September 2026

Keeping Northern Michigan Athletes in the Game
September marks the return of school, practices, and Friday night competition across Northern Michigan. With student-athletes heading back to the field, court, track, and course, the risk of sports-related injuries increases. Nearly 10 million sports-related injuries occur each year due to trauma or overuse of muscles and joints. Munson Orthopedic Institute’s experienced sports medicine and rehabilitation team is ready to support athletes of all ages with expert diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and injury prevention services.

Convenient Care When It Matters Most
Sports injuries don’t follow a schedule, which is why MOI offers Orthopedic Urgent Care at Foster Family Community Health Center in Traverse City. Patients receive same-day evaluations, on-site X-rays, and immediate treatment. Fast access to orthopedic specialists can help prevent minor injuries from becoming major setbacks. Walk in, book online, or call 231-935-8686.

Expert Orthopedic Trauma and Fracture Care
For more serious injuries, MOI provides expert care for fractures, complex injuries, and musculoskeletal trauma. Working closely with emergency teams, clinicians coordinate treatment from stabilization through surgery and rehabilitation to restore function and support recovery as safely and efficiently as possible.

Advanced Treatment Close to Home
MOI continues to expand access to innovative treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. This regenerative therapy uses a patient’s own platelets to promote healing in tendons, ligaments, and joints, often reducing the need for more invasive procedures. PRP may be especially beneficial for chronic conditions such as tendonitis and tennis elbow.

MOI’s experienced sports medicine team treats a wide range of injuries in athletes of all ages. Sports medicine specialists are available in Cadillac, Gaylord, Grayling, Petoskey, Prudenville, and Traverse City.

Sports Team Physician
Munson is strengthening its commitment to local student-athletes through a partnership with Traverse City West High School, naming MOI orthopedic surgeon Dr. Grant Carey (picture above) as Team Physician.

A Northern Michigan native and former student-athlete, Dr. Carey works alongside Certified Athletic Trainer Mikayla Scholts and Munson’s sports medicine team to help keep the Traverse City Titans healthy, safe, and performing at their best.

Resources and Referrals
Referral face sheets of our skilled orthopedics team, including our sports medicine specialists,* are available by region:

• East Region (Gaylord, Grayling, Petoskey, Prudenville)
• South Region (Cadillac, Manistee)
• Traverse City

*Updated referral face sheets including Drs. Sean Beyer and Brent Geers will be available soon.

Learn more at munsonhealthcare.org/moi.

Meet Munson’s Sports Medicine Specialists

Sean Beyer, DO
Orthopedic Surgery
Gaylord, Petoskey

E. Grant Carey, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Gaylord, Prudenville, Traverse City

Brent Geers, DO
Orthopedic Surgery
Cadillac

*Dr. Sean Beyer and Dr. Brent Geers joined Aug. 31.

Healthcare Team

Getting to Know: MaKenzie Tremp, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. MaKenzie Tremp is an obstetrician-gynecologist with expertise in vaginal bleeding (between periods and postmenopausal), pelvic inflammatory disease, HPV, and cervical dysplasia.

Consults/Referrals

Cadillac
Munson Healthcare Cadillac OBGYN
Phone: 231-876-6100
Fax: 231-392-7310

Direct Trust
MTREMP@direct.mhc.net

What aspects of women’s health are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about helping women understand their bodies and the many changes they experience throughout life, from puberty and reproductive years to menopause. Whether through education, symptom management, or reassurance, I enjoy empowering women to feel informed, comfortable, and confident in their health.

What common misconceptions do you encounter?
Many women assume common symptoms or changes are simply something they have to live with, or they feel uncomfortable discussing them with friends, family, or even their primary care provider. In reality, many concerns are common and manageable. Normalizing conversations about women’s health can reduce anxiety, improve understanding, and help women seek the support they need.

What advice do you frequently share with your patients?
Always ask questions. While I may not have every answer immediately, I want patients to leave feeling informed, supported, and confident in their care rather than confused or frustrated.

Anything else you’d like referring providers to know?
Women’s health is constantly evolving, and we continue to learn more every day. While I may not have a solution for every concern, I am committed to listening, partnering with patients, and exploring individualized treatment options. These may include lifestyle changes, stretching, physical therapy, and medical or hormonal management when appropriate.

In Brief

Primary Hospital:
Cadillac Hospital

Joined:
September 2022

Medical Education:
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine

Residency:
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Michigan State University, Providence Hospital

Favorite Pastimes: Anything and everything associated with the great outdoors: kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and exploring new places, often accompanied by her golden retriever, Maverick

Welcome Munson’s Newest Providers!
In addition to announcing new providers when they join as part of Provider Moves (see below), we invite you to learn more about some of the recent additions to our Healthcare Team.

Please join us in welcoming...

• Alexander Molinari, DO
  Munson Orthopedic Institute,
  Traverse City and Cadillac
• Jasmine Hall, NP
  MHC Traverse General Surgery and Trauma Care
• Christina Mercer, NP
  MHC OMH Medical Group – Lewiston
• Cathryn Pearl, PA
  MHC Petoskey CHC Primary Care
• Shannon Slocum, NP
  MHC OMH Medical Group – Indian River

Provider Moves
Munson Healthcare’s Provider Moves webpage has been updated for August, including new providers, practice changes, retirees, providers no longer on staff (or practicing), and other updates (e.g., name changes, practice moves, new phone and fax numbers).

For a directory of Munson-privileged providers who accept referrals, go to Find A Doctor.

The following Munson-employed providers are new to the following MHC practices:

• Sean Beyer, DO | Munson Orthopedic Institute – Gaylord and Petoskey
• Brent Geers, DO | Munson Orthopedic Institute – Cadillac
• Alex Hogarth, PA-C | Munson Orthopedic Institute – Traverse City
  
  

People on the Move: MPN Leadership Updates
Munson Physician Network (MPN) has implemented a new leadership structure to strengthen coordination, consistency, and connection across the MHC system. Progress is being made in filling key leadership roles, and we are pleased to share several updates:  

Jon Beaulac, DO, will serve as the Central Region Executive Medical Director. Dr. Beaulac will provide physician leadership and partner closely with operational leaders to support strategic priorities across the region while continuing to care for patients on a part-time basis. 

Brittany Stepnowski, MBA, has accepted the role of Central Region Executive Director. Brittany currently serves as Director of Surgical Services for Henry Ford Health in Jackson, Michigan, and brings extensive experience in physician practice operations, service line leadership, and team development. She is expected to join MHC in October, with her official start date to be announced soon.

Randy Hodges is the South Region Executive Director. Randy will oversee Primary Care, Pediatrics, Medical Specialties, and Surgical Specialties across the South Region, while continuing oversight of MHC's Urgent Care service line. He will also continue serving as the executive leader for Primary Care in the Central and East Regions until Executive Directors are in place.

Sally Ann Whitener has been named Regional Director of Women’s Health. The evolving needs of women’s health services across our system, particularly in the East Region, highlighted the need for dedicated regional leadership. In this role, Sally Ann will provide leadership for women's health services for both the East and South Regions. Her experience, dedication, and strategic vision will help strengthen access, consistency, and growth across these important services.

 Services

Referral Face Sheets Available
To support providers and practices in streamlining referrals to Munson’s specialty services, the following referral face sheets are available here.

How to Schedule Outpatient Testing
A reminder Munson has separate phone numbers for scheduling outpatient lab, radiology, and other testing (e.g., echocardiograms, EEGs, maternity prepared stays, monitors, PFTs, etc.).

Lab: 231-392-7891
Radiology: 231-935-7200 or 1-800-968-9292
All Other Testing: 231-935-6718

For an outpatient scheduling resource guide, click here.

Patients can also conveniently self-schedule appointments at several outpatient lab locations at munsonhealthcare.org/lab.

Pediatric Sleep Care Now in Cadillac and Manistee
Munson has expanded pediatric sleep medicine services in our South Region with the addition of Rebecca Byrnes, DO, who will see patients ages 5 and older in Cadillac, Manistee, and Traverse City.

Expert evaluations, treatment, and ongoing care can help children get the healthy sleep they need to learn, grow, and thrive.  

Special Mammography Screening Day – Saturday, Oct. 17
Munson is offering mammogram appointments on Sat., Oct. 17, making it easier for patients to fit this important screening into their busy schedules.

No referral is needed, and appointments are limited. Patients can call 231-935-7200 or 800-968-9292, option 1, to schedule their appointment in Cadillac, Gaylord, Grayling, Manistee, and Traverse City.

For year-round mammography services information, visit munsonhealthcare.org/mammogram.

New Treatment Option for Men with Low Testosterone
Munson Healthcare now offers TESTOPEL® testosterone pellet therapy for men with low testosterone through Emily Stevens, MD, in Petoskey, and Bay Area Urology, in Traverse City. This FDA-approved, long-acting therapy is inserted in the office and typically provides testosterone replacement for 3 to 6 months. Men seeking a long-acting treatment option with less frequent dosing and no risk of medication transfer to others may be appropriate candidates for referral.

Additional classes include Labor & Birth, Breastfeeding, Baby’s First Year, and Maternity Tours. 

View upcoming classes and register here. 

HomeTown Pharmacy Permanently Closes 3 Locations; Others Remain Open
In 2025, due to challenging market conditions, Munson Healthcare sold its local Northern Michigan pharmacies to HomeTown Pharmacy. HomeTown Pharmacy announced this week that due to exacerbated market conditions, they permanently closed the following Traverse City locations Monday: 

• Sixth Street Drugs
• Foster Community Health Center
• Copper Ridge 

HomeTown will transfer all prescriptions from these pharmacies to local Walgreens’ locations.  

HomeTown Pharmacy locations remaining open: 

• The ambulatory pharmacy in the basement of Munson Medical Center
• The Long Term Care Pharmacy in Traverse City
• Honor
• Suttons Bay 

The Munson team remains committed to connecting all our patients with the best pharmacy options for their needs.  

Questions? Contact David Haugh, MHC Pharmacy.

 Patient Care

Clinical Guidance

• As bat bites and scratches may be too small to notice, individuals should seek immediate medical evaluation after any direct contact with a bat, ideally within 48 hours of exposure.
• Individuals should safely contain the bat, if possible, without direct handling, and contact their local health department to discuss testing and assess possible exposure risk.
• For rabies testing and treatment guidance, including post-exposure prophylaxis, click here.
• Patients may also require a tetanus booster if more than 10 years since their last vaccination.
• Those who have not had direct contact with a bat are unlikely to need rabies prophylaxis. Please refer to the treatment guidelines.
  
  

Michigan’s Childhood Vaccine Recommendations Remain Unchanged
Despite a recent federal executive order, Michigan’s childhood vaccine recommendations, school immunization requirements, and exemption processes remain the same. Michigan continues to follow evidence-based vaccine guidance as outlined in the Standing Recommendation. Read the MDHHS statement.

MDHHS-Recommended Childhood Immunization Schedules

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

Thank you for continuing to support vaccinations as an evidence-based, safe method of disease prevention.

Routine Radiology Results Turnaround Times Averaging 9 Days
Due to increased demand and volumes for radiology services, routine radiology result turnaround times currently average 9 days and up to 2–3 weeks. The greatest impact is being seen in X-ray, CT, and MRI studies. For details, click here.

We appreciate your understanding as we partner with Grand Traverse Radiologists to decrease turnaround times.

LabMed Report: Urobilinogen Reporting
MHC Laboratories now report Urobilinogen concentration (≥2.0 mg/dL) quantitatively. Concentrations <2.0 mg/dL will continue to report as Normal.

An archive of LabMed Reports is available at munsonhealthcare.org/labmed.

September is...

Sepsis Awareness Month
Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming response to infection and can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Approximately 80% of sepsis cases begin outside the hospital setting. Patients who have experienced sepsis should see their primary care provider within two weeks of hospital discharge, as timely follow-up may reduce readmissions and support recovery.

These visits provide an important opportunity to assess for ongoing or recurrent infection, identify potential complications, reinforce the care plan, and educate patients and caregivers about sepsis warning signs and when to seek medical attention. Patients who have had sepsis are at a higher risk for developing it again.

For resources on recognizing, diagnosing, and treating sepsis, bookmark munsonhealthcare.org/sepsisforproviders.

Suicide Prevention Month
We all have the power to make a difference. By recognizing the signs and offering support, we can help those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Together, we can build a more compassionate and connected community.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of distress, help is available:

• Visit the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center — open 24/7 at 410 Brook Street on the Munson Medical Center campus in Traverse City. Click here to learn more.

• Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 — available anytime, from anywhere.

• For mental health resources for providers, click here.

Resources and Reminders

LARA Scam Targets Licensed Healthcare Providers
A Munson provider recently received a threatening phone call from an individual claiming to represent LARA who falsely claimed that the provider’s license was at risk. To appear legitimate, the caller referenced personal information and pressured the provider to take immediate action. LARA confirmed that the call was fraudulent and part of an ongoing scam targeting licensed providers.

If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide information or payment. Verify the communication directly through LARA and report suspected fraud to LARA-Safety@michigan.gov. For details about these scams, visit the LARA website.

Stay Updated with the Latest Payer Information 
For a curated list of payer news impacting you, including the latest payer changes and guidelines, bookmark: munsonhealthcare.org/PayerUpdates

 Networking Events

Women in Medicine Was a Great Success!
September is Women in Medicine month. Munson Healthcare recently hosted its fourth annual Women in Medicine event, a fun celebration of the compassion, expertise, and dedication women providers bring to the patients and communities they serve.

The more than 80 attendees shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the opportunity to build relationships, reconnect with colleagues, and strengthen a sense of community across the healthcare system. Many repeat attendees said they look forward to the event each year and value the chance to connect with peers outside of the workplace.

 Education and Events

Registration Opens Soon! Munson’s 2027 Provider Symposium
Providers are asked to please block your calendar for Munson’s next Provider Symposium:

When: Thurs., Jan. 7, and Fri., Jan. 8, 2027
Where: Grand Traverse Resort, Acme

Once registration opens in a couple weeks, providers can learn more and register at munsonhealthcare.org/providersymposium.

This program has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. 

Farms, Food, & Health: Culinary Medicine
This Farms, Food, & Health training offers providers an innovative Continuing Medical Education program that highlights local food, culinary skills, and nutrition training. Workshops are sponsored by Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities in partnership with Munson Healthcare and the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.

• Topic: Healthy Breakfasts: Energizing Starts to the Day
• When: Wed., Sept. 16, 6 – 8 pm
• Where: Esperance Community Teaching Kitchen, Commongrounds Building, Traverse City
• Cost: $25 for physicians and APPs; no cost to medical students and residents
• CME: Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM
• Register: For details and to register, click here
• Flyer: Read the flyer for 2026 series dates and topics
  
  

Healthcare professionals and members of the public are invited to attend the 2026 Northern Michigan HIV Summit hosted by MHC’s Thomas Judd Care Center. This free event will feature educational sessions related to HIV/AIDS issues and the presentation of this year’s Community Collaborations Award. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Jason Zucker. Lunch will be provided.

• When: Mon., Sept. 28, 10 am – 3 pm
• Where: Attend in person — The Hagerty Center, Traverse City — or virtually
• CE: Continuing education credits will be available
• Register by Sept. 18: Tickets are limited for in-person attendance, so please register soon!
  
  

Advanced Care Planning Training for Healthcare Professionals
This training covers Michigan advance care planning (ACP) requirements, including legal documentation standards and validity criteria. Participants will learn the purpose and appropriate use of ACP documents, recognize when updates may be needed across the continuum of care, and explore ways to integrate ACP conversations and documentation into routine clinical practice to support coordinated, goal-concordant care.

• When: Tues., Oct. 6, 12 – 1 pm
• Where: Virtual
• Cost: No cost
• CME: Approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM
• Register: Click here to register
• Additional Information: For details, including additional dates, read the flyer. To discuss additional training options, contact Stephanie Van Slyke.
  
  

Upcoming CME Opportunities
For a list of upcoming events, visit munsonhealthcare.org/providerevents.

Online Resources
Munson’s For Providers website features clinical resources and education to support providers and office staff. Bookmark now for quick access: munsonhealthcare.org/forproviders

To easily identify resources available on the For Providers website in Practice Pro, look for:

To read past issues of Practice Pro, visit munsonhealthcare.org/PracticePro. 

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