News

The heart’s main job is to pump blood throughout the body, but when that blood flow is interrupted, it can have deadly consequences - a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction) or sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).  Both conditions are related to a lack of blood flow, but their causes are very different. Cardiac arrest is caused by a sudden electrical failure in the heart that triggers an abnormal rhythm. The heart suddenly stops and no longer pumps blood into the brain or other vital organs. When this...

A $6 million gift from Joe and Julie Serra, inspired by Joe's own open heart surgery experience, will transform cardiac care for future patients at McLaren Flint. Joe, a former patient who has endured a heart attack, multiple stents, and quintuple bypass surgery, can attribute his cardiac challenges to genetics despite his healthy lifestyle. Now, he and Julie are advocating for others and investing in the very care that saved his life. “Most people assume I went out of the area for care, but I didn’t―an...

Yes, the practice of midwifery still exists; however, it may not be exactly what you think it is. The four midwives at McLaren Flint do not deliver babies in the home, but they do provide care during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and more. This group of midwives’ practice encompasses sexual and reproductive health, gynecologic health, and family planning services, including preconception care. Midwives also provide primary care for women from adolescence into adulthood, as well as care for the heal...

When something suspicious shows up on a routine mammogram, patients are often asked to come back for further screening. It happened to Caroline Allen in May 2025.  “They called me back a week or so later and told me they saw something and wanted to take another look,” Caroline said. “I have dense breasts, so it has happened before. I didn’t think much of it.” Caroline got the shock of her life when she learned the radiologist discovered a mass on her breast ultrasound. “It was 5 millimeters- about ...

McLaren Health Care, the multistate, 12-hospital health care system, has named Angie Long, DNP, MSN/MBA/HC, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, its system-level Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, effective Oct. 6, 2025. Dr. Long assumes the role made available upon the departure of Jennifer Montgomery, McLaren Health Care’s inaugural CNO. Dr. Long returns to McLaren after having previously served as CNO at McLaren St. Luke’s, where her leadership led to the hospital’s improved clinical quality, safety outc...

Early detection saves lives—and when it comes to breast cancer, getting screened regularly is one of the most important steps women can take. Karmanos Cancer Institute and McLaren Health Care recommend that women of average risk begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40. For those at higher risk, screening may need to start even earlier. But mammograms are just one part of the picture. Understanding breast cancer risk factors, recognizing early warning signs, and staying ...

There was something in the corner of Jerry Melendez’s eye, in the tear duct. He thought it was a stye or a cyst. “The eye doctor gave me steroids,” Jerry said. “He also sent me to a plastic surgeon for a biopsy, be he said he expected that to come back benign.” The growth in Jerry’s eye was not benign. It was cancer, and Jerry was floored. “I got the call on July 5, 2024, and it felt like the floor caved in,” Jerry said. “I looked at my wife and she started crying, and that made me cry.” Jerry’s surgeon...

Jim Hall’s job as a stationary steam engineer for General Motors (GM) required him to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which looks a lot like scuba equipment.  He worked in the powerhouse with boilers, and the SCBA was the equipment he needed to go into confined spaces or vessels.  “For safety, I had to be monitored with a yearly test for my respirator, to make sure it securely sealed against my face,” Jim said. “And every year, my doctor noticed my breathing was getting worse...

Congratulations go out to Dr. Benjamin Mize, McLaren Flint's Physician of the Third Quarter. Dr. Mize, who specializes in gynecologic oncology is well respected for his outstanding contributions to women's health in Genesee County and beyond. "Dr. Mize's professionalism and compassionate approach have earned him the trust and respect of colleagues and patients alike, helping them navigate complex cases with clarity," said Mize's nominator. "As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Mize inspires the next ...

McLaren Flint's Allied Health Provider of the Third Quarter is Matthew Martin, NP, Internal Medicine. Matt is respected by colleagues because he is an outstanding team player who displays great humility. "Matt is a very hard worker, very professional, compassionate, and kind. I have come across nothing but compliments for him from almost every patient he has cared for," said Matt's nominator. "He is always appreciative and never complains, whether he walks into a crazy, busy day in the office, or faces ...