Concierge Medicine of West Michigan

08/27/2025

Exercise isn’t just fitness — it’s medicine.

A new NEJM study found that colon cancer survivors who participated in a structured exercise program after chemotherapy had longer disease-free and overall survival compared with those who only received health-education materials. The results were statistically significant, showing a measurable benefit for those who made exercise a consistent part of recovery.

Important: Exercise is just one piece of the treatment puzzle. It is not a cure, and having cancer or a recurrence is never anyone’s fault. Lifestyle factors alone do not determine outcomes.

Bottom line: Exercise can support recovery, improve long-term health, and help survivors feel stronger and more empowered — but it is always part of a bigger picture of care.

08/13/2025

Our very own Dr. Lara Baatenburg is now officially a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner through ! Give her a high five the next time you see her!

08/01/2025

🧠 Can your daily habits really protect your brain from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia?

A new study just published in JAMA says… yes.

Researchers followed over 2,000 adults ages 60–79 with risk factors for dementia. BOTH structured lifestyle programs and basic self-guided education led to IMPROVEMENTS in brain function — but those in the structured group improved significantly more.

✨ Physical activity. Nutrition. Social connection. Brain stimulation. It all matters.

🧩 It’s not about one magic fix. It’s about consistent, supportive lifestyle change.

📌 Save this for later — and share it with someone who needs to hear that it’s not too late to protect their brain.

Do you need help implementing structured lifestyle changes? Call us at 616-290-1650 or DM us to learn more!

www.cmwestmichigan.com

07/23/2025

“Wellness is more than the mere absence of disease. Wellness is an optimal state of functioning.”

“Creating wellness takes time, knowledge, and guidance.”

– Dr. Steven D. Knope, Concierge Medicine: A New System to Get the Best Healthcare (2010)

These words still ring true. True wellness isn't passive—it's cultivated through intentional care, time, and trusted relationships. That’s the heart of concierge medicine.

Concierge Medicine by Dr. Steven D. Knope. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2010

07/21/2025

Is concierge medicine only for wealthy people?

Not. Even. Close.

A lot of people are curious about this model—but assume it’s out of reach. In reality, concierge care is about time, access, and a real doctor-patient relationship—not luxury for the few.

If you’ve ever thought:
💭 “Is it too expensive?”
💭 “Do I even need it if I’m healthy?”
💭 “What makes it different from regular care?”
You’re not alone—and I break it all down in this video (and a new blog post on the website!).

📍 If you’re in the Grand Rapids area—and you’re ready for something better—we offer free 30-minute “meet and greet” visits to help you explore if this is a good fit.

🖥️ Read the full blog: https://www.cmwestmichigan.com/blog/is-concierge-medicine-right-for-you
📲 DM us, give us a call (616-290-1650) or use the link on the website to schedule your visit!

07/16/2025

You’ve streamlined your life in every way—grocery delivery, house cleaning, childcare support—but your healthcare still slows you down?
If you’re a busy professional or parent, you don’t need more apps, portals, or waitlists. You need someone who knows you—and is actually available.

That’s what concierge medicine is for.�At Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, we built our practice around what your schedule (and peace of mind) really need.

✨ No more waiting weeks.�✨ No more wondering if you’re on your own.�✨ Just thoughtful, accessible care that works with your life.

📅 Meet-and-greet appointments available now! Head to the website at cmwestmichigan.com

📖 Want to dig deeper? Our latest blog breaks it down—link in bio.

07/10/2025

This kind of thing happens every week in primary care.
Our job isn’t just to refer you — it’s to help you get care.
And sometimes that just takes a few phone calls.

If that kind of support sounds like something you’ve been missing, we’d love to talk. Concierge Medicine may be perfect for you.

07/09/2025

07/07/2025

At the very end of the day—just before the holiday—a patient came in feeling terrible with vertigo. We made a plan together, started treatment, and I called her ENT myself. Two hours later, she was seen.

That’s the kind of care we’re proud to provide. Personalized, responsive, and centered around what you actually need in the moment—not just what fits in a time slot.

If you’re tired of rushed visits and fragmented care, this might be the kind of primary care you’ve been looking for.
📞 Now accepting new patients.

07/02/2025

Get ready! Podcast starts this Friday.

07/01/2025

Do you ever feel like your doctor doesn’t really know you? Like every visit starts over, and you’re just a number on a chart? That’s not how primary care should feel. You deserve a doctor who remembers your story, listens to the whole you, and treats you like a person—not a transaction. At Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, we believe real care is built on connection and trust. Because when your doctor isn’t a stranger, your health can truly thrive.

06/27/2025

You shouldn’t have to wait weeks for an appointment—or feel confused when you leave it. At Concierge Medicine of West Michigan, we’ve built a different kind of primary care:

✅ Same- and next-day visits
✅ Call or text your doctor directly—even after hours
✅ 90-minute annual physicals
✅ Local specialist connections to get you in faster
✅ Personalized prevention, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance

This model is for anyone who values their health and wants a physician who takes time, listens, and stays involved.

👉 Read the full post: https://www.cmwestmichigan.com/blog/leave-traditional-primary-care-west-michigan
📞 Or schedule a meet-and-greet with us today.