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Sara Allen suspected she had gallstones, but no amount of pain was going to keep her from her nephew’s wrestling match. “It was an important match,” Sara said. “I don’t have kids, so my nieces and nephews are my life.” As soon as the match was over, Sara headed straight to the emergency room. The 42-year-old soon learned the source of her pain was ovarian cancer. Sara’s loving family immediately rallied around her. “My sister was my keeper. She did all the research for me, so I didn’t go down the rabbit...

Sometimes when we visit a physician looking for a diagnosis, they may need more than a physical exam and blood work to find the answer. This is when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be helpful for your doctor to better understand your condition. By providing detailed images, an MRI can give your physician more information to help diagnose you and plan the best course of treatment. MRI is a type of scan that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the ...

In what is undoubtedly a growing trend amongst primary care providers, the first two McLaren Health Care family medicine providers have earned an additional, special accreditation after successfully completing their training and examination for the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. The supplementary certification is an avenue for providers to enhance their overall patient care — preventing, treating, and reversing chronic conditions and promoting wellness through the discipline’s four core pillars: n...

Taking the first bite of a meal or sip of a drink suddenly became difficult for Daniel Zuhlke. Whatever he ate or drank would stop when it reached his throat, and when it finally went down, it was painful. “I thought I had a hiatal hernia because I had watched my father struggle with one,” Daniel said. “But my doctor thought my symptoms sounded like something more serious. He sent me for tests.” Imaging, followed by a biopsy revealed Daniel did have something more serious. He had esophageal cancer. “I w...

Congratulations to computer engineer Mike Talbot, IT, our February Outstanding Employee of the Month. Mike has been with McLaren Flint for more than six years. During that time, he has earned a reputation for being responsive and always ready to help, with a smile on his face. "Mike is kind and quick to respond to any issues. He has saved the day for our department many times," said his nominator from the education department. "His commitment to ensuring properly working technology for new and current s...

For more than eleven years, the Hospitality House at McLaren Flint has provided overnight and extended accommodations for out-of-town patients and their families. The idea is to offer comfort and a safe place to stay during a stressful time.  A group of volunteers works tirelessly to help the staff achieve that goal. “I have worked at the Hospitality House since I joined the auxiliary, and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else,” said McLaren Flint auxiliary volunteer Karen Schlieger. Karen joined t...

It is a message we have heard countless times- catching cancer early vastly improves the odds of survival. With lung cancer this has long been complicated. “Lung cancer typically goes undetected until it is in a late stage because there are seldom signs of cancer early on when it is curable,” said McLaren Flint thoracic surgeon Dr. John Kuhn . A new program at McLaren Flint aims to enhance the benefits of early detection and help streamline the healing process for patients.  The Lung Nodule program...

Although John Kanera spent the 2024 holiday season recovering from open heart surgery, he didn’t miss a beat, and he’s already planning for the future. John found out last fall that a heart murmur he’d had for years was his aortic valve narrowing due to the build-up of calcium over time. Testing revealed he needed a valve replacement. John is one of the five million Americans diagnosed with heart valve disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “I first met with D r....

Congratulations to Melissa Szczembara, PA, our Allied Health Professional of the Quarter. Melissa is a physician assistant in our cardiology department. Melissa has a way with people that has inspired her colleagues, along with her excellent work ethic. "Patients and their families love Melissa. She has a great relationship with the hospital staff,” said her nominator. “She helps wherever she can and whenever she can, and on occasion will answer nursing staff questions even when she is away from the hos...

Congratulations to Dr. Alison Kinning, McLaren Flint’s Physician of the Quarter.  Dr. Kinning, a is a vascular surgeon at McLaren Flint.  Colleagues say her impressive bedside manner makes her more than deserving of this honor. "I have watched Dr. Alison Kinning round many times, and she always gets on the patient’s level, usually kneeling at the bedside and speaking with kindness and compassion,” said Dr. Kinning’s nominator. "She takes the time to thoughtfully answer patient's questions. She...