Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio

Natalie Baggio talks with Dr. Max Schaefer of Corewell Health about substance use recovery, addiction medicine, and expanding access to care across Southwest Michigan. Learn how compassionate, team-based treatment, community partnerships, and education are helping break down stigma, support recovery, and strengthen the health of individuals, families, and communities.

Natalie Baggio talks with Dr. Tom Birris about digestive health, colon cancer screening, and the importance of preventive care. Learn why screening now begins at age 45, what symptoms should never be ignored, and how healthy lifestyle choices can support long-term digestive wellness.

Natalie Baggio revisits inspiring stories of resilience, life-saving care, and compassionate health care. From a patient's journey through emergency cardiac surgery to examples of teamwork and innovation, these memorable moments highlight the people and services making a difference across Southwest Michigan.

We look back at meaningful conversations with Corewell Health leaders about the future of health care, innovation, mentorship, and compassionate leadership. From AI and virtual medicine to developing the next generation of nurses and providers, these insights showcase the people and ideas shaping health care across Southwest Michigan.

Dr. Craig Klein joins Natalie Baggio to explore how robotic-assisted general surgery is transforming patient care across Southwest Michigan. From hernia and breast surgery to trauma care, learn how advanced technology, minimally invasive procedures, and a highly collaborative surgical team are helping patients experience less pain, faster recoveries, and high-quality care closer to home.

Corewell Health is reimagining behavioral health care in Southwest Michigan — starting with a newly redesigned behavioral health unit in St. Joseph, created to offer a warmer, more healing environment for patients. In this episode of Core Conversations, Dr. Sonia Motin joins Natalie Baggio to discuss how thoughtful design, expanded access, and a continued focus on reducing stigma are helping transform the way care is experienced across the community.

Amy Knauf, women’s services and obstetrics director, shares how her 26-year journey in nursing is shaping the future of care for moms and families in our community. From meaningful birth stories to new innovations like a family-centered care model, an OB emergency department, and expanded services for moms and babies, this episode highlights how local care is becoming more accessible, personal, and advanced, right here at home.

Dr. Amrinder Singh, medical director of the neurointerventional program at Corewell Health, breaks down how this new program is bringing advanced, life-saving stroke care closer to home. Learn how strokes happen, the warning signs to watch for (B.E.F.A.S.T.), and why every second matters — Because when it comes to stroke, time is brain. With 24/7 care now available locally, this program is helping patients recover faster and stay connected to their families and community.

Natalie is joined by Dr. John Froggatt to highlight the latest advancements in cardiology care across Southwest Michigan. From new treatments for irregular heart rhythms, including options that may reduce the need for long-term medication, to expanded access with additional specialists and cutting-edge technology, this conversation explores how heart care is becoming more advanced, more efficient, and closer to home.

Scott Nolte, director of rehabilitation services at Corewell Health, discusses how rehabilitation care is becoming more accessible across Southwest Michigan. With new and expanded clinic locations, patients can more easily access the care they need, close to home. From treatment for common back, shoulder, and knee pain to advanced therapies and aquatic rehabilitation, Scott shares how expanded services and future growth are helping patients get started sooner and stay connected to care.

Natalie talks with Connie Harmon, chief nursing officer for Corewell Health in Watervliet. Connie shares her 40+ year journey in health care and discusses the services available locally, including cardiology care, outpatient surgery, lab and diagnostic testing, and the walk-in clinic, open seven days a week. They also talk about Corewell Health’s continued investment in the Watervliet, Hartford, and Coloma communities and the importance of keeping quality health care close to home.

Natalie sits down with Andrea Baumann, Senior Director of Inpatient Care Services for Corewell Health South, to talk about cancer care services available right here in Southwest Michigan. Andrea discusses the importance of prevention and screenings, how early detection improves outcomes, and the role primary care providers play in helping patients stay on track with recommended screenings. They also highlight the comprehensive cancer care available close to home, including multidisciplinary care teams, nurse navigators who guide patients through treatment, and services offered in St. Joseph and Niles.

Natalie is joined by Dr. John Froggatt, vice president of medical affairs and infectious disease physician, who has practiced locally for 27 years. Dr. Froggatt shares exciting news about a new stroke treatment service launching soon — A procedure that physically removes blood clots in the brain, restoring blood flow quickly and improving outcomes. Offering this advanced care locally means faster treatment, saved lives, and fewer patients needing to leave the community during critical moments. The conversation also highlights powerful improvements in care for patients living with sickle cell disease.

Natalie sits down with Dr. Melinda Gruber, newly appointed President of the Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan, to talk about how philanthropy, partnership, and local generosity are strengthening health care close to home. With more than 30 years in the community and nearly two decades serving Corewell Health, Dr. Gruber shares her vision for the Foundation as a catalyst for health, healing, and wellness. She highlights inspiring examples of local impact, from team-led diaper and holiday drives, to patient assistance funds that help families remain safely in their homes, to community support for the enhanced behavioral health unit.

We sit down with Heather Lallo, Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller at Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan, to explore the powerful connection between finance and patient care. With more than 14 years at Corewell Health and leadership experience across Michigan, Heather shares how financial decisions directly impact access to care, technology investments, and the long-term sustainability of health care in Southwest Michigan. She highlights a $15 million renovation of the inpatient behavioral health unit in St. Joseph, Michigan, offering insight into how strategic investments improve patient outcomes and keep essential services close to home.

Stephanie Ostrander, vice president of human resources at Corewell Health South, discusses how workforce development is strengthening health care in Southwest Michigan. With nearly two decades in the region, she shares how intentional pipeline programs and community partnerships are attracting and growing local talent. Stephanie highlights the recruitment of more than 100 providers this year and the success of an in-house Medical Assistant training program with 100% retention. As demand for services continues to grow, so does the commitment to expanding access to high-quality health care.

Dr. Chris Harvey, medical director of specialty and primary care in Southwest Michigan, shares how health care works best when physicians are aligned with the community they serve. With more than 20 years practicing pediatrics in Niles, Dr. Harvey discusses how innovation and leadership are helping improve patient access and strengthen provider support. He highlights the role of new technology, including ambient AI documentation tools, in allowing physicians to focus more fully on their patients. Dr. Harvey also reflects on a powerful patient story that underscores the impact of teamwork in health care.

After an emergency turns into something far more complex, Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio continues to follow Pat Moody as he shares more of his health care journey into unfamiliar and uncertain territory. Pat reflects on the days of waiting, the weight of unexpected complications, and the trust placed in the care teams at Corewell Health, guiding him forward. Through candid conversation and moments of perspective, this episode explores what happens between diagnosis and outcome.

Natalie welcomes beloved Southwest Michigan community member Pat Moody, who shares the beginning of a deeply personal journey through an unexpected medical crisis. Pat reflects on the moment he knew something wasn’t right and the rapid response that followed, introducing listeners to the care teams at Corewell Health, who stepped in when it mattered most. With honesty and gratitude, he begins to unpack how a routine evening turned into a life-altering experience.

Corewell Health’s residency program, led by Dr. Mic Mancini, is highlighted for its mission to train adaptable physicians in a family-centered, Midwest-focused environment. The discussion explores early recruitment through audition rotations, a strong emphasis on community, and why nearly 30% of residents choose to stay in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Mancini addresses key challenges like housing while sharing plans for future program expansion.

Chris Fox, a veteran nurse and leader, shares her passion for nursing and developing strong care teams. She explains how clinical excellence is rooted in engaged, empowered nurses supported by open communication and continued education. The discussion explores current challenges like burnout and workforce shortages, alongside the evolution of nursing roles.

Dr. Rob Nolan, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals. He discusses delivering consistent, high-quality care by aligning patient goals with evidence-based standards. The conversation highlights clinical transformation through telehealth, local access to specialty care, and the responsible use of AI.