News

Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group – Indian River is pleased to welcome board-certified nurse practitioner Heather Bur.

A Michigan native, Heather was born and raised in Cheboygan. For over 15 years, she has dedicated her career to healthcare, working throughout Michigan and out of state. She...

Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) is proud to announce the acquisition of the SAVI SCOUT® Wire-Free Radar Localization System, a cutting-edge technology designed to improve the surgical experience and outcomes for breast cancer patients. 

The SAVI SCOUT® system uses non-radioactive...

Northern Michigan is recognized nationally as a summer tourist destination which means a bump in population of 42 percent or more and increased demand for healthcare services across the area Munson Healthcare serves.  

While more and more patients are seeking out virtual care options, many continue...

Munson Healthcare is harnessing the power of art to address mental health in the community.

Northern Michigan’s largest non-profit healthcare system today launched a “Voices for Youth Mental Health Art Contest” to allow those of all ages to express their feelings, wisdom, and hope on issues related...

Back-to-school season for many is an exciting time for children to reconnect with friends, meet new ones, and experience opportunities for growth and learning.

It is also a time when parents dread the viruses and bacteria that come with school being back in session. Germs take advantage of young...

Munson Healthcare announced starting Monday, Aug. 14, the Walk-In Clinic at the Indian River location has switched to a "same-day care" model, offering a minimum of 52 appointments per day during the week, and 26 appointments on Saturday for anyone in the community, including those visiting the area...

Munson Healthcare is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Brown as the health system’s new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. She will lead internal and external marketing, communications and public relations for the health system which includes eight hospitals across northern...

A new minimally invasive procedure to help women suffering from prolapse of the vagina and bladder is available at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital through the expertise of OB/GYN Stacey Sensor, D.O., FACOOG.

Research shows that about one-third of women experience prolapse in their...

Munson Healthcare (MHC) will join nine other health systems across the state in relaxing its masking and visitation policies effective Friday, April 14. Universal masking will no longer be required for everyone in Munson Healthcare hospitals and clinics.

Munson Healthcare Chief Safety and Quality...

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...

Munson Healthcare announces the opening the new Elmira Occupational Health and Medicine Clinic on March 6, at 2572 U.S. 131.

The Occupational Health and Medicine Clinic is part of the new Elmira Specialty Clinics.

This clinic will offer work injury treatment and follow-up care, physicals, and...

Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital plans a potential two-hour phone outage starting 8 p.m. Feb. 7 to upgrade hardware and software associated with its phone system.

All phones at the hospital, include patient room phones, will be disabled and necessary communication will be conducted by...

Munson Healthcare leadership recently announced the appointment of radiation oncologist David Heimburger, M.D., as the Physician Chief for Oncology in the health system. He replaces David Gordon, M.D., who retired in November.

“Dr. Heimburger has served as the Radiation Oncology Program Director...

Certified application counselors are available at several Munson Healthcare facilities to help individuals enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace for 2022 - 23.

The enrollment window began Nov. 1 and closes Jan. 15. Open enrollment remains important for anyone not covered...

Munson Healthcare (MHC) President and CEO Ed Ness recently announced changes to the health system’s senior leadership team with the promotion of Laura Glenn to chief operating officer and the appointment of Shelley Spencer to chief human resources officer.

Glenn, who joined MHC in 2017, most...

Jared L. Davis, D.O., has joined the medical staff of Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital and Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital as a specialist in urology. Dr. Davis has special interests in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, urologic oncology, kidney stones, male infertility, and...

Munson Healthcare Executive Director of Women’s and Children’s Services Joan Rickli announces the appointment of Jacques-Brett Burgess, M.D., as Service Line Medical Director, Pediatrics for the health system.

The new part-time administrative position is part of Munson Healthcare efforts to...

Munson Healthcare was recently recognized by Forbes as among “America’s Best Employers by State” for 2022, ranked third among healthcare employers and 37th overall in the state of Michigan.

Forbes and the market research company Statista generated the list after anonymous surveys of 70,000...

Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital recently received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on its care-compare website placing it among the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation. 

The hospital was one of just 429 hospitals to receive the highest...

Munson Healthcare Hospice is hosting its annual Memorial Butterfly Release event in three northern Michigan communities during July.

Munson Healthcare Hospice Bereavement Coordinator Erin Gray said the release is something Munson Healthcare Hospice looks forward to sharing with the region’s...

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., FAAP, recently announced appointments of two health system physician leaders to regional chief medical officer (CMO) roles.

Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital Chief Medical Officer Aditya Neravetla, M.D., has accepted an expanded role...

Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial and Charlevoix Hospitals and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital have entered into management and joint operating agreements for the provision of physical rehabilitation care.

As part of Munson Healthcare’s strategic partnership with Mary Free Bed, a director of...

Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness received a double dose of honors from the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) this week with the 2022 Healthcare Leadership Award and the 2021 Grassroots Champion Award.

The MHA met on Mackinac Island for its annual meeting. Ness was one of...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free virtual informational seminar on Monday, June 13, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical director of Munson Medical Center’s Bariatric Program, will discuss surgical benefits and explain...

Munson Healthcare encourages the residents of northern Michigan to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday weekend while recognizing that COVID-19 remains a concern.

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., FAAP, said positivity rates in the region remain high in some counties and...

Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord is among three Munson Healthcare hospitals to receive an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2022. The twice yearly report card from the hospital quality organization was released today.

Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital and Munson...

Cardiologist Kristen Maurice, D.O., will discuss the “Long-term Cardiovascular Manifestations of COVID-19” as part of the virtual meeting of the Long COVID Support Group from 5 - 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. The public is invited to join the presentation.

Registration is required by going to muns...

Munson Healthcare System Director of Safety and Security John Bolde recently was selected by the Michigan Safety Conference for the “Daryl C. Hill Safety Professional of the Year” award honoring a Michigan safety or health professional who has made a positive impact on safety and health in the state...

Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital recently achieved accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, recognized for providing the highest quality of care and patient safety by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC).

Status as an accredited facility means that the hospital has met...

Munson Healthcare, along with other national, state and community organizations, are leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advance care planning in recognition of April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day.

As a participating organization, Munson Healthcare is offering free...

Munson Healthcare has further reduced its operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic from Pandemic Level Orange to Yellow status effective Thursday, March 17. The move comes as infection rates decline in the community and lower numbers of COVID-19 patients are in health system hospitals.

The...

Munson Healthcare Foundations has set an ambitious goal: to raise $100,000 on Tuesday, Nov. 30, in support of healthcare for the people of northern Michigan.

This day, more commonly known as Giving Tuesday, is recognized each year on the Tuesday following Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The...

Munson Healthcare East Region and Grayling Hospital President Kirsten Korth-White announced today that Chris Squire has been named community president for Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital. He has been serving as the interim community president since May. 

“Chris has shown outstanding...

Munson Healthcare’s East and South Region presidents today jointly announced the appointment of Cristen Brandsma to Director of Surgical Services, Community Hospitals. 

East Region President Kirsten Korth-White and South Region President James Barker said Brandsma will oversee surgical services...

Munson Healthcare is pleased to announce online appointment self-scheduling is now available at outpatient laboratory locations in Elk Rapids, Suttons Bay, Kingsley, and Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital’s (OMH) main on-site lab in Gaylord.

Online self-scheduling allows patients to book...

Phoebe D. Danziger, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital as a board-certified physician specializing in pediatrics.

Dr. Danziger enjoys caring for children of all ages and has a particular interest in newborn care and medical ethics. During her medical...

Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness announced today that Alicia Maitland has been named chief financial officer for Munson Healthcare.  She will be taking over the role from Mark Hepler who is retiring at the end of month.

Maitland joined Munson Healthcare in August of 2012 as the director...

Today, Munson Healthcare is officially moving our pandemic response stage from orange to yellow due to fewer COVID-19 cases both in Michigan and locally. As part of this change, we have modified our visitation policy so that all patients can have one visitor/support person at a time (18 years and...

Munson Healthcare will allow one vaccinated visitor per patient per day at its Munson Healthcare hospitals and clinics effective Friday, April 16. The effectiveness of vaccines is allowing the expanded policy, despite the current COVID-19 surge. 

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine...

Munson Healthcare Community Hospitals and System Integration President Tonya Smith announced today that Kirsten Korth-White has been named east region president for Munson Healthcare effective May 1. 

The east region was created in 2018 when Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital became fully...

Munson Healthcare is limiting visitor access to Munson Healthcare facilities effective Monday, March 29, due to a spike in community spread of the COVID-19 virus and its variants, and because more residents with the virus are requiring hospital care in northern Michigan. 

The number of patients...

Munson Healthcare President of Ambulatory Services and Value Based Care Laura Glenn announced today that Joan Rikli, M.B.A., M.S.N., R.N., CPNP-PC, NE-BC, has been named Women’s and Children’s Service Line executive director.

Rikli will have responsibility for coordinating women’s and children’s...

After a rewarding 21-year career, Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) CEO Tom Lemon has announced his retirement effective April 30, 2021.  Lemon joined OMH in late 1999, relocating from northern Illinois.  

Lemon led a variety of initiatives at the hospital, including two major...

Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital will welcome back expectant families to the Birthing Center on April 6 after a four month COVID-19 redeployment plan. In early December of 2020, Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital and Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital temporarily merged their...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free virtual informational seminar on Monday, March 8, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical director of Munson Medical Center’s Bariatric Program, will discuss surgical options and explain how...

Certified Application Counselors are available at several Munson Healthcare facilities to help individuals enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace for 2021.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order creating an emergency enrollment window that continues through May 15.
...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free virtual informational seminar on Monday, Feb. 8, from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical director of Munson Medical Center’s Bariatric Program, will discuss surgical options and explain how...

Stacey L. Sensor, D.O., has joined the medical staffs of Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital and Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital as a board certified physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Sensor has special interests in high-risk obstetrics, minimally invasive robotic...

Two Munson Healthcare hospitals received the top grade from The Leapfrog Group for Fall 2020.

The twice yearly report card from the hospital quality organization was released today.

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital and Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital both received “A” marks while Munson...

This has been a challenging year for many healthcare organizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Munson Healthcare is no exception. When COVID-19 cases first reached northern Michigan in March, Munson Healthcare saw a tremendous response from community members – from donations to words of...

Munson Healthcare is limiting access to its facilities and changing masking policies at hospitals in light of the current COVID-19 surge in northern Michigan. The number of patients with the pandemic virus who have required inpatient care has tripled during the past two weeks.

Munson Healthcare...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free virtual informational seminar on Monday, Nov. 9, from 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical director of Munson Medical Center’s Bariatric Program, will discuss surgical options and explain how...

Certified Application Counselors are available at several Munson Healthcare facilities to help individuals enroll in the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance Marketplace for 2021.

The enrollment window begins Nov. 1 and closes Dec. 15. Open enrollment remains important for anyone not covered by...

Cadillac Hospital's team celebrating Platinum recognition from MI AIM. Below right, 
Munson Medical Center's team celebrates Gold, and below left Charlevoix Hospital's
team celebrates Silver.

Munson Healthcare hospitals recently were recognized by the Michigan Alliance for Innovation in Maternal...

Peter G. Tucker, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in hospice and palliative medicine. Dr. Tucker practices with Munson Hospice & Palliative Care at 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City. Dr. Tucker also provides telemedicine services for other hospitals in...

Munson Healthcare President Ed Ness and Skilled Manufacturing CEO Dodd Russell.

Munson Healthcare (MHC) is thanking a local CEO as well as General Motors  for their help in acquiring a substantial supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves and face shields, which are...

In response to confirmed community cases of COVID-19 in the region, Munson Healthcare is enhancing visitor restriction policies and enforcing masking for all patients and visitors in clinical care areas.  

UNIVERSAL MASKING
Effective, Saturday, April 4, Munson Healthcare will be implementing...

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital confirms today it reported its first COVID-19 death to District Health Department #10.

“This is a heartbreaking day for this family and our community,” said Tonya Smith, president and CEO of Cadillac Hospital. “The reality of this illness has now reached into...

In response to the global shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hospital supplies, Munson Healthcare has identified four ways the community can unite in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Community support is critical to help Munson Healthcare provide patient care, protect health care...

Health care institutions across the country and around the world are currently experiencing a shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other supplies because of a dramatic increase in demand due spread of COVID-19. Munson Healthcare is taking steps in its processes and protocols but...

(Traverse City, MI) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has informed Munson Healthcare tonight that two patients tested and treated at Munson Healthcare facilities have confirmed cases of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). 

One patient was screened and tested at Munson Medical Center in...

Munson Healthcare is restricting visiting access to its long-term care facilities and changing visitor policies at hospitals in light of the current COVID-19 concerns.

Munson Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Christine Nefcy, M.D., said the changes are necessary to ensure the safety of patients and...

Gaylord-area residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a special informational seminar on Monday, Feb. 24. The session will take place from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital’s OMH Classroom at 825 N. Center Ave.

Michael Nizzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.S., medical...

Northern Michigan residents considering bariatric surgery are invited to attend a free informational seminar at Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. The session will also stream live to Munson Healthcare facilities via REMEC Telehealth video.

Michael...

Julie Scheier, Registered Dietitian at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital

A quick soup high in potassium with calcium, fiber and resistant starch.  

The DASH diet recommends multiple servings of vegetables (remember potatoes are a vegetable) and dairy to add potassium and calcium to lower...

Julie Scheier, Registered Dietitian at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital

Tired of throwing food away? Wondering what to do with the cup or less of leftovers? Instead of tossing them, save leftovers in small containers and freeze for later use. When ready, designate a “clean out the...

A sweet partnership between Munson Healthcare and the Northern Michigan Diabetes Initiative offers parents a lifesaver – the chance to donate leftover or excess Halloween candy to a worthy cause. 

Now in its seventh year, the Candy Takeback program adds eight new drop-off options, for a total of 19...

Munson Healthcare facilities will join the national DEA’s Fall Medication Take Back Event Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m by reminding area residents of drop-off sites in their communities.

Residents in Cadillac, Charlevoix, Frankfort, Gaylord, Grayling, Manistee, and Traverse City are...

Julie Scheier, Registered Dietitian at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital

The recipe list is rather lengthy but once you peel the squash preparation time is no more than 30 minutes. This is a warm fall recipe with mild aroma to fill your house as the weather cools.

The lentil, olive oil...

Munson Healthcare continues to work for solutions to the current opioid epidemic in northern Michigan.

In 2018, Munson Healthcare received a three-year $1.5 million grant from the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration that has allowed the health system to expand opioid use...

Julie Scheier, Registered Dietitian at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital

Before school begins, this family meal “project” is fun, creative, and serves as a great nutrition and cooking lesson. Additionally, this recipe is a great opportunity to allow your children to pick out their...

Update: The issues with the water pressure and volume have been resolved and all systems are functioning properly.

The City of Gaylord is experiencing issues with the North water tower that typically serves Otsego Memorial Hospital. As a result of this, the hospital will experience losses of water...

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...

The OMH Medical Group Patient Portal allows you to:

It’s that time again — a new year, a fresh start! Resolutions to exercise more and lose weight are popular. These are big goals, and sometimes it’s tough to stay on top of them when you’re busy. If you have the determination to achieve them, that’s great! However, if taking smaller steps to improve...

Gaylord, Mich. — Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women, with one in eight women in the US diagnosed in their lifetime. Early detection and advancements in screenings, such as mammograms, are key in improving outcomes. Staff at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) work...

The generosity of northern Michigan residents continues to change lives and open possibilities for others in need.

As in past years, Munson Healthcare Foundations Chief Development Officer Des Worthington said Munson Healthcare hospitals are participating in #GivingTuesday on Tuesday, Nov.27, as a...

Gaylord, Mich. — Once again, Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) was awarded an A safety grade from The Leapfrog Group for Fall 2018, marking the 6th A rating in a row for OMH.

The organization’s Fall 2018 Hospital Safety Grades were released today for approximately 2,600 hospitals...

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.

 ...

Gaylord, Mich. — Matthew Mazur, DO, a provider with Munson Healthcare OMH Medical Group – Internal Medicine, will present on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), providing background information on the disease, current and upcoming treatment options, and expectations patients should have...