Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan PLC

08/26/2024

We are currently experiencing a power outage at our Wyoming office. Our internet and phones are currently down as well. A crew is working to restore service (est. 8:30pm). We apologize for the inconvenience!

-Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan

10/23/2023

Update: Service has been restored.

Our internet and phones are currently down. A crew is working to restore service. We apologize for the inconvenience!
-Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan

12/23/2022

We will be closed on Friday, December 23rd for the safety of our patients and staff. We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!

11/15/2022

Employee Spotlight! We would like to introduce you to Julia, one of our Nurse Practitioners!

“Hi, my name is Julia Valdespina. I am originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I moved to the United States when I was 18 on a tennis scholarship. After graduating, I had the opportunity to coach tennis and work as a personal trainer and teach fitness classes. Fast forward a few years, I went back to school for my second bachelor’s in nursing. I worked in outpatient surgery, endo, and labor and delivery. I found my passion as a nurse in helping people feel better. I really enjoy the education aspect of nursing and helping patients understand what they are going through as well as assisting to find ways to improve and live a healthy lifestyle. After 5 years of working as an RN, I went back to school once again to become a Nurse Practitioner. I am excited to be part of this team and I am looking forward to start seeing patients in January 2023! On a personal note, I am a wife and a mother to a 12-year-old girl and an almost 3-year-old boy. We live in Big Rapids, MI with our two Australian shepherds.”

06/29/2022

It’s time for another Employee Spotlight! We would like to introduce you to our Administrative Lead, Coral Coutchie!

“Hi, I'm Coral! I have been part of Gastro Associates since August of 2020. I am currently the administrative lead in the office and truly enjoy what I do here. In my time outside of work I enjoy fishing, camping, bowling and spending time with my family. I have an amazing fiancé and 3 kids. Since I have started working here, I have learned a lot about gastroenterology and enjoy working so closely with the providers and my coworkers as well. I love helping patients and will lend a listening ear whenever needed.”

05/17/2022

Employee Spotlight! This week, we would like to introduce you to Kayla Hinson, RN!

“Hi, I’m Kayla. I am a Registered Nurse and Certified Clinical Research Coordinator here at Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan / West Michigan Clinical Research Center. As a clinical research nurse, I have made it my mission to meet patients’ needs while safeguarding their autonomy. It’s important to me that each patient has a say in their healthcare and that their voice is heard. I personally believe that laughter is the best medicine and that “there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words.” In my free time, I enjoy turning old things into new creations, spending time outdoors and exploring new places with my family. I am beyond grateful for a team that feels like family and a workplace that feels like home. It is such a privilege to be able to do a job that I love, every day, surrounded by people who make each day brighter!”

05/12/2022

It’s time for another employee spotlight! We would like to introduce you to our Confirmations Specialist, Addie Ortiz!
My name is Addie. I have been a part of the Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan Team since July 2021. I have two amazing kids, my oldest being 12 and youngest being 7. I also as of Christmas have recently gotten engaged, so that's super exciting! When I'm not working or caring for my family, I enjoy antique shopping, house renovating projects, putting on a good crime podcast and relaxing. Since working here, I've enjoyed working with all my co-workers and providers. I've learned and grown so much since being here. It really is like a family, and I love how much everyone truly cares for the patients. I look forward to what the future brings with being a part of this wonderful team!

04/21/2022

Employee spotlight! This week, we would like to introduce you to one of our Schedulers—Jessica Vernon!

“My name is Jessica and I am a scheduler here at Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan. I have been a part of this growing team since April 2021. I enjoy working with the providers and medical staff to provide the best care possible for our patients. When I am not working or going to school, I enjoy gardening and spending time with family. I married my husband in 2020 and we built our home the same year, so there are always projects around the house we are working on together. I hope to continue to grow with this group as I continue my education in healthcare business. It is great to work for a company that treats you like family!”

04/14/2022

It’s time for another employee spotlight! The team at Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan would like to introduce you to one of our Medical Assistants, Amanda Solomon!

“My name is Amanda. I have been with Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan since November 2021. I am a mother of 3 beautiful girls and have been married to my husband for 14 years. When I am not working or taking kids to sports, I love to read, spend time outside, and go to concerts. Since starting here, I have enjoyed working closely with the doctors and learning as much as I can. It feels like a family here. I love caring for people and getting to know our patients. I am so happy to be a part of this team!”

01/14/2022

The team at Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan would like to introduce you to our Nurse Practitioner, Katherine Baker!

Katherine Baker, FNP-C is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She has devoted her practice to Gastroenterology with a particular passion for approaching care as a provider-patient team. It is her goal to address concerns in a way that encourages her patients to be involved participants in their care so they may feel heard, supported, and empowered. Katherine obtained her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Spring Arbor University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Ferris State University. She has 7 years of nursing experience in medical-surgical, surgery, endoscopy, post anesthesia care, and gastroenterology. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and American College of Gastroenterology. She has been married to her husband, Matt, for ten years. Together they have two vibrant daughters, Blake (8) and Quinn (5), and two adored dogs, Ellie and Buck. She enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends, exploring outdoors, running, competing in triathlons, and reading.

05/23/2021

Best of luck to Katie as she leaves Gastroenterology Associates of Western Michigan PLC to begin the next phase of her life as a nursing student at MSU! We will miss her terribly but cheer her on as she pursues her dreams. She will make an amazing nurse!

08/31/2020

Despite the stigma and dreaded "prep" that comes with colonoscopies, regular screenings can save lives.

As the world saw this past weekend in the loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, not even superheroes are unsusceptible to colorectal cancer. While we mourn his death, we strive to bring awareness to this disease that, when caught early, has a 94% 5-year survival rate according to an American Cancer Society source.

Be aware of the risk factors, the symptoms, and the prevention, and don't be afraid to talk to your doctor(s) and ask questions.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/29/health/colon-cancer-chadwick-boseman.html

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer.html

The American Cancer Society provides helpful information and resources on colorectal cancer. Find the information you need today.