stephen's favorite pastime. But she could feel herself slowing down.

"I blamed it on my age," she said.

During a routine spring cleanup, however, Maria was suddenly struggling to...

Tony Ryan doesn’t know why he is still alive – but he appreciates every minute he is given. Tony credits Munson Medical Center, his doctors, and his “angel nurses” for pulling him through a desperately critical illness.

Tony’s wife, Colleen, was told he was the sickest patient at Munson Medical...

The new Patient Diagnostic Center at Grayling Hospital is significantly decreasing the wait time for many types of patients. The new unit centralizes surgical and diagnostic testing, and also houses patients under observation and behavioral health patients awaiting placement.

Completely designed...

Ronie Williams does not mind showing her four surgical scars to other patients in her cardiac rehab group. 

Hers are a lot smaller than theirs – even though everyone has had heart surgery. “They can see the scars and can’t believe that’s all I have,” she said. 

The 52-year-old from Grawn is back...

Munson Medical Center cardiologists offer ‘WATCHMAN’ device to reduce risks

New heart care technology at Munson Medical Center is helping reduce the risk of strokes for certain heart patients with atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeats.  

Joe Batteiger, 72, of Traverse City became the first...

Potential benefits of robotic surgery are less blood loss, less risk of infection, less post-surgical pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a quicker recovery.

Hear one woman's story about how the surgical team at Munson Medical Center used robotic surgery to repair her torn heart valve.

Video...

Ensuring heart care services are available in Frankfort and Benzie County makes sense to longtime Benzonia resident John Riegler.

Nearly five years after his massive heart attack on Feb. 4, 2013, he still sees big value in continuing his exercises at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac...

Interventional Cardiologist Nicklaus Slocum, MD, FACC, FSCAI, and Cardiothoracic Surgeon Daniel Drake, MD, share the latest minimally invasive catheter-based technology that closes leaking mitral valves – MitraClip®. The device is smaller than a paper clip and restores integrity to the valve, giving...

Minimally invasive procedure gives patients options when once there were none

Traverse City’s Edwin Mucha thought his shortness of breath probably meant more heart problems. He was right.

After visiting his cardiologist, he learned the problem was a leaky mitral valve in his heart. The good news...

Munson Healthcare recently announced the appointment of Cheryl Wieber as the executive director of Heart & Vascular Services for the system.

Wieber joins the organization with extensive leadership experience in Florida and Michigan hospitals. Her most recent role was as assistant vice president...

People try to kick the smoking habit with varying degrees of success. Residents of northern Michigan are finding true success through a Freedom from Smoking program offered by Munson Healthcare. Learn how the program helped one northern Michigan woman.

Video courtesy of 7&4 News.

 

Munson Medical Center today dedicated its renovated office space for cardiologists and heart outpatients at 1200 Sixth Street.  

The Maxon Advanced Cardiac Care Clinic included renovations of the first and second floor of the building that were funded by a $3 million grant from the Maxon...

Gregory M. Francisco, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board certified specialist in cardiology and clinical cardiac electrophysiology.  

Dr. Francisco practices at Traverse Heart and Vascular, 1200 Sixth St., Suite 200, in Traverse City. He is accepting new patients, and...

 

Andrew H. Teklinski, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board certified specialist in cardiology.

Dr. Teklinski practices at Traverse Heart and Vascular, 1200 Sixth St., Ste. 200, in Traverse City. He will also be visiting clinics in Gaylord and Indian River. He is...

Edward J. Bergeron, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in cardiothoracic surgery.  

Dr. Bergeron practices at Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Grand Traverse, 1221 Sixth St., Suite 202, Traverse City. He is accepting new patients, and appointments can be made by calling...

Physician specializes in cardiology and interventional cardiology

Benjamin T. Ebner, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board certified specialist in cardiology and interventional cardiology.

Dr. Ebner practices at Traverse Heart and Vascular, 1200 Sixth St., Ste. 200, in...

For some stroke patients in northern Michigan, an implantable cardiac monitor can help diagnose an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Diagnosis and treatment offered by Munson Healthcare can help prevent a second stroke.

Video courtesy of 9&10 News.

 

Schedule visits with Munson Healthcare physicians at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital

Seven medical specialties bring health care close to home at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital.

Hospital President Peter Marinoff said it makes sense that area residents do not have to drive to find the expertise they...

Munson Medical Center’s nationally ranked heart program sends specialists weekly

Providers from Munson Medical Center’s nationally ranked heart program bring their expertise weekly to Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital.

Munson Medical Center cardiologist Dino Recchia, M.D., FACC, nurse practitioner...

Patient experienced crisis overseas; came home to experience a great outcome

Robert McKee knows the heart team at Munson Medical Center. He’s put his life in their hands on more than one occasion.

“You have a good group up there,” he said from his winter home in Florida. He had just walked a mile...

A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an implanted device that helps the heart pump blood. Learn about one northern Michigan patient's experience with LVAD and how he is receiving ongoing care at the Heart Failure Clinic at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Mich.

Video courtesy of 9&10...

Kalkaska Memorial Health Center program supports cardiac recoveries

American Heart Association statistics reveal one in three adults in the U.S. have cardiovascular disease. It remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the nation.

Recent research shows that nearly 80 percent of...

Munson Healthcare cardiologists and additional staff offer enhanced coordinated care 

Munson Healthcare officials and Traverse Heart and Vascular physicians invite the public to a ribbon cutting and open house for the Maxon Medical Building in Grayling from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb...

Free community seminar focuses on preventing coronary artery disease 

Those fancy, expensive gadgets and machines in our lives demand attention and loving care. 

So does our heart. 

Kalkaska Memorial Health Center will offer the free community seminar “Treat Your Heart Like a Cadillac” from 6 - 7...

U.S. News and World Report puts spotlight on Munson Medical Center specialties

Chris Shotwell is quick to voice his appreciation for the quality of heart care available close to his Traverse City home.

The 67-year-old retiree underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2012 and has been a faithful...

Staying fit is more than a goal for T. Michael Jackson. It’s a lifestyle.

“You only have so many years that you will be vertical,” he says.

So at 80, the former public relations executive for Dow Corning stays strong and fit – and vertical – as he points his skis down an area resort’s hills. And...

Through the specialty clinics at Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort, Mich., Benzie County residents have convenient access to Munson Healthcare specialists in cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, physical medicine, and podiatry. Learn more.

Video courtesy...

Munson Medical Center’s Karen Zimmerman named Editor-in-Chief of medical journal

A Munson Medical Center sonographer recently added the title “Editor-in-Chief” of a national medical journal to her name.

She is a partner in that role with a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist.

Karen Zimmerman, BS, ACS...

Physician specializes in vascular surgery

Matthew G. Roos, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in vascular surgery. Dr. Roos practices at Vascular Center of Northern Michigan, 3930 Cedar Run Rd., Traverse City. He is accepting new patients, and appointments can be...

Munson Medical Center one of 100 facilities nationally with FDA-approved technology

Munson Medical Center recently became one of the first 100 hospitals in the nation to receive bioresorbable scaffold stent-like devices to treat patients with coronary artery disease. The device was recently...

Some patients experience heart damage as a result of aggressive cancer treatment. Munson Healthcare Cardiologist Thomas Andrews, MD, FACC, is a cardio-oncologist who specializes in treating these patients in northern Michigan and talks about his work.

Video courtesy of 9&10 News.

 

Minutes matter during an emergency. Call 911 at the first sign that something is wrong, such as symptoms of heart attack, stroke, or difficulty breathing.

Video courtesy of 9&10 News. 

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses honors cardiothoracic nursing staff

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recently conferred a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence on Munson Medical Center’s cardiothoracic nursing unit staff in the Webber Heart Center.

The Beacon Award...

Munson Medical Center areas qualify as Blue Distinction Centers

Munson Medical Center’s cardiac care, maternity, and knee and hip replacement areas were recently designated Blue Distinction® Centers+ by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

The Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated...

The heart is a muscle pumping life through miles of blood vessels and arteries.

Keeping the heart strong and the vessels and arteries clear and clean entails exercise and healthy eating.

West Shore Medical Center dietitian Lisa Morris, R.D., CDE, emphasizes that healthy eating does not have to...

New technology allows physicians at Munson Medical Center to repair deteriorating heart valves without open heart surgery.

Video courtesy of 9&10 News. 

 

Next session for past, present cardiac patients is Jan. 26

Emotional support can become important for those with cardiovascular disease.

Munson Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Department offers a monthly support group from 2 - 3 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month at Munson Community...

Every deer season, hospital sees spike in heart attack patients

Tracking a nice eight-point through the scope of that .30-.30 rifle makes any true hunter’s heart pitter-pat.

However, deer hunter and Munson Medical Center Cardiologist Kevin Clayton, D.O., FACC, advises older sportsmen and those...

AACVPR awards Munson Medical Center program its endorsement

Munson Medical Center’s Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Program was recently recertified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) for its commitment to improving the quality of life by...

On July 3, 1990, Agatha Plank, 73, of Cedar was the first person to undergo open-heart surgery at Munson Medical Center. The three-hour coronary artery bypass operation was uneventful and she recovered nicely.

“Mrs. Plank demonstrated great courage, grace, and unmistakable calm throughout her...