News

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 Cadillac Hospital announced today that it has received an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2024, marking the fourth straight time it’s received recognition at this level. The twice-yearly report card from the hospital quality organization was released today.

Cadillac...

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, an annual observance highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, a disease that affects thousands of women each year.

"Cervical cancer is largely preventable and having a good understanding of risk factors and...

Munson Healthcare Hospice Bereavement Services invites the community to candlelight ceremonies to acknowledge the pain and loss of the last year and the heaviness that can be felt amidst holiday joy. 

The Winter Solstice Gatherings are a way to come together to light the way with hope and healing...

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 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...

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital received an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2023. The twice-yearly report card from the hospital quality organization was released today.

The hospital received an “A” grade from the organization last fall as well.

Cadillac Hospital President Peter...

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...

North Flight Aero Med, a service of Munson Healthcare and Corewell Health, announced today it is adding a Beechcraft King Air B-250 airplane to its fleet.  This aircraft will become the new primary airplane for the air ambulance operator in northern Michigan while its current King Air B-200 is...

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital was recently named a 2023 Top 20 Rural & Community Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital is the only hospital in the state to receive the recognition. The hospital received similar recognition in 2022 and 2021.

“Exc...

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 Cadillac Hospital is pleased to welcome Amanda Linneé, W.H.M.P., C.N.M., to the medical staff as a specialist in midwifery.

Linneé graduated from Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies. She is a certified nurse midwife and a board-certified women’s health...

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital is pleased to welcome Kyle Franckowiak, D.O., to the medical staff as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.

Dr. Franckowiak graduated medical school from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a residency at Henry Ford...

Free helmet safety clinics are offered by the Munson Healthcare sponsored Chill Out for Winter Safety program at recreation areas in both Fife Lake and Charlevoix on Feb. 11.

Munson Healthcare team member Tammie Budrow started the program to help prevent other families from experiencing the tragic...

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...

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital is pleased to welcome MaKenzie M. Tremp, M.D., to the medical staff as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.

Dr. Tremp graduated medical school from American University of the Caribbean, Coral Gables, Fla. She completed a residency in obstetrics and...

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital received an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for Fall 2022. The twice yearly report card from the hospital quality organization was released today.

Cadillac Hospital President Peter Marinoff said the recognition is another example of the quality care provided by...

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...

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 Cadillac Hospital President Peter Marinoff announced the appointment of Cristen Brandsma, M.B.A., B.S.N., R.N., as the new chief nursing officer at the hospital.

Brandsma replaces Kathryn Bandfield-Keough who retired in July. She will assume her new duties on 
Nov. 1.

Currently...

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 Cadillac 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 ranking...

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 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...

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation at Munson Healthcare will offer a new interdisciplinary spine evaluation and rehabilitation program for patients with acute or chronic back and neck pain starting June 7.

Mary Free Bed at Munson Healthcare - Cadillac Rehabilitation Director Christie Norman, P.T., said...

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital President and CEO James Barker has announced his retirement effective July 15.

Barker has served as the president of the hospital for the past 11 years.

“I feel blessed to have worked with the physicians, staff, and leadership of the south region hospitals, and...

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...

A large-scale technology upgrade project for Munson Healthcare’s Radiology Services is now underway with the installation of five new GE 256-Slice Revolution™ CT scanners.

Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital is the first of four Munson Healthcare hospital sites to receive the new technology. In...

Becker’s Hospital Review recently named Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital President and CEO Peter Marinoff as one of the “67 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know” in 2022.

He was the only rural hospital executive from Michigan to make the list.

“The executives on this list have put their heart and soul...

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...

Recovering stroke patients and their families/support persons are invited to a new stroke support group from 11 a.m. – noon on Friday, Nov. 19 at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital’s Missaukee Room.

The group is hosted by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation at Munson Healthcare speech-language...

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 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...

Munson Healthcare is offering an infusion treatment called monoclonal antibody therapy for treating patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 symptoms. 

This one-time outpatient infusion therapy may help patients recover quicker and avoid hospitalization. The treatment is especially useful for...

Laris E. Galejs, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital as a board-certified physician specializing in urology. Dr. Galejs has special interests in prostate cancer, minimally invasive treatments for enlarged prostate, prevention and treatment of kidney stones...

Diana Curran, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital as a board-certified physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Curran has special interests in obstetrics, postpartum depression, robotic gynecologic surgery, gynecologic surgery, PCOS, pelvic...

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 Cadillac Hospital recently was named among the top 20 rural hospitals in the nation by the National Rural Health Association.

The hospital is the only hospital in Michigan named by the association on the list.

Cadillac Hospital Community President Peter Marinoff called the...

Two Munson Healthcare hospitals received the top grade from The Leapfrog Group for Spring 2021. The twice yearly report card from the hospital quality organization was released today.

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

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 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...

By James Whelan, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer,
Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital

As we enter the second year of this deadly pandemic, there is light at the end of the tunnel. With just a couple of months of sacrifice we can put this terrible time behind us. What is the best path forward? The...

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...

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...

Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital have launched a joint operating agreement to bring state of the art rehabilitation services to Cadillac. Mary Free Bed will now manage the outpatient physical, occupational, and speech therapy services in Cadillac...

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...

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...

This year’s flu season coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the public’s risk for developing a respiratory illness with potentially serious complications. 
Fortunately, a safe, effective vaccine already exists for the seasonal flu and is updated each year in anticipation of the most...

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...

Residents of Crawford, Missaukee, Manistee, and Wexford Counties can now receive a prescription for free fruits and vegetables, as well as access to free virtual nutrition education through the Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program. 

The program is funded through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund...

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...

Stroke intervention team is using revolutionary new technology to save minutes and save lives across Northern Michigan.

Munson Healthcare is attracting new talent and investing in the latest technology to transform stroke intervention care across nine integrated and affiliated hospitals in Northern...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Members of the North Flight EMS team in Wexford County are helping area schools prepare for a day they hope will never come.

North Flight EMS Manager of Ground Support Aaron Sogge, EMT-P, IC, and other members of North Flight’s Manton base recently spent time with teachers and staff at Manton...

Providing preventative and accessible mental health and substance abuse services is an essential regional need, according to results of the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment known as MiThrive. Also identified as a strategic priority for Munson Healthcare: addressing basic needs of living to...

Munson Healthcare President and CEO Ed Ness was elected chair-elect of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association Board of Trustees. His term began July 1.

The board directs the greater Lansing-based association’s statewide representation of hospitals and health care providers. Ness will serve the...

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...

Janet Rousse didn’t have to travel far for two recent surgeries, and having this easy access to her urologist at Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital made a big difference for the Lake City resident. “It makes it more convenient and easier for me to go in and see her and go in for checkups and that...