November 2020 Issue

'The Sooner, the Better': Neurosurgeon helps stroke patients with quicker treatment

By Ross Boissoneau

Prior to the arrival of Dr. Gary B. Rajah in June, patients needing treatment for certain kinds of strokes were flown to Grand Rapids, which meant their chances of successful recovery fell.

Now, patients can stay local and receive treatment for ischemic strokes, where the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted, typically because of arterial blood clots that shut off the flow of oxygen-rich blood.

Rajah’s breakthrough specialty is removing the clot through a surgical procedure known as a thrombectomy, which had not been done at Munson Healthcare hospitals prior to his arrival. A small catheter is inserted …

Munson Medical Center President on COVID-19 Impacts, Finances, Hiring

By Craig Manning

Matt Wille joined the Munson Healthcare team as president and CEO of Munson Medical Center (MMC) in late September of last year. Six months later, the world was facing a global pandemic, Michigan was in lockdown and MMC was feeling the effects. The Traverse City Business News caught up with Wille to get an update on MMC and to find out how COVID-19 has impacted business operations – from finances to telehealth and beyond.

TCBN: …

Picture of Health: Telemedicine has taken off at Munson

By Ross Boissoneau

Telemedicine has taken off.

From its obscure beginnings, the technology has been a boon for those avoiding potential COVID-19 infection sites – like hospitals and doctors’ offices.

“Since COVID, it has really taken off,” said Chelsea Szafranski, assistant director of digital health at Munson Healthcare.

Szafranski started her position at Munson in February. She said before the novel coronavirus, the telehealth industry was largely in its infancy due to several factors, including consumer reluctance to …

Best-Kept Secret: Traverse Health Clinic wants to serve more people

By Ross Boissoneau

It may be the best-kept secret in area healthcare, but that’s not the way Traverse Health Clinic wants to keep it.

The clinic on South Garfield Road is redoubling efforts to reach those who could use its service, including the essential workers who may not know its philosophy of working with any population, whether or not they have insurance.

“We never turn anyone away,” said Mi Stanley, the communications and marketing manager for the clinic. …

Power Play: Cherryland Electric serves up reliability, bill credits to its members

By Todd VanSickle

'We Aren't Quite Sure Where the Dust Is Going to Settle': Munson Healthcare capital improvements on hold

By Craig Manning

Survival of the Fit: How health and wellness professionals are adapting

By Craig Manning

Healthy Future: Investing in technology and talent means a higher level of care

Someone recently made the analogy that overcoming the challenges presented by the pandemic is similar to kayaking a swiftly moving river in northern Michigan. It is important to maintain keen focus in the present moment while always looking forward to be prepared for the twists, turns and obstacles ahead.

This …

By Connie Deneweth

Grass Roots: One of Northern Michigan's First Locally Owned Dispensaries Takes Off

By Craig Manning

Traditions Matter: How routines and structure elevate the workplace

In mid-October, our family and close friends gathered for the annual grape harvest at our vineyard. It is a physically demanding, all-day effort, but we delivered a full load of fruit to the talented team at Left Foot Charley by late in the day.

Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, the …

By Warren Call

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