Flint City Bucks Go Pink to Help Local Breast Cancer Patients
FLINT – Hurley Foundation is proud to have a community partnership with Flint City Bucks. Together, they are working to help LOCAL breast cancer patients not only beat the disease, but to get through the demands of life-saving treatment.
Following the August 21 6-1 home field victory over Detroit United FC, the Bucks auctioned special pink jerseys worn by each player, both in person and on Facebook Live. Proceeds will benefit Hurley Medical Center’s Breast Health Patient Navigation Program.
Last year, this event raised $3,195 for local patients battling breast cancer. All funds stay local to support patients going through the financially draining and life-disrupting process of cancer and treatment. Auction participants made a huge impact on lives right here in Mid-Michigan, Northern Michigan and the Thumb!
“We are grateful that the Flint City Bucks are bringing attention to the needs of local breast cancer patients in our region. Hurley Medical Center believes in supporting the health of our community and we can help so many more patients when caring partners, like Flint City Bucks, step up to join us,” says Jordan Brown, Hurley Foundation Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement.
Become part of the movement to help support local breast cancer patients heal. Donate at hurleyfoundation.org/donate or pinknightpalooza.com.
Hurley Foundation Announces Community Partnership with HAP
FLINT – Hurley Foundation and HAP are excited to announce their Community Partnership, especially in relation to the Hurley Food FARMacy and fighting food insecurity in Genesee County. For this purpose, HAP recently donated $10,000 to Hurley Foundation.
“As a Michigan-based insurer, HAP has a longstanding commitment to invest in the communities and the people we serve. HAP is proud to partner with Hurley Foundation to support the many services it provides to our communities. We are especially thrilled to join Hurley in directly addressing food insecurity with our support of the Hurley Food FARMacy,” says Bridget Hollingsworth, Health Alliance Plan Director, Community Outreach and Strategic Partnerships. “We believe that everyone should have easy access to healthy food, and we salute the Hurley Food FARMacy for its work toward food security for all.”
For patients identified as food insecure by their primary care providers, the Food FARMacy provides nutrient dense nutrition, often through locally grown produce. Healthier food options and the tools to prepare them help improve health outcomes for local families.
Jordan Brown, Hurley Foundation Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement says, “HAP has been a longtime supporter of Hurley Medical Center, especially in regard to the Food FARMacy and our wellness initiatives. To be able to expand the reach of their donation in our Community Partnership Program was a natural fit. By becoming a Community Partner, it allows HAP an experience beyond their generous donation, and instead connects the two organizations through collaboration, service and ultimately a betterment of Genesee County.”
Hurley Foundation is proud to be part of the revitalization and future of our region. It takes strong partners supporting our community, the people who live here, and each other. We look forward to a continued relationship with HAP in our joint effort to enhance the health of the people who call Mid-Michigan home.
Hurley Foundation’s Community Partner Program allows organizations to customize their donation to Hurley Foundation in order to provide the support to Hurley Medical Center that most benefits the mission the organization serves. Community Partners are able to combine their support of the six Hurley Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network events, as well as directly support the funds important to them.
MRI Diagnostic Imaging Technology Offered at McLaren Fenton
FENTON – McLaren Fenton is continuing to bring more services to Fenton area patients with the addition of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) diagnostic imaging unit. The mobile Ingenia 1.5T S MRI brings revolutionary high-quality imaging, with a high-quality patient experience to this location.
“McLaren Fenton is proud to bring even more health care services closer to Fenton and improve access to needed diagnostic services for residents in southern Genesee County and beyond,” said Chad Grant, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, McLaren Health Care. “By adding MRI services to our conveniently located campus in Fenton, residents will no longer have to travel for advanced imaging.”
MRI services began in early August. McLaren Fenton also offers a suite of other imaging services including 3-D mammography, CT imaging, ultrasound, bone density and X-ray.
MRI technology uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. It can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to tumors. MRI is especially useful for examining the brain and spinal cord.
Advanced MRI technology results in high-quality exams that take less time for most patients. The MRI has a wider bore opening for more comfort and most scans can be performed with the patient’s head entirely out of the opening for those who may worry they will have to be in an enclosed space. Additional benefits include a better audio and visual experience to help patients relax, an AutoVoice system that gives clear instructions during the scan process and a ComforTone component that reduces scanner noise.
McLaren Fenton has even more in store for the Greater Fenton community as it continues to add to its comprehensive health care services. Learn more at mclaren.org/fenton.
Fellowship-Trained Proton Therapy Specialist/Radiation Oncologist Joins McLaren Proton Therapy Center Team
FLINT – The McLaren Proton Therapy Center (MPTC), part of the Karmanos Cancer Network, welcomes Brian Yeh, MD, PhD to the team of radiation oncologists in Flint. Dr. Yeh has over a decade of experience in using proton therapy to treat cancer. A board-certified radiation oncologist with fellowship training in proton therapy, he has held lead positions at some of the country’s top proton therapy and radiation therapy centers. He does clinical research, has written peer-reviewed publications, and has held faculty positions teaching medical students and residents. Dr. Yeh also brings extensive specialty training in using proton therapy to treat pediatric cancers and cancers in the central nervous system, brain, and head and neck regions.
Clinically, Dr. Yeh served as a radiation oncologist at the New York Proton Center in New York City and at the ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, NJ. He is one of few who has completed special fellowship training in proton therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, one of the nation’s top cancer treatment and research centers. Dr. Yeh’s residency and internship training was completed at the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Yeh participates in clinical research and has co-authored peer-reviewed publications studying proton therapy treatments for head and neck cancers, breast cancer and pediatric cancers. He has held faculty appointments and has taught medical students and residents at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (New York City), where he also was the Director of Proton Beam Therapy, and at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine (New York City).
“Proton therapy has the ability to treat cancer with less damage to normal tissue and fewer side effects,” said Dr. Yeh. “The McLaren Proton Therapy Center is a state-of-the-art proton center and one of the few that has the potential to do proton imaging in the future. I am excited to join the team here in Flint and look forward to using the latest technology in providing our patients with the best medical care available.”
Dr. Yeh also specializes in proton therapy treatment for lung cancer, lymphoma and gastrointestinal cancers. With increasing interest in proton therapy from cancer patients across Michigan, surrounding states and Canada, the addition of Dr. Yeh comes at a time when the MPTC is finding new ways to treat more patients and making plans to expand.
“Dr. Yeh complements our professional team with his unique expertise in proton therapy, having worked and trained at the most prestigious proton therapy institutions in the country,” said Hesham Gayar, MD, MPTC Medical Director. “His specialized training, along with our comprehensive team of oncologists at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint, and with the most advanced proton therapy facility and support services, helps us provide the best care for our patients.”
Recently diagnosed cancer patients, or those looking for a second opinion, may call 855- MY-PROTON (855.697.7686) or visit mclaren.org/protonconsultation.
About the McLaren Proton Therapy Center
The MPTC is part of the Karmanos Cancer Network. It is one of 32 proton therapy centers currently operating in the U.S. and offers radiation oncology treatment with superior precision. The facility leads in advanced, next-generation technology by providing pencil-beam scanning and a state-of-the-art system for volumetric image-guided proton therapy delivery. The system uses isocentric gantries with 180-degree rotation, and robotic patient positioning and verification systems, allowing the most flexibility for treatment design and delivery. Located in Flint, patients from the surrounding areas and beyond travel to the MPTC for this advanced treatment. Learn more at mclaren.org/protontherapy.
Neurosurgeon Joins Ascension Medical Group
GRAND BLANC – Neurosurgeon Lisa Guyot, MD and her surgical practice have transitioned to Ascension Medical Group (AMG) effective September 1, 2021. With 20 years of experience, Dr. Guyot has established herself as a renowned surgeon providing exceptional care for patients across the greater Flint region.
(L-R) Neurosurgeon Lisa Guyot, MD, Melissa Kildow, NP
Board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Dr. Guyot specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery. She treats spinal conditions including decompression procedures to the cervical, thoracic and lumbar areas of the spine, discectomy and spinal fusions. She also treats carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Dr. Guyot received her medical degree from Wayne State University and completed her residency at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University.
Since 2012, Dr. Guyot has served as the chairperson of Neurological Surgery at Ascension Genesys Hospital. She continues in that role and also serves on the Ascension Genesys teaching faculty in the orthopedic surgery residency program.
Dr. Guyot is joined by nurse practitioner Melissa Kildow, NP. She helps patients understand their spinal condition and all options of conservative treatment. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2010 and her Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Nurse Practitioner in 2011.
Three additional office staff have also transitioned to Ascension Medical Group Neurosurgery – Genesys. Dr. Guyot and her team continue to see patients at their current office location, 841 Health Park Boulevard in Grand Blanc. New patients are being accepted. To schedule an appointment, call 810.606.7340.
Urogynecologist joins Ascension Medical Group in Grand Blanc
GRAND BLANC – Ascension Medical Group is proud to welcome urogynecologist Alexey Levashkevich, MD, to the obstetrics and gynecology physician group at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc. With extensive expertise in pelvic reconstruction and minimally invasive surgery including single port laparoscopic and robotic surgery, he has established himself as a renowned urogynecologist, providing care for patients across the greater Flint region.
Dr. Levashkevich is certified by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists with a subspecialty certification in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Following graduation from medical school in Minsk, Belarus, Dr. Levashkevich completed his residency at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York. He moved to Michigan in 2007 to join the obstetrics and gynecology department at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint.
Dr. Levashkevich recently joined Ascension Medical Group OB/GYN in Grand Blanc with more than 20 years experience. He also continues to serve on the OB/GYN residency faculty at Ascension Genesys Hospital.
To schedule an appointment, call 810.606.7190 or visit GetAscensionCareMichigan.com.
Ascension Michigan to Train CMU College of Medicine Students
SAGINAW – Ascension Michigan has signed a 25-year agreement with Central Michigan University College of Medicine to help educate and train medical students at several Ascension Michigan hospitals including Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit, Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw and Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc.
“We are very proud to have solidified this agreement with CMU College of Medicine,” said Charles Husson, DO, Chief Medical Officer, Ascension Michigan. “This long-term agreement aligns with our strategic goals of clinical collaboration in the medical education space and most importantly, ensures quality training for future physicians. Our education and training will help prepare these medical students to provide comprehensive healthcare services to Michiganders across mid-Michigan – including those who live in rural communities, as well as metropolitan and inner-city areas. These students are key to enhancing access to patient-centered, compassionate care in the future.”
Third- and fourth-year CMU medical students will have opportunities for clinical rotations at the three Ascension Michigan hospitals, which offer a continuum of acute and critical care services including emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric medicine and surgery, and behavioral medicine.
A strong foundation between the organizations has been built over decades.
“For more than 50 years, Ascension St. Mary’s has been a part of what is now CMU Medical Education Partners and its graduate medical education programs,” said Stephanie Duggan, MD, President and CEO, Ascension Michigan Northern Ministries. “We have partnered well through the years to create a high-quality education and training environment for medical students as well as residents. This collaboration is vital to advancing medical education as we work together to develop a healthcare workforce that will be able to care for our communities’ families for generations to come.”
The CMU College of Medicine was established to address the state and national physician shortage. Beginning with the inaugural class of 2017, approximately 500 doctors have graduated from the College of Medicine. Of the graduating class in 2021, more than 60 percent entered primary care residencies and nearly 50 percent remained in Michigan.
“This agreement with Ascension Michigan hospitals streamlines and secures for the long-term our joint commitment to providing exceptional education for medical students, and outstanding comprehensive care for Michiganders,” said Dr. George E. Kikano, CMU Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean of the CMU College of Medicine. “The need is great. Collaborations such as this one set the stage for a brighter and healthier future for us all.” ®
About Ascension Michigan
In Michigan, Ascension operates 16 hospitals and hundreds of related healthcare facilities that together employ over 23,000 associates. Across the state, Ascension provided over $311 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in FY2020. Serving Michigan for over 140 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization dedicated to transformation through innovation across the continuum of care.
As the largest non-profit and Catholic health system in the U.S., Ascension is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. In FY2020, Ascension provided $2.4 billion in care of persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs. Ascension includes more than 160,000 associates and 40,000 aligned providers. The national health system operates more than 2,600 sites of care – including 139 hospitals and more than 40 senior living facilities – in 19 states and the District of Columbia, while providing a variety of services including clinical and network services, venture capital investing, investment management, biomedical engineering, facilities management, risk management, and contracting through Ascension’s own group purchasing organization.
