Two Traverse City-based general surgery groups have partnered with Munson Medical Center effective Jan. 1, 2018.
Surgeons, advanced practice providers, and staff of both Grand Traverse Surgery and Surgical Associates of Traverse City combined with Munson Medical Center’s Trauma and Acute Care Surgery program to form Munson Healthcare Traverse General Surgery & Trauma Care. The integration of surgical specialists into Munson Medical Center from private practice represents a new level of collaboration to ensure the continued delivery of top quality surgical and trauma care in northern Michigan.
“This partnership has been structured to create a true win-win situation for the region, the hospital, as well as for the surgeons,” said Derk Pronger, chief operating officer of Munson Medical Center. “Having strong partnerships ensures the sustainability of the highest level of surgical and trauma services for our region well into the future. The two independent surgical groups were instrumental in Munson Medical Center’s Level II Trauma Center designation from The American College of Surgeons in 2006.”
Physician leaders from the two independent surgical groups have met with Munson Healthcare officials over the course of the past year to discuss ways to enhance the delivery of top surgical and trauma care for Traverse City and the region. After exploring options, partnering to form Munson Healthcare Traverse General Surgery & Trauma Care was mutually chosen as the best option.
Munson Medical Center works closely with physicians to understand and determine the best ways to ensure access to quality care for the patients of northern Michigan. Attracting and keeping the best surgeons in the nation is key to maintaining a top program.
“This new practice model will help us recruit the brightest and best new general surgeons and trauma specialists to the region more effectively,” Pronger said.
Under the new partnership, patients will continue to see their surgeons in the same locations. Grand Traverse Surgery is located at 701 W. Front Street, Suite 200, in Traverse City. Surgical Associates of Traverse City is located at 1221 Sixth Street, Suite 306. Munson Medical Center’s Trauma and Acute Care Surgery program is located at the hospital.
The three groups are expected to come together in one convenient location in the fall of 2018, following a renovation of space in the Munson Professional Building at 1221 Sixth Street.