It won't likely draw the attention of the recent St. Patrick's Day Celebration, or even today's observance of Dyngus Day…but if there are doctors in your life doing critical things to keep you on a path toward health and wellness, you might want to take a moment and thank them this week. Wednesday, March 30th, is "Doctor's Day," an annual celebration of medical providers all across the nation.
On that day, Lakeland Health will honor the commitment of over 500 medical providers in southwest Michigan as part of the “Doctor’s Day” celebration.
Dr. Lowell Hamel, Vice President of Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer at Lakeland Health says, "Our physicians do amazing work and we are proud to celebrate their passion, dedication, and commitment to provide quality healthcare and to touch the hearts and lives of our patients every day.”
Currently, Lakeland employs 546 partner physicians and licensed providers, representing a total of 55 specialties. Forty-nine new providers joined the medical staff in Fiscal Year 2015.
Lakeland also serves as a teaching hospital and offers residency training programs through a partnership with the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. This year marks the second class of graduating residents in emergency medicine, family medicine, and dermatology, and the third class of graduating internal medicine residents. Between the 2015 class of 14 graduates and the 2014 class of four graduates, nine of these physicians chose to continue to practice medicine in Southwest Michigan after completing their residencies.
Dr. Hamel says, "Lakeland is honored to play a critical role in shaping future doctors.” He tells us, “As this program continues to grow, patients can expect the best talent, knowledge, and medical techniques from our physician team.”
