McLaren Flint

08/06/2025

A routine screening revealed Marvin Tate's PSA (prostate specific antigen) level was extremely elevated. A biopsy and further screening revealed Marvin had stage 4 prostate cancer. He was not a candidate for surgery, but radiation oncologist Dr. Brooke Spencer told Marvin proton therapy would be an excellent option for him. Find out how his faith, family, friends, and proton gave him the tools he needed to take on cancer at the link below.

During a routine visit, Marvin Tate’s doctor suggested a PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test for the 56-year-old. “I didn’t know anything about PSA levels before that,” Marvin said. Marvin was about to learn more about PSA levels than he wanted to. His PSA came back extremely elevated...

08/05/2025

Congratulations to patient account representative Angela Toliver, McLaren Flint's July Outstanding Employee of the Month. For more than 20 years, Angela has been a go-to person on the outpatient imaging team. Her colleagues know they can count on her to go the extra mile and provide support and empathy to patients and their families.
"Angela's face is often the first one patients see when they come in, and she has the smile they remember long after they leave,” said her nominator. “She treats everyone with compassion and kindness. You can always count on her, and she is an exceptional worker.”

08/04/2025

Dr. Barbara Wolf, who served as the McLaren Health Care Director of Behavioral Health Education and Physician Well-Being, was posthumously recognized in Crain’s Detroit Business’ list of Health Care Heroes for 2025. Recognized as a Corporate Achievements Hero, she spent nearly 30 years at McLaren Flint and McLaren Health Care. To read more about Dr. Wolf's legacy follow the link.

Dr. Barbara Wolf, who served as the McLaren Health Care Director of Behavioral Health Education and Physician Well-Being, was posthumously recognized in Crain’s Detroit Business’ list of Health Care Heroes for 2025. Recognized as a Corporate Achievements Hero, she spent nearly 30 years at McLare...

08/01/2025

The McLaren Stroke Network has once again earned top honors from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke program.

From McLaren Bay Region to Thumb Region, our hospitals are delivering faster, smarter stroke care—when every second counts. https://mclarenhealthcare.org/4mgOTQX

The McLaren Stroke Network, which provides timely and potentially lifesaving care in the midst of the medical emergency, has again earned national honors for the exceptional level of care provided at its network hospital sites. The American Heart Associated/American Stroke Association recognized sev...

07/30/2025

Try making your favorite summer pasta salads with either whole wheat pasta or a bean-based pasta (like Banza or Brami, for example.) These are higher fiber choices, which means you get more nutrients.
"Having more beans or wheat in your pasta means you are getting more protein, as well. This will make your pasta salad a main course rather than a side," said McLaren Flint clinical dietitian Elexia Sylvester. "Don't forget your fresh veggies and dressing to top it off."

07/28/2025

Mammograms are a standard screening radiology exam recommended for asymptomatic women over the age of 40 for early detection of breast cancer- the most common cancer among women. Recommended yearly mammograms helps detect breast cancer early, which often means less invasive treatment and significantly improved odds of survival. So, what happens if you get a call back from your screening mammogram, and further testing is recommended? Learn more at the link below.

Mammograms are a standard screening radiology exam recommended for asymptomatic women over the age of 40 for early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Recommended yearly mammographic screening helps detect breast cancer early, which is easily amenable to....

07/25/2025

If you are using a GLP-1 to aid your health journey, it is important to remember to eat enough protein. What is important to help sustain your muscle mass. You can get the protein you need with a balance of meat, eggs, and plant-based proteins.
"Consuming beans, lentils, lean meats like chicken and fish can all help in preserving your muscles," said McLaren Flint clinical dietitian Elexia Sylvester. "Aim for at least 46 grams of protein per day for females, and 56 grams of protein for males."

07/25/2025

WHAT'S GOING AROUND?— Each week, we ask our ER physicians what ailments and conditions are commonly being seen in our Emergency Room.

THIS WEEK, Dr. Ali Saad, an emergency physician at McLaren reports:

Injuries
Orthopedic and soft tissue injuries sustained during outdoor activities continue to be the most common reason patients are seeking care in the emergency and trauma center. There has been a noticeable increase in the volume of elderly patients injured in falls.

Asthma
Allergies have caused asthma sufferers to experience exacerbated symptoms, with the most severe cases causing significant breathing complications.

Gastro
Continuing the trend throughout the summer, there has been a steady, though low level, volume of patients experiencing gastrointestinal distress.

07/24/2025

When you check in to McLaren Flint, chances are good, Mary O'Brien will be in Patient Registration to greet you. She's been a volunteer at McLaren Flint since 2008 and truly loves working with patients and their families. Find out why Mary enjoys the work so much and what drove her to start volunteering at the link below.

When you check into McLaren Flint, chances are good, Mary O’Brien will be in Patient Registration to greet you. “Anyone having anything done at the hospital has to come through us,” Mary said. “I check people in and, after they get their bloodwork, help them get where they need to go.” Mar...

07/23/2025

When Brian Brandau was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma, his doctor in Cheboygan referred him to the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint. Brian and his wife, Martha, were concerned about where they were going to stay in Flint during his treatments. One of Brian's oncologists suggested the Hospitality House, and the couple says the accommodations and support they found at the House have been game changing during this difficult journey. Find out what makes the House so special for out of town patients and their families at the link below.

After he was diagnosed with stage three melanoma, Brian Brandau’s doctor in Cheboygan referred him to the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint. “First I had surgery,” said Brian. “Then I had to come down to Flint every three weeks for immunotherapy.” The 260-mile trip from Cheboygan ...

07/23/2025

Fall sports are coming--schedule your child's sports physical now! Quick, easy, and required to play. Stay safe and game ready. https://mclarenhealthcare.org/4lKM8rc

07/21/2025

Congratulations to everyone on the team who provides care to our stroke patients.
Your dedication has earned the American Heart Association’s 2025 Get With The Guidelines® Stroke GOLD PLUS quality achievement award for your commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Learn more about the stroke program at McLaren Flint at https://www.mclaren.org/main/locations/stroke-center-mclaren-flint-611

Stay connected with your primary care provider from your home, workplace or while on vacation. Distance doesn’t have to detach you from our primary care specialists. Virtual visits are easy. Simply call, schedule and connect using your smartphone, tablet or computer.