Reflections: A Look Back at 2023

As we ease into the new year and enjoy the first real snowfall of winter, we take a few moments to look back at milestones reached in 2023.

Below, you'll read stories of growth and accomplishment, as well as learn about new programs and services. While just a sample, these reflections embody the dedication our employees, providers, volunteers and leaders have poured themselves into to serve you - our communities.

We do hope you enjoy our reflections from the past year. But, more importantly, we are grateful for the trust you place in us to help you stay or become healthy. We work each day to earn that trust and live out our purpose in 'Creating Healthy Communities - Together." On behalf of all of us here at MyMichigan Health, we look forward to providing you excellence in health care and service in 2024 and for many years to come.

Lydia Watson, M.D.
President and CEO
MyMichigan Health

Two Years in a Row, Recognized as Best in State

For the second year in a row, MyMichigan Health was named to the Forbes annual list of “America’s Best Employers By State.” Of the 72 Michigan organizations listed, MyMichigan ranked 42 and was sixth on the list of Michigan healthcare systems under the Healthcare & Social Care industry category.

"This recognition by Forbes reflects our culture, empowerment and support of our employees to learn new skills used to provide exceptional care to our patients,." said Lydia Watson, M.D., president and CEO, MyMichigan Health. MyMichigan truly is an excellent place to work and retain top talent in the health care industry."

Join our team

Bringing Expert Cancer Care Under One Roof

Back in August, employees, providers and volunteers gathered at the construction site of the James T. and Elsa U. Pardee Cancer Wellness Center to mark the last structural steel beam being placed. With support from area foundations and supporters, the Center will ease patient access to seeing multiple specialists on the same day and more.

Since that hot August afternoon, fast forward a few months to now as we hold our public open house to celebrate the facility opening. Plan to join us Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m., for self-guided tours and refreshments.

Tour the new Center Jan. 10

Celebrating Sault Integration

In June, more than 100 leaders, employees and health care providers gathered in the Sault to celebrate the integration of War Memorial Hospital, now MyMichigan Medical Center Sault.

"An integration this size takes some time and a lot of people, said Kevin Kalchik, M.H.A., C.P.A., Sault Medical Center president. "Our gathering together allowed us to pause and recognize all those involved in the tremendous efforts that made our affiliation and accomplishments possible."

View the regions we serve

West Branch Health Park Moves to New Location

To meet the growing needs of the community, in the spring, MyMichigan Health Park West Branch moved into a new downtown location at 335 E. Houghton Ave. On the site of the former Tolfree Memorial Hospital, the facility brings together Family & Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, MyMichigan Urgent Care West Branch, Diabetes Education, Behavioral Health Services, a Laboratory Services draw station, and X-ray.

Learn about Urgent Care services

Emergency Heart Care Program Comes to Alpena

2023 was a big year for heart care in Alpena with the launch of a new program. MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena is now providing emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the care of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the most serious type of heart attacks. In addition, MyMichigan Medical Center EMS and the Medical Center have developed a Regional STEMI Alert Program designed to rapidly identify patients suffering from STEMIs and expedite lifesaving treatment.

Explore the five steps of the STEMI process

Clare Medical Center is Here to Stay

In July, MyMichigan Medical Center Clare announced its plans to remain in its existing downtown location and will proceed with an expansion and revitalization of its current facility. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

“We are here to stay! The trust we have built with the Clare community is nothing short of amazing,"" said said Marita Hattem-Schiffman, president of MyMichigan Medical Centers in Clare, Alma and Mt. Pleasant. "Through our review of project options, feedback from neighbors and data gathered with our recent study, we heard loud and clear just how important it was to remain right where we are - right in the heart of our beautiful downtown."

Find out more about the project

Support Surpasses Alma Surgical Services Project Goal

Continually advancing health care capabilities for central Michigan residents, MyMichigan Medical Center Alma's latest project is the construction of a new 51,200-square-foot advanced surgical services unit at the Medical Center. With support of generous donors, MyMichigan Health Foundation celebrated in November when it soared past its goal of $750,000 and raised a remarkable $1.2 million for the project. The redesigned patient care areas will offer patients and their families increased privacy and security, as well as an environment of seamless, coordinated care. The surgical services area is now complete. Phase Two, to be completed in summer 2024, will include the development of a new Medical Center entrance and enhanced patient access for diagnostic imaging.

Show your project support

Virtual Health Improvement Program Launches for Heart Patients

In the fall, MyMichigan launched Pivio, a sustainable, healthy lifestyle medicine program, to its cardiovascular patients, after piloting the program with employees throughout the last year. The program consists of 12 weeks rooted in behavior change techniques that will help participants learn and set lifelong healthy habits. Pivio is held virtually; during the first six weeks, the group will meet twice per week, and once per week for the second six weeks. Info sessions take place this January. Talk to your primary care provider to see if a lifestyle medicine program may be right for you.

Sign up for a Pivio info session

Read how one MyMichigan employee's life changed