News

Munson Healthcare is pleased to welcome Nicole Kanomata, NP, to Munson Healthcare Manistee Cancer and Infusion Center. 

She chose to become a nurse practitioner because she strives to never stop learning and growing in her abilities to help others. Nicole puts her whole heart into caring for her...

Munson Medical Center in Traverse City was recently named to The Women’s Choice Award for Best Hospitals™ list in the following categories:

Best Hospitals for ObstetricsBest Hospitals for Heart CareBest Hospitals for Cancer CareBest Hospitals for Comprehensive Breast CareBest Hospitals for Mammogram...

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Munson Healthcare is encouraging community members to get screened. 

Worldwide, Colon Cancer is the third most common form of cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In Northern Michigan, colorectal cancer rates are 4-5 percent higher...

Munson Healthcare is pleased to welcome Nate Rousse, NP, to the Grayling Cancer & Infusion Clinic. 

After serving as a medic in the U.S. Army, he was recruited by his mom, an oncology nurse, to join Dr. Schwert's practice in Traverse City.  He finds oncology care to be an incredibly meaningful and...

Breathe Easy – Catch It Early: A Lung Cancer Awareness Panel & Mini-Expo will take place from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., in Traverse City.

The event will spotlight lung cancer screening, prevention, and treatment – and will feature a 5x5 inflatable...

Munson Healthcare is thrilled to announce a generous $5.2 million philanthropic gift from the estate of longtime Traverse City resident, Patricia Heffron, that is supporting cancer patients, research, and helping fund investment in an ION Robot.

This gift represents the third largest in Munson’s...

In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, employees at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital recently shaved their heads to raise funds for two colleagues battling cancer. The initiative, spearheaded by Karen Avery, aimed to provide both emotional and financial support to their...

Munson Healthcare is pleased to welcome Caitlin Buren, NP, to Munson Healthcare Gynecologic Oncology. 

Through her work as a registered nurse, Caitlin became interested in women’s health. As a nurse practitioner, she chose her path in gynecology oncology because it allows her to help improve the...

Munson Healthcare is pleased to welcome Cory Messingschlager, MD, to the gynecology oncology team at Munson Healthcare. 

Dr. Cory Messingschlager is a fellowship-trained Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon (MIGS). He attended medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine...

The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) is recognizing Munson Healthcare, Cowell Family Cancer Center (CFCC) with the Innovator Award for pioneering achievements in improving access, quality, and value in cancer care delivery. 

Cowell Family Cancer Center will accept the award during the 2024...

Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) is proud to announce the acquisition of the SAVI SCOUT® Wire-Free Radar Localization System, a cutting-edge technology designed to improve the surgical experience and outcomes for breast cancer patients. 

The SAVI SCOUT® system uses non-radioactive...

In an effort to bring awareness to cancer prevention and celebrate survivors during National Cancer Survivors Month, Munson Healthcare and the Traverse City Pit Spitters are holding a “Spit on Cancer“ evening at the ballpark on Saturday, June 22. Game time is 7:05 pm at 333 Stadium Dr. in Traverse...

Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital (POMH), in conjunction with the Betsie Hosick Health & Fitness Center, will host a free, 10-week exercise program aimed at newly diagnosed cancer patients, those who are undergoing treatment, in remission, and cancer survivors two years post treatment. The Journey...

Munson Healthcare (MHC) is pleased to welcome Jennifer Armstrong, DNP, NP-C to MHC Charlevoix Hematology and Oncology.

Jennifer was raised in White Lake, Michigan but has called Charlevoix her home for the past 17 years. She obtained her Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University, her...

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, an annual observance highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, a disease that affects thousands of women each year.  

"Cervical cancer is largely preventable with regular screenings, early detection, and...

Munson Healthcare will offer low-dose CT scan screenings as part of National Lung Screening Day on Nov. 11.

Munson Healthcare Director of Radiology Branden Hill said the screenings at health system hospitals emphasize the importance of lung health for residents in the region.

“Lung cancer remains...

Munson Healthcare is hosting a free community event on Thursday, April 13, to bring awareness to colon health.

A Colon Cancer Awareness Panel and Mini-Expo will take place from 5 - 7:30 p.m. at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., in Traverse City.

The event will spotlight...

Munson Healthcare leadership recently announced the appointment of radiation oncologist David Heimburger, M.D., as the Physician Chief for Oncology in the health system. He replaces David Gordon, M.D., who retired in November.

“Dr. Heimburger has served as the Radiation Oncology Program Director...

Munson Healthcare is pleased to welcome Edward R. Hagen, M.D., as a board-certified specialist in general surgery who is sub-specialty trained in colon and rectal surgery. 

Dr. Hagen graduated from medical school at Creighton University, Omaha, Neb. He completed a residency in general surgery at...

Jack M. Zuckerman, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in urology. 

He has special interests in genitourinary reconstructive surgery, urethral stricture disease, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and voiding dysfunction. In addition...

Jessica D. Arden, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in radiation oncology. Dr. Arden practices with Traverse Bay Radiation Oncologists, P.C., at Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., Traverse City. Her office can be reached at 231-935-7100.

“I’ve always...

This April Munson Healthcare is proud to recognize the fifth anniversary of Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City. During its five years in operation, the facility has helped to treat thousands of patients with state-of-the-art coordinated cancer services and has helped transform the...

Munson Healthcare announced today it is the first hospital system in northern Michigan to offer an innovative treatment shown in clinical studies to help prostate cancer patients avoid some of the negative effects of radiation therapy. 

In September, Munson Medical Center treated its first patient...

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital has canceled the face-to-face components of its annual Paint the Town Pink event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Each October since 2008, the hospital has hosted a ceremony and walk to raise awareness of the importance of early detection in the fight...

Junewai L. Reoma, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in thoracic and cardiac surgery. 

Dr. Reoma practices at Cardiothoracic Surgeons of Grand Traverse, 1221 Sixth St., Suite 202, Traverse City. He is accepting new patients, and appointments can be...

Justine Pearl, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified specialist in neurosurgery. In addition to general neurosurgery, Dr. Pearl brings neuro-oncology expertise for the treatment of tumors, brain metastasis, gliomas, and more.

Dr. Pearl practices at Munson...

Munson Medical Center and the American Cancer Society are celebrating Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a free community event on Thursday, March 12.

Rollin’ with the Colon: A Colon Cancer Awareness Panel & Mini-Expo will take place from
4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Cowell Family Cancer...

The 14th annual Katie Heintz basketball tournament in March raised a record $40,990, pushing the total tourney benefit to the community close to $200,000 since its start.

The annual fundraiser pits students from across the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (GTACS) system against their teachers...

Munson Medical Center’s Cowell Family Cancer Center recently joined the national list of Screening Centers of Excellence.

The Lung Cancer Alliance cited Cowell Family Cancer Center’s ongoing commitment to responsible lung cancer screening and use of low dose CT scans in making the recognition.

“We...

Laurel A. Leithauser, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs and reconstructive surgeon. 

Dr. Leithauser practices at The Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center, 1225 W. Front St., Ste. C, in Traverse City. She is accepting new...

The Health and Wellness Suite at the Cowell Family Cancer Center provides opportunities for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for those receiving treatment for cancer, as well as those in recovery. Classes include yoga, pilates, massage, meditation, painting, and much more.

“The mental...

Gaylord, Mich. — Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in women, with one in eight women in the US diagnosed in their lifetime. Early detection and advancements in screenings, such as mammograms, are key in improving outcomes. Staff at Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) work...

“The majority of lung cancer is diagnosed at a later stage which contributes to high mortality,” says radiologist Patrick Gartland, MD.

However, Munson Medical Center’s lung cancer screening program is working to improve the odds for patients by detecting lung cancer earlier through low-dose chest...

Seven Munson Healthcare facilities are joining efforts to offer a special mammography screening day on Saturday, Oct. 20, for women who have a hard time making medical appointments during a busy work week. In this video, learn one woman’s breast cancer story and why she is passionate about spreading...

Screenings are the best way to catch breast cancer early, in its most treatable stages. Exams such as mammograms are able to find cancer when it is very small and often before symptoms are present. As technology continues to improve, screenings may help to save thousands of lives each year. Bet...

Prostate cancer screening is the second most common cancer among men. However 90 percent of all cases are curable if they are detected early. It is important for men to talk to their primary care providers about prostate cancer screening.

Watch as Mark Watkins, 7&4 News’ Chief Meteorologist, shares...

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

By awarding facilities the status of a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, the American College of Radiology recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned...

Munson Medical Center’s Cowell Family Cancer Center recently received certification through the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative®.

To achieve the certification, cancer center staff and leadership were evaluated on center practices and standards, and were...

The 2018 Katie Heintz Basketball Tournament fundraiser at St. Francis High School in March raised $17,557 for the Munson Healthcare Foundations’ fund dedicated to pediatric needs at the Munson Medical Center Infusion Clinic.

The fundraiser is dedicated to the memory of St. Francis student...

Munson Medical Center Cowell Family Cancer Center recently earned LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.   The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.

The certification signifies the structure meets the resource and energy efficient code criteria that allows it to be signified “green.” The building now has an official...

People try to kick the smoking habit with varying degrees of success. Residents of northern Michigan are finding true success through a Freedom from Smoking program offered by Munson Healthcare. Learn how the program helped one northern Michigan woman.

Video courtesy of 7&4 News.

 

Women in northern Michigan with a family history of breast cancer and those with dense breast tissue will benefit from new technology at the Smith Family Breast Health Center in Traverse City. Benefits of 3D breast imaging include clearer images of abnormalities within dense breast tissue, earlier...

Neil R. Forster, M.D., has joined the staff of Munson Medical Center as a specialist in radiation oncology.  

Dr. Forster practices at the Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., Traverse City. He is accepting new patients, and appointments can be made by calling 231-935-7100.

Dr...

PhysioTouch is a new technology that helps reduce the pain and swelling caused by lymphedema. 
One breast cancer survivor shares her experience with PhysioTouch therapy offered to northern Michigan patients by Munson Healthcare.

Video courtesy of 7&4 News.

 

Munson Medical Center’s Smith Family Breast Health Center recently implemented three-dimensional tomography as another tool to more accurately determine breast health in certain patients.

The hospital’s Medical Director for Breast Imaging Charles Weitz, M.D., said the center’s General Electric...

Blankets help leukemia, lymphoma patients receiving infusion treatment

Officials from Serra Subaru in Traverse City recently visited Munson Medical Center’s Cowell Family Cancer Center with gifts to warm patients undergoing infusion treatments.

The national “Subaru Loves to Care” campaign became...

The Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City partners with DeVos Children's Hospital to provide convenient care close to home for pediatric cancer patients in northern Michigan.

Video courtesy of 9&10 News. 

 

Can’t wait to hit the beach this summer? Well, keep your shirt on — and your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen — because ultraviolet (UV) rays are responsible for more than 90% of all skin cancers.

The most common type by far, basal cell carcinoma, accounts for 80% of all skin cancers and most often...

Munson Healthcare Gynecologic Oncologist David Michelin, MD, performs about 200 procedures each year using robotic technology to help patients with endometrial and cervical cancers. The newest model helps him target the minimum number of lymph nodes for removal which results in shorter surgeries and...

Interlochen students present ‘This Place Feels Familiar’ artwork on May 19

Art inspired at Cowell Family Cancer Center will go on exhibit with a special launch from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the cancer center.

Students from the Aesthetics of Health Class led by Interlochen Arts Academy’s...

Gynecologic oncologist sees benefits in fight against cervical and endometrial cancers

New surgical technology at Munson Medical Center “lights up” potentially cancerous lymph nodes in real time and shortens the amount of time on an operating table for gynecologic cancer patients.

Gynecologic...

Munson Medical Center program preps patients for positive outcomes

Beth Pearce felt like she was borne by a whirlwind after receiving a diagnosis of colon cancer last summer. The Traverse City-area resident’s surgery was scheduled quickly and she started to get overwhelmed – then Loie Rainey, M.S.N...

At 3, future hematologist/oncologist played 50 miles north of meltdown site

Hematologist/oncologist Yelena Kier, D.O., recalls the day the worst nuclear disaster ever in the world took place. She was 3.

“I just remember all of my toys had to be destroyed when we came home and my clothes thrown...

A new technique offered at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City significantly decreases the risk of negative side effects in patients receiving radiation treatment for prostate cancer.

Video courtesy of 7&4 News. 

 

Gaylord, Mich. — Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH) is now offering a low dose lung screening CT scan for early detection of lung cancer. The screening is for those at risk of developing lung cancer, the second most common cancer in both men and women. Until recently, there were no methods for early...

Support Services manager to receive leadership award for prevention efforts

Less than a year after its doors opened, a spotlight in the nation’s capital will shine on Munson Medical Center’s Cowell Family Cancer Center on Feb. 2.

The center’s Cancer Support Services Manager Katie Horvath will...

January has been designated Cervical Health Awareness month as a way to educate the public about the importance of good cervical health. Women who have not had a recent screening should talk about their need with their primary care provider.

Cervical cancer does not have to kill. Yet, about 4,000...

U.S. News and World Report puts spotlight on Munson Medical Center specialties

Chris Shotwell is quick to voice his appreciation for the quality of heart care available close to his Traverse City home.

The 67-year-old retiree underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2012 and has been a faithful...

New product ensures organs at risk from radiation are protected

Through a new technique and medical product a Munson Medical Center radiation oncologist helps ensure prostate cancer patients experience fewer side effects.

Radiation Oncologist Douglas Brown, M.D., said he recently began using the...

Young cancer patients benefit from Michigan Architectural Foundation fund The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.

“Iggy Peck Architect” and “You Wouldn’t Want to be a Skyscraper Builder” are among the 100 book titles for toddlers through teens recently donated to the Cowell Family Cancer Center.

The Rae Dumke Development Fund of the...

At the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City, Mich., an advisory council made up of patients and family members provides feedback and recommendations about services, resources, and even the building itself.

Video courtesy of 9&10 News. 

 

Facts show that each year nearly 98,000 new cases of gynecological cancers will occur in the U.S. resulting in 30,000 deaths.

The good news is that these cancers are largely preventable, and, if detected early, curable. Regular screenings and vaccinations remain key to early detection and...

Getting a diagnosis of cancer is a difficult experience. It can make you feel afraid, anxious or overwhelmed. But knowing what to expect and making plans for how to proceed can make the journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival easier. Jennifer Lawhorn, DO Oncologist/Hematologist and...

New level of cancer care available for northern Michigan residents

The ribbon under the covered entrance to the Cowell Family Cancer Center sliced between a big pair of scissors Wednesday, April 13, inaugurating a new level of cancer care for the residents of northern Michigan.

Munson Healthcare...

Facts show that each year nearly 12,000 women will develop cervical cancer and 4,000 will die from the disease. 

The good news is that this cancer is largely preventable, and if detected early, curable. Regular screenings and vaccinations remain key to early detection and prevention. 

Cervical...

Holding up the hands of the nurturer becomes possible this season through a year-end gift to the West Shore Healthcare Foundation. 

Foundation Executive Director Rachel Brooks said West Shore Medical Center continues to strengthen its services for women of all ages and stages in the community. 

“...

Digital mammograms, many same-day appointments, available in Kalkaska

Kalkaska Memorial Health Center offers many same-day appointments for mammograms during breast health month in October and beyond.

The state-of-the-art facility includes digital mammography screening and diagnostic exams by...

Manistee Ford’s Sixth Annual Benefit Classic Car Show, held at Manistee Ford on June 13, raised nearly $5,000 in support of West Shore Medical Center’s commitment to the early detection of breast cancer. 

“This is a wonderful event that the community looks forward to each summer,” said West Shore...

The 12th annual event brings the overall total to more than $130,000

The 12th annual Katie Heintz Basketball Tournament fundraiser at Saint Francis High School in March raised $17,321 for the Munson Healthcare Foundations’ fund dedicated to pediatric needs at the Munson Medical Center Infusion...

Rigorous evaluation focuses on center’s quality care, outcomes

Munson Medical Center’s Smith Family Breast Health Center recently was accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

The three-year recognition is a program of the American College of Surgeons.

The NAPBC...

Turning 50 means there are a lot of candles on that birthday cake – it’s also time to think about getting screened for colorectal cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 60 percent of colorectal deaths may have been prevented with routine screening. The risk for developing...

After opening its doors a little over one year ago, the Grayling Cancer & Infusion Center has become one of the hospital’s busiest departments. With its scenic views, convenient location, and specially designed healing environment, it’s no surprise that a growing number of patients are choosing to...