June 2025

Munson Neurology: Bringing World-Class Care to Northern Michigan
At Munson Healthcare Neurology, our team is proud to offer comprehensive neurological care that improves the quality of life for patients across Northern Michigan — bringing expert services close to home and reducing wait times for appointments.

According to the World Health Organization, one in three people are affected by a neurological condition. Historically, individuals in rural and smaller communities have faced up to 80% less access to neurological care compared to those in urban areas. Thanks to Munson’s continued investment and growth, that’s not the case in our region. See below for how to refer your patients for neurology care.

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact neurological conditions have on individuals and families, and to highlight the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and support. At Munson, we are committed to raising awareness and providing expert care for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.

Conditions We Treat
Munson’s neurologists provide compassionate care and treatment for a wide variety of neurological conditions:

• Memory disorders
• Stroke
• Movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s Disease and tremors
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Brain injury and concussion
• Headaches and migraines

Munson Neurology Highlights

• Expanded Team: Five neurology providers have joined our team in the past year and another two will be joining us later this summer. This momentum is helping us improve access, speed up scheduling, and extend our reach.

• Improved Access: Our appointment wait times for neurology now average 60 days and interventional pain appointments are available in as little as two weeks.

Meet Our Expert Neurology Team

Erica Austin, DO, FAAN
Epilepsy,
Comprehensive Neurology

Joseph Frazee, DO
Headaches and Migraines

Amanda Gross, PA-C
Epilepsy

Susan Korson, PA-C
Headaches and Migraines

Heather Lee, DO
Stroke,
Comprehensive Neurology

Ann Pawlak, DO, FACN, FAAN
Comprehensive Neurology

David Simpson, DO, FACN, FAAN
Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG)*

Nicholas Zendler, DO
Epilepsy

Joining Our Team
Later This Summer!

• John Fanta, MD
  
  
• Heidi Pangborn, MD

*Procedures only, not seeing patients in consultation

For a printable "Meet the Munson Healthcare Neurology Team" flyer, click here.

Additional Resource
At Munson, the patient is always at the center of everything we do. Those living with neurological conditions can find expert, compassionate care close to home. To learn more about Munson Neurosciences, patients can visit munsonhealthcare.org/neurosciences.

How to Refer
If your patients are living with any of the conditions listed above or experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may want to refer them to a neurologist:

• Changes in senses, such as smell, touch, or vision
• Confusion
• Coordination problems
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness

To refer a patient to Munson Healthcare Neurology, located in Manistee (starting in September!) and Traverse City, either call 231-392-0430 or send a referral via Direct Trust to MHC.NeurologyTraverseCity@direct.mhc.net.

Healthcare Team

Getting to Know: Michael McDonald, DO
Orthopedic Trauma

Dr. Michael McDonald is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in orthopedic trauma-related issues, including acute fractures and chronic issues such as nonunion, malunion, and posttraumatic arthritis. He has a special interest in pelvic and acetabular surgery. Dr. McDonald is part of the Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute (MOI) and is the Medical Director of Orthopedic Trauma. He leads the team of fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists and APPs who meet weekly to enhance care coordination, facilitate communication, and improve patient care.

Referrals

Practices at:
Munson Healthcare
Orthopedic Institute

Phone:
231-935-5880

Fax:
231-935-3464

Direct Trust
MMCDONALD9
@direct.mhc.net

MHC.OrthopedicInstitute
@direct.mhc.net

“I often meet patients for the first time on what could be the worst day of their life, and I enjoy being part of a team that helps put these patients back together and gets them back to their regular lives.”

What do you want referring providers to know about MOI and the services provided there?
In terms of trauma, we treat anything from very basic fractures to the most complex fractures both in the acute and subacute setting.

When should they refer patients to you?
Refer any patient with an acute or subacute fracture requiring treatment, or with posttraumatic arthritis.

What recent improvements has Munson Medical Center made in the treatment of geriatric isolated hip fractures, and how does it compare to other hospitals in Michigan?
A new target has been established to ensure geriatric patients with isolated hip fractures receive surgical fixation within 24 hours of admission. Munson Medical Center ranks third in the state of Michigan for the volume of these cases, according to the Michigan Trauma Quality Improvement Program (MTQIP) aggregate data. Thanks to focused efforts and streamlined processes, MMC has seen consistent improvement in getting these patients to the operating room quickly — enhancing outcomes and supporting faster recovery for our older adult population.

In Brief

Primary Hospital:
Munson Medical Center

Joined:
September 2023

Medical Education:
Lake Erie College of
Osteopathic Medicine

Residency:
Orthopaedic Surgery,
Henry Ford Macomb Hospital

Fellowship:
Orthopaedic Trauma,
Emory University School of Medicine

Favorite Pastimes:
Spending time with his wife, Samantha, their four children – three girls and one boy – and their goldendoodle and anything outdoors, including camping, hiking, and especially golfing.

Welcome Munson's Newest Providers!
In addition to announcing new providers when they join as part of Provider Moves (see below), we invite you to learn more about some of the recent additions to our Healthcare Team by clicking here.

Please join us in welcoming...

• Ryan Urbonas, DO | Munson Healthcare Neurosurgery

• Daniel Ladd, PA-C | Munson Healthcare Rheumatology

• Laryn Kenwabikise, PA-C | Munson Healthcare Neurosurgery

Provider Moves
Munson Healthcare's Provider Moves webpage has been updated for May, including new providers, practice changes, retirees, providers no longer on staff (or practicing), and other updates (e.g., name changes, practice moves, new phone and fax numbers).

For a directory of Munson-privileged providers who accept referrals, go to Find A Doctor.

The following Munson-employed providers are new to the following MHC practices:

• Anne-Marie Deming, PA | Munson Healthcare Rheumatology
• Dominik Wiest, PA | Munson Healthcare Orthopedic Institute – Traverse City

After 26 years of dedicated service to the Grand Traverse community, Michael Nizzi, DO, Munson Healthcare Traverse General Surgery and Trauma Care, has relocated out of state.

While he will remain on MMC's medical staff on a PRN (as-needed) basis, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his decades of compassionate care and commitment.

Aleisha supports providers and ambulatory practices across a wide range of neuroscience specialties, including Neurology, Stroke Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neurocritical Care, and Pain Management, in both inpatient and outpatient settings. “My day-to-day work is all about making sure our teams have what they need to succeed — whether that’s staffing, technology, or operational support,” Aleisha explains. “Ultimately, it’s about creating an environment where providers can focus on what they do best: caring for patients.”

Contact
aleusby@mhc.net
517-898-1246

Munson Healthcare Neurosciences now offers a wide range of specialized services, including neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, headache management, endovascular treatment, epilepsy, stroke care, pain procedures, general neurology, neuromodulation, EMG, and a multidisciplinary spine program. These services are available across the region, bringing expert care closer to home.

Aleisha and her team are focused on strengthening referral pathways and maintaining open communication with referring providers. “We want to be your partner in care,” she emphasizes. “That means keeping you informed, listening to your feedback, and working together to ensure the best outcomes for your patients. Together, we can raise the standard of neurological care across the communities we serve.”

Providers and practice managers are encouraged to reach out directly to Aleisha with any questions or support needs.

 Reports and Referrals

New Time Schedule for Outpatient Result Reports Distribution
Effective Tuesday, June 17, Munson Healthcare will start batch faxing patient result reports on the following time schedule:

• Anatomic Pathology: 1 am
• Ambulatory & Acute Documentation: 2 am
• Laboratory: 4 am
• Radiology: 6 am, 7 am, 8 am, 11 am, 3 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm

Note: STAT results will continue to be faxed in real time.

Benefits of this change:

• Most patient results will be available when your office opens
• Reduced fax transmission times
• Improved reliability and timely delivery of patient information

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to patient care.

Technical issues? Call the Help Desk at 231-935-6053.

Munson Healthcare Launches High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic
To better support patients at elevated risk for developing breast cancer, Munson Healthcare has opened a dedicated High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic at the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City.

This new clinic offers patients proactive care and personalized guidance for individuals with a higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 6,000 patients across the Munson Healthcare system.

To learn more, including services and how to refer, visit munsonhealthcare.org/breastcancerclinic.

Munson Anticoagulation Clinic Monitors Patients on Warfarin
As warfarin therapy requires close monitoring, MHC’s anticoagulation clinic in Traverse City supports patients with close-to-home minimally invasive blood testing and follow-up care.

Staffed by specially trained pharmacists, our clinic works closely with primary care providers on medication management. Test results and dosage recommendations are shared with primary care providers, ensuring continuity of care.

A reminder the MHC Anticoagulation Clinic recently moved from Foster Family Community Health Center to Munson Family Practice. Phone and fax numbers remain the same.

To learn more about the services provided at MHC’s anticoagulation clinic and how to refer, visit munsonhealthcare.org/warfarin.

Advanced Wound Care Across Northern Michigan
Munson Healthcare offers expert care for acute and chronic wounds at centers in Cadillac, Manistee, and Traverse City, with additional wound therapy services in Gaylord and Frankfort. Our physician-led teams work closely with referring providers to deliver safe, personalized, and effective wound care.

Using a multidisciplinary approach, our wound specialists offer advanced therapies including debridement, skin substitutes, diagnostic testing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy*, and traditional wound care. Our teams also empower patients to actively participate in their healing process.

To learn more about the wounds treated at MHC’s wound care clinics and how to refer, visit munsonhealthcare.org/woundcare.

*Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is available in Traverse City and Manistee only

 Services

Resources for Same-Day Care
As a nationally-recognized tourist destination, Northern Michigan sees a significant increase in population during the summer causing an increased demand for healthcare services. While an emergency room has been a traditional access point, it is not always the most appropriate place for patients to seek care.

For residents with non-life-threatening concerns, a primary care provider should always be the first stop. For those visiting the region or residents whose PCP is unavailable, a reminder of a few Munson resources for same-day care:

• Ask-A-Nurse: 231-935-0951
• Virtual Urgent Care
• In-Person Urgent Care/Walk-in Clinics
• Emergency Department: Anyone suffering a heart attack, stroke, or traumatic injury should call 911 and seek Emergency Care immediately.

Our goal is to make sure people get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. For more on where to seek care, visit munsonhealthcare.org/findcare.

 Patient Care

“What Matters to You?”: A Simple Question, A Powerful Shift
“What Matters to You?” Day, celebrated globally on June 3, is a reminder that meaningful care starts with meaningful conversations. While the day has passed, its message is timeless: ask patients what truly matters to them — not just what’s the matter.

1. Start the conversation with open-ended questions like:

   • “What matters to you today?”
   • “What’s most important for you to get out of this visit/stay?”
   • “What can I do to help you feel more comfortable or safe?”

2. Listen carefully to their response — not just to words, but to tone, body language, and emotion.

3. Act where you can. Even small gestures can make a big difference. If you can’t address it immediately, make a note for follow-up.

“What Matters to You?” is also the first step in advance care planning — making sure future healthcare decisions reflects patients’ values and wishes. To help your patients plan ahead, please share Munson’s Guide for Advance Care Planning and Advance Medical Directive — a simple, step-by-step resource for documenting healthcare wishes.

Let’s keep the conversation going every day by honoring what matters most to those we care for.

School Sports Physicals — Planning for Fall Sports
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sports physicals in conjunction with a comprehensive annual wellness exam by the primary care provider for several reasons:

• A comprehensive exam by a provider who knows the athlete personally and who has access to the athlete’s complete medical record, makes unnecessary restriction from sports less likely.

• Sports physicals provided by the athlete’s own provider allows for more time to discuss health issues and makes it easier to coordinate care with consultants as needed for any follow-up evaluation.

• A comprehensive exam safeguards an athlete’s health by establishing documented baselines and identifying and addressing potential concerns; also helpful should the athlete start new symptoms or have an injury throughout the season.

Important tip: Please encourage parents to call now to get an annual wellness visit scheduled! Don’t wait until August when there’s a rush to complete school requirements before fall sports begin.

For more information, read AAP’s Preparticipation Physical Evaluation (PPE).

Measles Vaccine Recommended for All International Travel
The CDC recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to any international destination. For details, read CDC's measles guidance for international travelers.

• Remain vigilant for cases of febrile rash illness, especially if unvaccinated or vaccination status is unknown or with travel to a known outbreak location in the last 21 days, and
• Share effective measles prevention strategies, including vaccination guidance for international travelers.

Measles resources, including Munson-specific clinician guidance, are available on Munson’s For Providers website.

Remain Vigilant: Unhealthy Air Quality Levels in MHC Region 
Due to wildfire smoke from Canada, air quality throughout the state of Michigan has recently been reported at unhealthy levels for sensitive populations, depending on the day and county.

The health effects of particle pollution exposure can range from relatively minor (e.g., eye and respiratory tract irritation) to more serious health effects (e.g., exacerbation of asthma, heart failure, stroke, and premature death). For more on the health effects of wildfire smoke and actions you can take to reduce your risk, visit michigan.gov/wildfiresmokeandhealth.

For the current air quality in your community, visit AirNow.gov. 

 Medical Staff Services/Credentialing

Meet Your Regional MSO Team
We would like to introduce you to Munson's Medical Staff Office (MSO) team! Please reach out to them directly with any questions on medical staff membership for your providers.

Nikki Chavez
East Region
Nikki Chavez
231-213-2024

Meet Nikki!

Yvonne Skiera
Grand Traverse Region
Yvonne Skiera
231-935-5884

Meet Yvonne!

Jennifer Mathews
Grand Traverse Region
Jennifer Mathews
231-935-5891

Meet Jennifer!

Teresa Smith
Kalkaska Region
Teresa Smith
231-258-8053

Meet Teresa!

Heather Lynch
Grand Traverse Region
Heather Lynch
231-935-6005

Meet Heather!

Kim Loveland
South Region
Kim Loveland
231-935-5892

Meet Kim!

 Resources and Reminders

Stay Updated with the Latest Payer Information 
A reminder we recently launched a new resource for offices featuring curated payer news impacting you. This resource, updated monthly, will keep you informed on the latest payer changes and guidelines. 

Bookmark this new resource! munsonhealthcare.org/PayerUpdates

How to Protect Lab Specimens from the Summer Heat
A reminder to use your office’s insulated specimen drop box (if available) and always place frozen ice packs in your drop box to keep the specimens from getting too hot.

Working Together to Enhance Munson’s Emergency Alert System
Following recent drill exercises and a real-time tornado watch, we received feedback from providers about the number and types of emergency pages received. We hear providers' concerns and want them to know that we’re taking action.

Our team is focusing on three key areas to enhance Munson’s emergency alert system:

1. Delivery Methods: Making technical adjustments to how real-time alerts and drill alerts are delivered (PerfectServe Clinical Collaboration paging, SMS texting, email) to reduce redundancy in certain situations.

2. Policy Updates: Reviewing what truly needs to be paged and texted out and what can be communicated through other channels.

3. Process Improvements: Streamlining our emergency alerts process to reduce the chance of human error.

Munson uses multiple methods to notify our Healthcare Team of urgent situations at any of our facilities or in the surrounding area. These alerts may include events such as an armed assailant, Code Triage, full facility lockdown, Amber Alert, or tornado warning — anything that could impact safety or hospital operations. These alerts are critical to keeping you and our patients safe.

If providers need to silence alerts when they're off work, they can simply log out of PerfectServe Clinical Collaboration. Note, you will still receive emergency alerts sent via SMS text.

Thank you for your continued feedback and patience as we work to enhance our emergency alert system.

 Education

Save the Dates! Munson's 2026 Provider Symposium
Please share with your providers

Providers are asked to please block your calendar Jan. 8 – 9, 2026, for Munson’s 2026 Provider Symposium.

New in 2026! The Provider Symposium will now feature a half-day of hands-on learning on Thursday afternoon, followed by a full day of CME sessions on Friday.

Participants at this popular and educational event can:

• Choose from an à la carte menu of in-person CME sessions featuring varied topics tailored to the educational needs of Munson Healthcare providers.
• Participate in dynamic plenary sessions with renowned medical experts.
• Network with colleagues at the Friday Evening Happy Hour.

Registration will open in September.

New On-Demand CME Available
Please share with your providers

The following Munson CME conference presentations have been reaccredited for on-demand CME. These activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

• Diabetes Management in the Hospital | Alyssa Dimondo, PharmD
• H5N1 Bird Flu updates for 2025 and current situation in Michigan | Elizabeth Abel, MD
• Improving Outcomes in Concussion Management | John (Jack) Cleary, MD
• New Onset Seizure: Evaluation and Management | Nicholas Zendler, DO
• Organ and Tissue Donation: Overview for Medical Professionals | Gift of Life Michigan
• The Skinny on Weight Loss Medications: Obesity, Ozempic, and Obstacles, Oh my! | Haley Kopkau, MD

Munson’s On-Demand courses can be viewed via:

• Computer browser: Visit our CME portal and click on the On-Demand tab. Courses are listed by presentation name.
• Mobile app: Once logged into your account in the eeds™ app:
  
  • select “Earn credits with Enduring Materials”
  • select Munson Healthcare
  • select the desired course title
    
    

Introduction to Treating Patients with Buprenorphine for PCPs
Please share with your providers

This virtual training, hosted by OPEN, is designed to equip providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and treat patients with OUD using Buprenorphine.

• Upcoming Dates:
  • Monday, Sept. 8, 9 am – 1 pm
  • Monday, Nov. 10, 8 am – 12 pm
• Financial Incentives:
  
  • BCBSM will provide a $250 incentive to any primary care provider attending this training for the first time (limited to first 250 registrants).
  • MHC-Employed Providers: To minimize the impact on productivity, if the training is scheduled during the provider’s established hours, MHC-employed providers can block and charge their time to the HRSA MAT Access II. For details, email SUDsupport@mhc.net.
• CME:
  • These activities have been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.
  • Meets DEA training requirements
• Register: Click here to register.
  
  

Upcoming CME Opportunities
For a list of upcoming events, visit munsonhealthcare.org/providerevents.

Online Resources
Munson's For Providers website features clinical resources and education to support providers and office staff. Bookmark now for quick access: munsonhealthcare.org/forproviders

To easily identify resources available on the For Providers website in Practice Pro, look for:

To read past issues of Practice Pro, visit munsonhealthcare.org/PracticePro. 

Have staff who would benefit from receiving Practice Pro? Please have them subscribe by completing this form.