McLaren Flint Receives Highest Recognition for Stroke Care from AHA

For the fifth consecutive year, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association has recognized McLaren Flint’s stroke program with the Get With the Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus distinction.

This is the highest level of recognition a program can receive. In addition, the program earned three more specific, stroke-related acknowledgments. The hospital also remains the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the region.

Learn more about this prestigious achievement here. Congratulations to every team member who contributes to the consistent, high-level of care given to our stroke patients.

PULSE HEADLINES

McLaren Flint has Expanded its Offerings and Enhanced its Abilities to Detect and Diagnose Lung Cancer During its Earliest Stages

With the addition of the Ion platform, a minimally invasive and robotic-assisted bronchoscope procedure, physicians can view deeper into the lungs and biopsy smaller, previously unreachable suspicious nodules in the peripheral tissue, allowing them to accurately diagnose if the nodule is benign or cancerous and begin treatment before the disease begins to advance.

“McLaren Flint was the first hospital in the region to offer da Vinci robotic technology nearly 25 years ago,” said McLaren Flint President and CEO Chris Candela. “Today, Ion is an example of how we continue partnering with the physicians on our medical staff to offer life-changing care to our patients.”

Read more about Ion and how it will benefit patients here.

McLaren Stroke Network's Research Published in NEJM

Dr. Hesham Gayar in Select Group Invited to World Forum

McLaren Proton Therapy Center Medical Director Dr. Hesham Gayar was among only 38 experts from around the globe invited to participate in the World Forum on Particle Therapy.

The forum, held in Krems, Austria, focused on the future of particle therapy. Dr. Gayar was recruited for his expertise to join in on this important conversation with other renowned particle therapy experts from across the globe.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Celebrates 40 Years at McLaren Flint

The week of September 23 was historic for Dr. Anup Sud. The cardiothoracic surgeon celebrated 40 years at McLaren Flint doing the job he is passionate about. We congratulate and thank Dr. Sud for being such a vital part of our team for four decades. 

Head and Neck Oncologist is Now Seeing Patients at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint

The Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint welcomes Nithin Peddireddy, M.D., a head and neck surgical oncologist who specializes in mouth and throat cancers and melanoma of the face, neck and scalp. Dr. Peddireddy joins the Head and Neck Oncology Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at Karmanos.

Dr. Peddireddy finished his fellowship in head and neck oncology and microvascular surgery at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and completed his residency at the University of Michigan. Dr. Peddireddy is a native of Flint and is looking forward to treating patients from his hometown and surrounding communities. Read more about Dr. Peddireddy here.

New Radiation Oncologist Joins McLaren Proton Therapy Center Team

The McLaren Proton Therapy Center welcomes radiation oncologist Dr. Hani Al Halabi to the team. Dr. Al Halabi received his doctoral degree in medicine from McGill University in Montreal, Canada in 2006.

Dr. Al Halabi completed his radiation oncology residency at McGill University, then went on to pursue a clinical fellowship in proton therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine in Boston. We are delighted to have him on our team. Learn more about Dr. Al Halabi here.

McLaren Flint Welcomes Two New MMG Providers

Romy Bhagat, MD, a family practice physician, has joined the team at McLaren Flint-Davison Community Medical Center.

To learn more about Dr. Bhagat and how to contact him, click here.

Lyric Walsh, DNP, CNM, is now seeing patients at McLaren Flint Women's Health South in Flint. Walsh is a nurse midwife.

You can read more about Walsh and how to contact her here.

The New 2024-2025 Residents and Fellows Are on the Job

New 2024-2025 residents and fellows are pictured above. They arrived for orientation the week of June 24. We are proud to have them on the McLaren team, providing safe, quality, compassionate care to the community we serve.

Construction at KCI and Proton Therapy Center Moving Along

The Karmanos Cancer Institute (KCI) and Proton Therapy Center expansion projects continue to make great progress. Three components of the projects, including a facelift to the front entrances of both KCI and the main hospital and the expansion of the Proton Center, remain on track to be completed by the end of the calendar year. 

The second-floor addition to KCI-Flint is in progress and will create more clinical space for our growing Oncology Surgery Programs, which include Breast Surgery, Head and Neck, Gynecological Oncology, and Surgical Oncology. A new main lobby for both Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology is nearing completion and brings a modern aesthetic to KCI-Flint. 

Work also continues in developing the Leo Cancer Care technology that will create two new treatment locations for the upright chair treatment solution within Proton therapy. This is a new technology designed for the patient to sit upright versus lying down on a table and will increase Proton therapy clinical opportunities and capacity for patient treatments. Everyone’s patience during this important time of expansion for the oncology program and the benefit of the patients we serve is greatly appreciated.

McLaren Flint Names Physician of the Third Quarter

Pictured l to r: Chief of Staff Dr. Raymond Rudoni; Dr. Omar Habib, Physician of the Quarter; President and CEO Chris Candela.

Congratulations to McLaren Flint cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Omar Habib, Physician of the Third Quarter. His nominators say this honor goes beyond Dr. Habib's impressive skill to his bedside manner. Many patients and caregivers have praised Dr. Habibi's excellent communication and compassion.

“As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Habib has demonstrated exceptional patient care, compassion, and expertise, making him an outstanding candidate for this recognition," said Dr. Habib's nominators. "His patients and their families praise his ability to explain complex procedures in understandable terms, his calm and patient demeanor, and thoroughness in addressing their concerns. His dedication to his patients and his craft make him an exemplary physician and a shining example of the best in health care.

“Dr. Habib has the unique ability to connect with patients that fosters an environment where they feel safe, valued, and cared for. In addition to his remarkable patient care, Dr. Habib exemplifies a cooperative attitude toward staff and is always willing to offer support to nurses and fellow physicians.”

Allied Health Provider of the Third Quarter

Pictured l to r: Chief of Staff Dr. Raymond Rudoni; Leslie Clason, NP-C, Allied Health Professional of the Quarter; President and CEO Chris Candela.

McLaren Flint congratulates Leslie Clason, NP, cardiothoracic surgery, the Allied Health Professional of the Third Quarter. Leslie is respected by peers for her professionalism and willingness to put in long hours to ensure the patients we serve get safe, quality care.

"Leslie embodies what it means to be a trusted team member and model practitioner. If there is ever a problem, she is the person who can be counted on to complete the task," her nominators said. "Few people that I have worked with have made the significant impact on quality outcomes as she has in cardiothoracic surgery. She is well revered by staff and recognized as a face for our surgical specialty."

Multiple Sclerosis and CNS Immunology Clinic Open at McLaren Flint

Whether a patient needs confirmation of multiple sclerosis (MS), a central nervous system diagnosis, a second opinion, or a specialized care provider, the McLaren Flint MS & CNS clinic can answer their questions and offer the disease management and care they need. Additional information is available here.

Register for CME Courses

Karmanos will host two continuing medical education courses in October:

Gastrointestinal Oncology Symposium

• Saturday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m., Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084. Click here to register or for more information!

Second Annual Lung Cancer Symposium

• Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-2:40 p.m., Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084. Click here to register or for more information!

WELCOME NEW PROVIDERS TO THE MEDICAL STAFF

Bonnie Baxter, NP

Jamie Braden, NP

Paige Lafavor, PA

Ashish Rungta, MD

Kerri Copeland, NP

Kamal Kassem, MD

Hassan Nasser, MD

Steven Reschak, DO

Cynthia Hayes, DO

David Wiese, MD

Robert Rotondo, DO

Taylor Alspaugh, DO

Travis Baes, MD

Macksood Aftab, DO

Katelynn Franczak, NP

Jennifer Charneski, NP

Arshia Vahabzadeh, DO

Nithin Peddireddy, MD

Teri Muhs, NP

Romy Bhagat, MD

Amy Fix, DO

Aria Kieft, MD

Emily Bon, DO

Audrey Stryker, MD

Lyric Walsh, CNM

Amanda Marshall, DPM

Zaid Yaqoob, MD

Abdullah K. Al-Arfaj, MD

David T. Batzos, NP

Rory T. Gilhooly, DPM

Christy Rotondo, MD

Kimberley D. Miller, PhD

Hani Al Halabi, MD

Hematology & Oncology

Internal Medicine

Hematology & Oncology

Psychiatry

NP/Internal Medicine

Cardiology

Surgery/Otolaryngology

Surgery/Otolaryngology

Surgery/Otolaryngology

Pathology

Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology

Orthopedic Surgery

Radiology/Neuroradiology

NP/Cardiology

NP/Cardiology

Pulmonary/Critical Care

Surgery/Otolaryngology

NP/Thoracic Surgery

Family Medicine

Family Medicine

Radiation Oncology

Emergency Medicine

OB/GYN

Certified Nurse Midwife

Podiatry

Pulmonary Disease/Critical Care

Neurosurgery

Nurse Practitioner/Neurosurgery

Podiatry

Emergency Medicine

Clinical Psychology

Radiation Oncology

PHYSICIAN AND ALLIED HEALTH PROVIDER RECOGNITION

Do you have a physician or allied health provider in mind to nominate for the next Physician or Allied Health Provider of the Quarter Award?

As a reminder, nominees must:

• Be a current member of the McLaren Flint medical staff for at least one year.
• Demonstrate compassion and concern for patients and staff.
• Have a cooperative attitude toward patients, colleagues, and staff.
• Strive for constituent quality outcomes.
• Display leadership and support to the organization.

Allied Health Providers include: PA/NP/CRNA/CNM/PhD/PsyD

To nominate a physician or allied health professional, please use the form accessible at the link below.

DOWNLOAD THE NOMINATION FORM

GRATEFUL PATIENTS

Below is feedback regarding care from patients at McLaren Flint. This feedback is shared on returned surveys, through online reviews, or during a post-discharge call.

Fenton ED- "Dr. Ryan Newberger is a very good and intelligent and caring doctor who portrays a sincere concern for his patients.

4 Central- "Dr. John Kuhn was amazing, the most down to earth, kind surgeon I've ever met.

Surgical- "Dr. Mark Mattingly took awesome care of me as he always has."

Fenton ED- "Dr. Michael Polito is professional and made me feel comfortable as a patient."

Flint ED- "Dr. Ray Rudoni was very informative and considerate. I appreciated him taking care of my problem."

Surgical- "Dr. Benjamin Mize was excellent."

From Facebook- "Dr. Mustafa Hassan is the best."

From Facebook- "McLaren is so lucky to have gained such a wonderful midwife (Lyric Walsh) to its team."

THE FOLLOWING PROVIDERS ARE NO LONGER ON THE MEDICAL STAFF AT McLAREN FLINT

Syed Mohsin, MD

Jeffrey Rohr, DO

Andrea Curtis, NP

Jane Weingartz, NP

Elizabeth Couture, CRNA

Alyssa Doyle, NP

Shumin Zhang, PA

Sinclaire Chapman, NP

Rudin Gjeka, MD

Patrick Hawkins, NP

Shadi Idris, MD

Ramesh Misra, MD

Stacy Oliver, NP

Rabei Bdeir, MD

Ariola Dixon, NP

John Panos, MD

Shawn Gorkiewicz, NP

Angela Beyer, CRNA

Joseph Galard, PA

Lochan Subedi, MD

Harpreet Dhatt, MD

Michael Flaherty, MD

Amit Bhatt, MD

Mohammad Khalid, MD

Azmy Allam, MD

Amy Sykes, NP

Page Wang, MD

Noor Tarabishy, MD

Marci Coates, NP

Stephen Defriez, MD

Amit Kubal, MD

Internal Medicine/Nephrology

Surgery/Ophthalmology

Emergency Medicine

Internal Medicine

Anesthesia

Surgery/Neurosurgery

Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine/Cardiology

Internal Medicine/Nephrology

Internal Medicine/Cardiology

Internal Medicine/Cardiology

Internal Medicine

Pathology

Internal Medicine/Cardiology

Pathology

Internal Medicine/Nephrology

Anesthesia

Gastroenterology

Pediatrics

Teleradiology

Teleradiology

Radiation Oncology

Teleradiology

Pulmonary

NP/Neurosurgery

Radiology/Teleradiology

Emergency Medicine

NP/Internal Medicine

Radiology

Radiology/Teleradiology

October

• Oct 2 Rosh Hashanah Begins at Sunset
• Oct 7 National Depression Screening Day
• Oct 11 Yom Kippur Begins at Sunset
• Oct 15 Global Handwashing Day
• Oct 18 National Mammography Day
• Oct 31 Halloween
• Oct 31 Diwali
• Oct 6-12 Mental Illness Awareness Week
• Oct 6-12 National Primary Care Week
• Oct 6-12 National PA Week
• Oct 20-26 Respiratory Care Week
• Oct 21-27 National Pharmacy Week
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• Bullying Prevention Month
• Physical Therapy Month

November

• Nov 1 Diwali ends
• Nov 3 Daylight Saving Time ends
• Nov 5 Election Day
• Nov 11Veterans Day
• Nov 12 World Pneumonia Day
• Nov 14 World Diabetes Day
• Nov 21 Great American Smokeout
• Nov 28 Thanksgiving
• Nov 3-9 Diabetes Education Week
• Nov 3-9 National Radiologic Technology Week
• Nov 10-16 National Nurse Practitioner Week
• Nov 24-30 GERD Awareness Week
• Diabetes Month
• COPD Awareness Month
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month
• Alzheimer's Awareness Month
• Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
• Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

Do you have information you would like to share in the next edition of PULSE?

We'd like to hear about your latest news: awards, recognition, presentations, upcoming conferences and seminars, and any other information that you feel may be relevant to McLaren Flint medical staff.

Submit your news to flintmarketing@mclaren.org.