Munson Healthcare

06/08/2026

Stories like this remind us how powerful kindness can be—at any age. We’re inspired by Dutch’s big heart and are grateful for the difference his generosity will make for pediatric patients at Munson Medical Center. Thank you to Dutch and all those who gave in honor of his birthday!

For his eighth birthday, Dutch Neller asked his friends to bring toys to his birthday party. But this was no ordinary birthday request; Dutch was collecting toys with to donate to the Child Life program at Munson Medical Center! 🎁 This program aims to help lower anxiety and stress for pediatric patients. Through education, play, and support, Child Life Specialists help patients and families enhance coping skills during hospital stays.

A generous community member was so inspired by Dutch's thoughtfulness, they donated an additional $5,000 towards his cause – bringing the total impact to over $6,100!

Thank you, Dutch and friends, for bringing more smiles and moments of joy to pediatric patients at Munson! ❤️

06/07/2026

This National Cancer Survivors Day, we’re honored to share Jon Courtade’s story. At just 30 years old the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at the Grand Traverse County Health Department found himself facing cancer. Read about his journey and join us in celebrating survivors, honoring their support networks, and raising awareness about the importance of early detection and ongoing care.

For this year's Cancer Survivor Day on June 7th, we are highlighting our Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Jon Courtade. You can read his beautiful words and story below. 💜

"As an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, you never expect your own health to become the emergency you must navigate. My name is Jon Courtade, and in April 2025 at 30 years old, I was diagnosed with Stage IIB Seminoma.

In my situation, an unexplained lower‑right back pain led me to request a CT scan because I suspected a kidney stone. Instead, the imaging revealed a more concerning finding. Testicular cancer is often detected early enough for an orchiectomy to remove a malignant mass before it spreads, but further testing confirmed the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. This resulted in a far more complex treatment journey, including: 18 bloodwork appointments, 3 surgical procedures, 7 CT scans, 2 ultrasounds, 93 hours of infusion time and a total of 101 days spent in a medical appointment of some kind.

Survivorship is often viewed as a personal journey, but in reality, it reaches far beyond the diagnosed individual. My journey also belongs to my wife, family, friends, and the many medical professionals who stood beside me. Each of them carried their own version of this experience, shaped by worry, hope, responsibility, and a desire to help. I am profoundly grateful to Munson Healthcare and the incredible staff at the Cowell Family Cancer Center for the care, compassion, and expertise they provided throughout my treatment.

I want people to know that paying attention to unusual symptoms and advocating for yourself can be life changing. Early action truly matters. My experience showed me that patient access is something you feel in very real ways. It can determine whether you understand your next steps or feel lost, whether treatment moves forward quickly or gets delayed, and whether you walk into each appointment feeling supported or overwhelmed. Access is what makes long-term survivorship possible.

Working for the Grand Traverse County Health Department has given me a deeper appreciation for the systems and people who protect the health of our community. Going through cancer firsthand strengthened my belief in the importance of accessible, coordinated, and compassionate public health services. I am grateful to be part of an organization that supports this work every day, and I am proud to return to my role with an even stronger commitment to helping our community stay prepared, informed, and healthy."

06/06/2026

Building the Future of Rural Psychiatry in Northern Michigan

At Munson Healthcare, we're committed to expanding local access to high-quality psychiatric care. Through our partnership with Pine Rest / MSU Psychiatry Residency & Fellowships, we’re helping shape the next generation of rural psychiatrists.

Each year, two residents train in Traverse City through our rural-focused psychiatric residency program, gaining hands-on clinical experience while building meaningful connections within the community they serve.

We’re proud to celebrate this year’s graduates — John Kutschke, MD, and Jack Yarema, DO — who have chosen to continue their careers right here in Northern Michigan. Their decision reflects the strength of our training program and their deep commitment to the region. We’re also excited that Emily Kurth, MD, will remain in Traverse City to complete her fourth year through Munson’s Rural Track program.

“Thank you to the team who developed and support a local curriculum to encourage future psychiatrists to practice in Northern Michigan,” said Scott Monteith, MD, Program Director for Traverse City’s Rural Track Residency program.

Together, we’re building a stronger future for mental health care in our region.

06/05/2026

In Traverse City, the first week of June is TART Trails Smart Commute Week. Teams came together to walk, jog, skip, ride, skate, carpool, or hop on BATA to get to work, all in the spirit of smarter, healthier commuting. Munson Healthcare was proud to support this annual event as a sponsor and to see so many team members join in the fun.

From energizing breakfast gatherings to group rides, fun runs, and other local events throughout the week, it was inspiring to watch our colleagues show up and get moving together.

Cheers to everyone who participated and helped make Smart Commute Week a success!

06/04/2026

Rolling Up Our Sleeves for a Good Cause!

Munson’s Marketing & Corporate Communications, Community Health, and Thomas Judd Care Center teams recently traded their offices for the outdoors to help the Traverse City Optimist Club spruce up their property and trails for summer guests and scrub ducks in preparation for the National Cherry Festival’s annual Rubber Duck Race, a key fundraiser for the club.

The Traverse City Optimist Club is a youth-focused organization founded in 1954 that’s dedicated to helping young people grow into positive, engaged members of our community. The Munson teams enjoyed the great outdoors and the opportunity to support this wonderful organization!

06/03/2026

“I chose orthopedic surgery, with an emphasis on shoulders and elbows, because it allows me to restore motion and independence in a very tangible way. Many of my patients who initially come to see me are unable to lift their arm, sleep comfortably, or perform basic daily tasks due to arthritis or severe rotator cuff damage. With modern techniques, we can reliably relieve pain and restore function. Seeing a patient return to golfing, fishing, working, or simply lifting a grandchild again is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.

I am especially passionate about advanced anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement techniques. These technologies have significantly improved outcomes and allow us to offer highly specialized shoulder replacement care here in Northern Michigan.” —Matthew Dubiel, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon – Shoulder & Elbow Specialist, Munson Orthopedic Institute

Read more: https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/about-the-system/commitment-stories

06/02/2026

Munson Healthcare is proud to support the Women's Resource Center of Northern Michigan with a $7,500 donation to help expand access to mental health counseling for survivors in our region.

In addition to this investment, members of our team recently spent the day volunteering at the center’s Safe Home by pitching in with outdoor cleanup, window washing, and more to help provide a safe and welcoming space for residents.

Strong communities require strong partnerships. By supporting counseling services and showing up with hands-on help, we’re committed to helping survivors build stability, health, and economic security.

06/02/2026

NICU Construction and Parking at Munson Medical Center

Munson Medical Center recently began construction on a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This important investment in care for our smallest patients is expected to take about 18 months, with an opening targeted for late 2027.

During construction, please note a few temporary changes:

• Parking areas and walking routes have been adjusted, with signage and staff available to help guide you.
• Lot B and all parking directly around Cowell Family Cancer Center are reserved for Cowell patients only.
• A new overflow lot just north of the Cancer Center is available for Cowell patients, with a free shuttle (Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4 pm).
• The Beaumont Place sidewalk remains open for those walking between Munson Medical Center and the Cowell Family Cancer Center.

We appreciate your patience as we build for the future of care in our community.

Learn more and view a map:
https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/about-the-system/nicu-construction-project

05/29/2026