Biography
John LeRoux, P.A.-C., is a certified physician assistant who specializes in trauma and general surgery. He sees and treats patients at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland and works with the trauma and general surgery teams at the Medical Center. He has experience in family medicine and also worked as a nurse before earning his degree as a physician assistant.
John has worked in his specialty for more than 10 years. “When I was in PA school, I really enjoyed the trauma and surgery rotation,” he said. “It’s exciting and the fast pace is a good fit for me. In general, I work with patients all the way through their hospital stay – from the time they come to the Emergency Department until they are discharged.” While monitoring patients, John helps develop treatment plans, orders and reviews diagnostic tests, facilitates communication among specialists, staff and the patient, and assists with discharge planning.
Philosophy of Care
John prides himself on being thorough, respectful and accessible. He works to create an environment of mutual trust and open communication. “When patients trust me, we can communicate honestly,” he said. “That’s important because I need to know their health history and as many facts and details as possible about their current situation.”
Education and teamwork are vital for the patients’ well-being, John said. “We need everyone – the patient, the family and the staff – all pulling in the same direction to set the stage for the best outcome,” he said. “I spell out a plan for each patient and tell them what I’m going to do and what they need to do. I also explain the ‘why’ behind their treatment plan. People are more likely to work together with me if they know why the treatment is important and how it works.”
He advises people to ask all their questions. “I encourage patients to write down questions as they think of them – otherwise, it’s too easy to forget,” John said. “I’ll answer all their questions, and share as much information as I can, so the patient can continue to get better.”
John and his wife, Melissa, live in Saginaw with their three children. They enjoy watching their children participate in sporting events; as a family, they enjoy a variety of activities including camping and golf.
Special Interests and Procedures
- Various bedside procedures
- Central line placement
- Percutaneous tracheostomies
- Chest tube insertion
- Arterial line insertion
- Suturing, splinting and casting
