News

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...

In an effort to bring awareness to cancer prevention and celebrate survivors during National Cancer Survivors Month, Munson Healthcare and the Traverse City Pit Spitters are holding a “Spit on Cancer“ evening at the ballpark on Saturday, June 22. Game time is 7:05 pm at 333 Stadium Dr. in Traverse...

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 with regular screenings, early detection, and...

Munson Healthcare is hosting a free community event on Thursday, April 13, to bring awareness to colon health.

A Colon Cancer Awareness Panel and Mini-Expo will take place from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., in Traverse City.

The event will spotlight...

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 is pleased to welcome Edward R. Hagen, M.D., as a board-certified specialist in general surgery who is sub-specialty trained in colon and rectal surgery. 

Dr. Hagen graduated from medical school at Creighton University, Omaha, Neb. He completed a residency in general surgery at...

Jack M. Zuckerman, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in urology. 

He has special interests in genitourinary reconstructive surgery, urethral stricture disease, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and voiding dysfunction. In addition...

Jessica D. Arden, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in radiation oncology. Dr. Arden practices with Traverse Bay Radiation Oncologists, P.C., at Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., Traverse City. Her office can be reached at 231-935-7100.

“I’ve always...

This April Munson Healthcare is proud to recognize the fifth anniversary of Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City. During its five years in operation, the facility has helped to treat thousands of patients with state-of-the-art coordinated cancer services and has helped transform the...

Munson Healthcare announced today it is the first hospital system in northern Michigan to offer an innovative treatment shown in clinical studies to help prostate cancer patients avoid some of the negative effects of radiation therapy. 

In September, Munson Medical Center treated its first patient...

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital has canceled the face-to-face components of its annual Paint the Town Pink event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Each October since 2008, the hospital has hosted a ceremony and walk to raise awareness of the importance of early detection in the fight...

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...

Justine Pearl, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in neurosurgery. In addition to general neurosurgery, Dr. Pearl brings neuro-oncology expertise for the treatment of tumors, brain metastasis, gliomas, and more.

Dr. Pearl practices at Munson...

Munson Medical Center and the American Cancer Society are celebrating Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a free community event on Thursday, March 12.

Rollin’ with the Colon: A Colon Cancer Awareness Panel & Mini-Expo will take place from
4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Cowell Family Cancer...

The 31st Annual Recovery Plus Program for women who have had breast cancer, or are living with breast cancer, is set for Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Cowell Family Cancer Center.

Participants will enjoy a continental breakfast, special “pampering” session, and presentations by...

The 32nd Annual Cancer Prevention and Survivors Picnic features free skin screenings, special speakers, and a wellness fair from 1 - 3:30 p.m. on June 9 in the Cowell Family Cancer Center parking lot. Bike rides in Leelanau County also are part of the day’s events. 

The general public is invited to...

The 14th annual Katie Heintz basketball tournament in March raised a record $40,990, pushing the total tourney benefit to the community close to $200,000 since its start.

The annual fundraiser pits students from across the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) system against their teachers...

Two separate construction projects will affect traffic flow around Munson Medical Center beginning Monday, April 15.

On the campus’ north side, Beaumont Place will be closed at Sixth Street through May 13. This will allow for work to shift Sixth Street to the north, near the Cowell Family Cancer...

Munson Medical Center’s Cowell Family Cancer Center recently joined the national list of Screening Centers of Excellence.

The Lung Cancer Alliance cited Cowell Family Cancer Center’s ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening and use of low dose CT scans in making the recognition.

“We...

The Cowell Family Cancer Center Health and Wellness Suite in Traverse City will be offering free and discounted yoga and pilates classes on Mar. 26 - 29, 2019. No registration is necessary.

Class Schedule

Tuesday, Mar. 26

8 - 8:50 am: Pilates Essentials with Kim (free) 9 - 9:50 am: Pilates...

Northern Michigan families dealing with childhood cancer will benefit from the 14th Katie Heintz basketball tournament set for March 2 at St. Francis High School.

The annual fundraiser pits students from across the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) system against their teachers for the...

Laurel A. Leithauser, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs and reconstructive surgeon. 

Dr. Leithauser practices at The Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center, 1225 W. Front St., Ste. C, in Traverse City. She is accepting new...

The Health and Wellness Suite at the Cowell Family Cancer Center provides opportunities for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for those receiving treatment for cancer, as well as those in recovery. Classes include yoga, pilates, massage, meditation, painting, and much more.

“The mental...

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 majority of lung cancer is diagnosed at a later stage which contributes to high mortality,” says radiologist Patrick Gartland, MD.

However, Munson Medical Center’s lung cancer screening program is working to improve the odds for patients by detecting lung cancer earlier through low-dose chest...

Former, current breast cancer patients invited for day of information, ‘pampering’

The 30th Annual Recovery Plus Program for women who have had breast cancer, or are living with breast cancer, is set for Saturday, Oct. 13 from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Traverse City Elks Club in Traverse City.

Par...

Seven Munson Healthcare facilities are joining efforts to offer a special mammography screening day on Saturday, Oct. 20, for women who have a hard time making medical appointments during a busy work week. In this video, learn one woman’s breast cancer story and why she is passionate about spreading...

Seven Health System Facilities Open for Region’s Women on Saturday, Oct. 20

Helping area women find time for a mammography screening is important and on the agenda this month for Munson Healthcare.

Seven health system facilities are joining efforts to offer a special mammography screening day on...

Screenings are the best way to catch breast cancer early, in its most treatable stages. Exams such as mammograms are able to find cancer when it is very small and often before symptoms are present. As technology continues to improve, screenings may help to save thousands of lives each year. Bet...

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital is hosting a free six-week facilitated therapeutic group for anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer. The program will be held Wednesdays from September 26 to November 7 (there will be no meeting on October 31) from 7 to 9 pm. The group will gather in Meeting...

Take the total population of California, Texas, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Michigan, add a couple hundred thousand – and one can understand the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

The Centers for Disease Control reports 80 million people have the virus and 14 million more become infected...

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers – and very curable if detected early.

Munson Medical Center’s Cowell Family Cancer Center offers a special open house from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19, to answer questions about screening and treatments for the disease. September is...

Prostate cancer screening is the second most common cancer among men. However 90 percent of all cases are curable if they are detected early. It is important for men to talk to their primary care providers about prostate cancer screening.

Watch as Mark Watkins, 7&4 News’ Chief Meteorologist, shares...

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the American College of Radiology recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned...

Munson Medical Center’s Cowell Family Cancer Center recently received certification through the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative®.

To achieve the certification, cancer center staff and leadership were evaluated on center practices and standards, and were...

The 31st Annual Cancer Prevention and Survivors Picnic features a wellness fair from 2 - 4 p.m. on June 24 in the Cowell Family Cancer Center parking lot.

The general public is invited to come and celebrate with cancer survivors and learn how to reduce one’s risk of cancer. Information will be...

The 2018 Katie Heintz Basketball Tournament fundraiser at St. Francis High School in March raised $17,557 for the Munson Healthcare Foundations’ fund dedicated to pediatric needs at the Munson Medical Center Infusion Clinic.

The fundraiser is dedicated to the memory of St. Francis student...

Munson Medical Center Cowell Family Cancer Center recently earned LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  

The certification signifies the structure meets the resource and energy efficient code criteria that allows it to be signified “green.” The building now has an official...

Gaylord, Mich. — The 2018 Rivals Rally Girls’ Basketball Game, the annual match-up between the Johannesburg-Lewiston Cardinals and the Gaylord St. Mary Snowbirds, is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20th at Johannesburg-Lewiston High School. Proceeds from this year’s game will go toward the OMH Oncol...

Elevator or stairs? TV remote or walk with a friend? Small decisions can have a big effect on one’s health.  

Munson Healthcare has launched a new “Choose (to be) Well” awareness campaign to inspire everyone in northern Michigan to think about the small choices they make every day. Look for ads...

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’s Cowell Family Cancer Center will offer turkey sandwiches for those who want to quit cold turkey on Great American Smokeout day, Thursday Nov. 16.  

The sandwiches and information on low-dose CT screening, smoking cessation, the next Freedom from Smoking class, and more will...

Women in northern Michigan with a family history of breast cancer and those with dense breast tissue will benefit from new technology at the Smith Family Breast Health Center in Traverse City. Benefits of 3D breast imaging include clearer images of abnormalities within dense breast tissue, earlier...

Neil R. Forster, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in radiation oncology.  

Dr. Forster practices at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., Traverse City. He is accepting new patients, and appointments can be made by calling 231-935-7100.

Dr...

PhysioTouch is a new technology that helps reduce the pain and swelling caused by lymphedema. 
One breast cancer survivor shares her experience with PhysioTouch therapy offered to northern Michigan patients by Munson Healthcare.

Video courtesy of 7&4 News.

 

Munson Medical Center’s Smith Family Breast Health Center recently implemented three-dimensional tomography as another tool to more accurately determine breast health in certain patients.

The hospital’s Medical Director for Breast Imaging Charles Weitz, M.D., said the center’s General Electric...

Munson Healthcare Regional Cancer Network promotes several awareness events

The Munson Healthcare Regional Cancer Network will host several events and promote others during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Following are the dates and events for the month:
Oct. 10 Understanding the...

Former, current breast cancer patients invited for day of information, ‘pampering’

The 29th Annual Recovery Plus Program for women who have had breast cancer, or are living with breast cancer, is set for Saturday, Oct. 14 from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Traverse City Elks Club in Traverse City.

Par...

Cowell Family Cancer Center hosts Freedom from Smoking program

Cigarettes kill 480,000 people a year in the U.S. – nearly the entire population of the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

Officials at Cowell Family Cancer Center want to help change that statistic through a partnership with the...

Blankets help leukemia, lymphoma patients receiving infusion treatment

Officials from Serra Subaru in Traverse City recently visited Munson Medical Center’s Cowell Family Cancer Center with gifts to warm patients undergoing infusion treatments.

The national “Subaru Loves to Care” campaign became...

The Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City partners with DeVos Children's Hospital to provide convenient care close to home for pediatric cancer patients in northern Michigan.

Video courtesy of 9&10 News. 

 

30th Annual National Cancer Survivors’ Day includes wellness activities for all

The 30th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day Picnic expands this year to include a wellness fair open to the public.

The event is planned for Sunday, June 25, from 3 - 6 p.m. in the Cowell Family Cancer Center parking...

Can’t wait to hit the beach this summer? Well, keep your shirt on — and your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen — because ultraviolet (UV) rays are responsible for more than 90% of all skin cancers.

The most common type by far, basal cell carcinoma, accounts for 80% of all skin cancers and most often...

Munson Healthcare Gynecologic Oncologist David Michelin, MD, performs about 200 procedures each year using robotic technology to help patients with endometrial and cervical cancers. The newest model helps him target the minimum number of lymph nodes for removal which results in shorter surgeries and...

Interlochen students present ‘This Place Feels Familiar’ artwork on May 19

Art inspired at Cowell Family Cancer Center will go on exhibit with a special launch from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the cancer center.

Students from the Aesthetics of Health Class led by Interlochen Arts Academy’s...

Gynecologic oncologist sees benefits in fight against cervical and endometrial cancers

New surgical technology at Munson Medical Center “lights up” potentially cancerous lymph nodes in real time and shortens the amount of time on an operating table for gynecologic cancer patients.

Gynecologic...

Munson Foundations, North Peak Brewing collaborate for family friendly fundraiser

Get a close shave on most of your pate and leave a remnant for a sign that the battle is on.

Mohawks for Munson on Saturday, May 20, aims to raise funds for the area cancer community and signal area support for the...

Bike It Out on June 25 for the 30th Annual National Cancer Survivors’ Day Picnic

Cyclists from northern Michigan are invited to Bike It Out and join those from the Less Cancer organization on their fund-raising ride to raise awareness and celebrate efforts against the disease on June 25.

Riders...

Munson Medical Center program preps patients for positive outcomes

Beth Pearce felt like she was borne by a whirlwind after receiving a diagnosis of colon cancer last summer. The Traverse City-area resident’s surgery was scheduled quickly and she started to get overwhelmed – then Loie Rainey, M.S.N...

At 3, future hematologist/oncologist played 50 miles north of meltdown site

Hematologist/oncologist Yelena Kier, D.O., recalls the day the worst nuclear disaster ever in the world took place. She was 3.

“I just remember all of my toys had to be destroyed when we came home and my clothes thrown...