Munson Healthcare

Munson Healthcare welcomes Jamie Barnwell, DO, to the team at Foster Family Primary Care! Dr. Barnwell recently completed her residency at Munson Family Practice and is excited to continue to serve the community that has become her home. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3AfKWcl.

We are thrilled to share that Cadillac Hospital, Grayling Hospital, Munson Medical Center, and Otsego Memorial Hospital were recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as 5-star hospitals! This recognition places them among the top 8% of all hospitals in the nation. Only 14 hospitals in Michigan received this ranking, meaning Munson represents nearly one-third of Michigan hospitals to receive this honor. “The recognition of four Munson hospitals receiving a 5-star quality and safety rating reflects the continued commitment and selfless efforts of our healthcare team,” said Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare. “I want to applaud our staff and providers and thank our communities for their continued confidence in our efforts to provide high-quality care.” The CMS rating is determined by 46 hospital quality measures in five measure groups: Mortality, Safety of Care, Readmission, Patient Experience, and Timely and Effective Care. Cadillac Hospital has earned a 5-star rating for five consecutive years, while Munson Medical Center has received this recognition four times during that period. Due to size and data available, Charlevoix Hospital, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital were not part of the rating. Manistee Hospital received an impressive 4-star rating, showing their commitment to great care.

Munson Healthcare welcomes Ramiro Castro-Apolo, MD, to the Neurocritical Care team at Munson Neurosurgery. Dr. Castro-Apolo thrives on helping his patients feel better and enjoys the intellectual challenge of solving complex medical cases. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3ys7qX6.

After 35 years of dedicated service as a surgeon and esteemed clinical and administrative leader, Walt Noble, MD, FACS, Munson Medical Center Chief Medical Officer, has officially retired! Dr. Noble has been active on the medical staff of MMC since 1989 and served as CMO since 2020. He has been the Chief Surgical Services Officer, Chair of the Department of Surgery, and Interim Trauma Medical Director, as well as part of the Trauma Acute Care Surgery Service. Dr. Noble has earned the trust and respect of his patients and colleagues through exceptional care, kindness, and dedication to the community. After working with Dr. Noble for the last three months to make this transition, Thomas Schermerhorn, MD, MHCDS, FAANS, now takes over as Chief Medical Officer of MMC. Dr. Schermerhorn, a distinguished neurosurgeon, brings 26 years of expertise to this role, beginning with his residency at Mayo Clinic and culminating in his most recent position as Attending Neurosurgeon and Section Chief at MMC. He has been instrumental in advancing Munson Healthcare’s neurosurgical capabilities, including leadership contributions to becoming Northern Michigan’s first and only Comprehensive Stroke Center. Beyond his contributions at MMC, Dr. Schermerhorn is a graduate of West Point, serving for 7 years in the U.S. Army. He was Salutatorian of his Wayne State University medical school class and is a recent graduate of Dartmouth’s Master of Health Care Delivery Science program. Staff celebrated both physicians at a gathering this week. (Dr. Schermerhorn and Dr. Noble are pictured, third and fourth from left, respectively, with Munson colleagues). Please join us in thanking Dr. Noble for his years of service and congratulating Dr. Schermerhorn as he steps into this new role!

Munson Healthcare welcomes Anne Pawlak, DO, to the team at Munson Healthcare Neurology. Dr. Pawlak finds fulfillment in combining compassion and empowerment with effective diagnosis and treatment. Learn more at https://hubs.li/Q02Jq_FR0.

Congratulations to Munson Medical Center’s Environmental Services (EVS) team for being honored as department of the year by the Association for the Health Care Environment! “It means so much to our team to be recognized as leaders in the in the healthcare industry,” said Brynn Givens, Munson Healthcare's system director of environmental services. “The team’s dedication to teamwork across departments, innovative spirit, and commitment to quality speaks to not only to this award but the impact they have on patient care each day.” MMC’s EVS Department claimed the top spot among hospitals with 250 to 499 beds for: • Playing an essential role in the hospital’s strategic plan to improve patient placement • Efforts to improve department culture • Implementing technological initiatives to prioritize work and manage education and competency for staff • Improved patient discharge turnover clean times to help increase hospital admits Thank you to the dedicated EVS team for all they do!

“I’ve always loved helping people. In 2002 I was newer to town and had heard great things about Munson. I started out as a Nurse Assistant and have since transitioned to IT, where I support our clinical teams with the technology needed to deliver the best possible care for patients. I still get goosebumps when I see a nurse or doctor giving their heart and soul to a patient. They're a special kind of people – and they’re the people I want to be with.  I firmly believe that the stronger our team’s working relationship is on a personal level, the stronger we are together. To foster this sense of what we call “teamness” here at Munson, I’ve helped organize sports clubs, social clubs, and employee events that help connect us as people. No titles, no pressures; just people biking, walking, or knitting. As a result, when we face difficult situations, we're as strong of a unit as we can be. I am forever grateful to Munson for giving me the best friends of my life who are my second family.” Read more at https://hubs.li/Q02JFYRs0.

The Charlevoix Hospital Emergency Department made a significant impact during the Charlevoix Venetian Festival Kid's Day by properly fitting and distributing nearly 300 helmets, promoting safety for all ages. Remember, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%! This initiative, backed by Munson Healthcare’s Trauma Program and a state trauma grant for community injury prevention, emphasizes the importance of helmet use. Learn more about helmet and bike safety at https://hubs.li/Q02Jfcv80.

Munson Healthcare welcomes Anne Pawlak, DO, to the team at Munson Healthcare Neurology. Dr. Pawlak finds fulfillment in combining compassion and empowerment with effective diagnosis and treatment. Learn more at https://hubs.li/Q02GV_s30.

Say hello to the Pharmacy Residency Class of 2025! These pharmacists began their post-graduate training at Munson Medical Center earlier this month. Munson Healthcare's pharmacy residency program builds on the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) education, contributing to the development of clinical pharmacists responsible for medication-related care of patients. Please join us in welcoming (pictured L-R): • Alyssa DiMondo, PharmD, from Traverse City, MI, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy • Zachary Zawacki, PharmD, from Byron Center, MI, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy • Jenna Smigielksi, PharmD, from Farmington Hills, MI, Midwestern University College of Pharmacy • Cole Orlikowski, PharmD, from Sparta, MI, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy • Kayla Backus, PharmD, from Holland, MI, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy