“What I love most about being a radiation oncologist is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients.

"After earning my PhD in cancer biology, I chose this path so I could apply my knowledge to directly serve my local community. Guiding my patients through treatment, providing support, and witnessing their resilience is incredibly rewarding. 

"Commitment to me means dedicating my skills and passion to a healthcare system with a reputation for exceptional care. I’m fortunate to work alongside such an incredible team focused on expertise, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate support to address the unique needs of our patients. Joining Munson was a natural choice for me, and I am proud to serve my local community."

—Jessica Arden, MD | Radiation Oncology, Grand Traverse Region

“At Munson, excellent patient care comes as a direct extension from the high quality of our doctors. I am regularly inspired by my colleagues’ dedication: the extra time they take to coordinate care, the thoughtfulness of their approach to the patient, and everyone’s willingness to both learn and teach.”

—Erica Austin, DO, FAAN | Neurology, Grand Traverse Region | Director of Outpatient Neurology

“Commitment is being dedicated to a cause and our cause, as Munson physicians and leaders, is to strive for the best care possible for our patients and to improve the health of our Northern Michigan communities. With a goal of providing world class healthcare close to home, Munson is working to recruit subspecialty medical experts so our patients don’t need to travel outside our region to see a specialist.”

“Munson Healthcare Pediatrics is committed to caring for children and their families across our region. Collaborating with our communities and regional children’s hospitals, we strive to bring evidence-based, compassionate care close to home.

"Munson’s entire Healthcare Team is unwavering in our dedication to caring for our region’s children. We are more than a healthcare system close to home; our clinical teams are made up of community members caring for one another and treating our visitors and guests with the same commitment and compassion with each interaction.

"Providing quality medical care supported by evidence within a rural environment requires diligence, vigilance, strong communication, collaboration, and conviction. Our team remains ready, open, accepting, and committed to the challenge.

"I am humbled and honored to care for our region’s families.”

“As physicians, we show our commitment by stepping up to help and support patients and staff during the most challenging or trying times. I both strive for this and witness it every day in my exceptional colleagues and coworkers. It's not what you do when things are easy that matters, it's what you do when it's hard. Even under stress, there is continued focus on quality patient care and on each other. I feel fortunate to work with others who embody commitment in this way, even in times of great change and disruption.”

“I always loved and excelled in science and desired a profession where I could directly impact the lives of those around me. After attending an all-women’s college, Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame, I was drawn to women’s health. I wanted to educate and empower women through their healthcare. In addition, I loved the draw of obstetrics and gynecology, where a lifelong connection is made with women through some of the greatest moments of their lives. 

“As a Boyne City native, I wanted to return to the community that helped raise me — and to give back to a community that gave me so much. I felt I aligned with Munson’s values to give back to Northern Michigan and to provide quality care to our close-knit community. The dedication of every staff member at Charlevoix Hospital is nothing short of inspiring. When you are cared for at Charlevoix Hospital, we see you as family. 

“The best part of my role is educating, supporting, and empowering women to take control of their healthcare. As OBGYNs, we are involved in some of the most remarkable and difficult moments in a patient’s life. I enjoy forming a strong, lifelong bond with each patient.” 

—Caitlyn Monks, DO | Obstetrics and Gynecology, East Region

“Synonymous with dedication and loyalty, commitment is having a sense that, as an individual, you will bind yourself to a course of action, service, institution, or community. That bond leads one to decide and recognize something needs to be done regardless of how or what it takes to get there.

"My most fond and proud moment was the May 20, 2022, tornado in Gaylord. Committed individuals responded throughout the hospital and called in from home on days off, to help regardless of how or what it took to get there.

"We work daily in the Emergency Department as a committed team, never knowing what our shifts are going to present, to do what it takes to reach the common good of caring.”

“I’m a Michigan native committed to making a difference in the lives of you and your loved ones. Following my neurosurgery residency and neuro vascular fellowship, I chose to return home to Michigan to join Munson Healthcare because I wanted to start an interventional stroke program that would truly make a difference and save lives. We have eliminated the need for stroke patients to travel downstate during a time when every minute matters through our designated Comprehensive Stroke Center.

"Building a leading-edge stroke program in a place that needs it is every neurosurgeon’s dream. I’m proud to be a part of this team that will continue to care for the Northern Michigan community for years to come.”

—Gary Rajah, MD | Neurosurgery, Grand Traverse Region | Surgical Director, Comprehensive Stroke Center

“We are committed to excellence in medical education, training the next generation of physicians how to excel in rural healthcare. More than half of our graduates choose to stay and practice in our Northern Michigan communities.

"We are also committed to providing high-quality care for vulnerable populations with the highest need, including the low-income and the unsheltered.”

“I believe the highest calling one can have is to serve. And after visiting Munson during my search for a place to practice, I knew instinctively that because of the people, the place, and the purpose, this was where I belonged.

“In my eyes, commitment is about the process, not the outcome. It’s about bringing our best to every situation, every time. I am fortunate to be part of a very special team committed to delivering cardiovascular care of the highest quality. Together we serve our patients, each other, and our purpose to improve lives with a deep sense of purpose and compassion. The best part of my work is the connection I feel with my patients and coworkers. The science of medicine is fascinating, but it's these special connections that give my work its unique texture and color.

"I have also been blessed to serve in various leadership roles at Munson. My leadership work has allowed me to interact with a different set of people than I do at the bedside. All these diverse experiences have shown me what an amazing group of people we have at Munson, all working together to transform our purpose from words into actions.”

—Dino Recchia, MD | Cardiology, Grand Traverse Region | Medical Director of Heart & Vascular Services 

“Commitment is when you dedicate the necessary time and resources into each and every patient. The people of our communities deserve quality care with compassion in a way in which we encompass all their needs — be it physical or mental. My commitment to my community is something I strive for every day by being present and demonstrating patience, listening to my patients’ needs, and knowing when to engage others in my patients’ care.”

“Commitment is being engaged, making a pledge, or taking upon oneself the ongoing obligation to a cause, a purpose, or a group of people. Our Munson Healthcare teams systemwide and our partner provider groups dedicate ourselves and our resources and bring our best every day to serving the members of our communities in Northern Michigan. In healthcare, commitment is a team sport. We are best committed to our patients when we commit to supporting our teammates.” 

“Commitment is being firmly devoted to the well-being of my patients and striving for optimal surgical results by performing safe surgical procedures, continually advancing my knowledge and skills, and collaborating with peers. Commitment is also challenging conventions all while welcoming diversity and embracing change.”

“Commitment is the cornerstone of success and strong relationships. Commitment means choosing to do the right thing for the patient and being intentional about advocating for them. Commitment means comforting them when they need to be comforted, being a good listener, a teacher, and an encourager, and helping them achieve their recovery goals.

"My commitment to Munson Healthcare is to strive to provide the best possible assistance to patients and their families while also supporting my colleagues and the organization's overall mission. I strive to be an asset to the organization by assisting patients daily, supporting my colleagues as a leader and confidant, engaging in ongoing education and training to improve skills and knowledge, and volunteering in the community to promote health and wellness.

"I have been privileged to witness numerous examples of unwavering commitment in my Munson colleagues and have seen them go above and beyond to ensure patients receive needed care. Whether it's working long hours, consistently striving to exceed performance expectations, or simply taking the time to listen to a patient's concerns. The commitment of our Munson Healthcare Team is truly inspiring.”

—Max Uschuk, MD | Family Medicine, Grand Traverse Region | Chief Resident, Munson Family Medicine Residency