Marquette General acquires largest cardiac physician group in region
Under the new clinical integration model being implemented at MGH, the “Marquette General Heart and Vascular Institute” will be developed, placing a wide range of cardio and vascular services under a single, unified umbrella medical service line.
As a result, Upper Michigan Cardiovascular Associates (UMCA), the largest and most established cardiology and vascular physician group practice in the Upper Peninsula, has been formally acquired by Marquette General Hospital. The acquisition became official Monday.
Dr. Tom Noren, MGH Chief Medical Officer Marquette General Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas Noren, explained, “This type of clinical integration model unites and greatly strengthens the regional medical center’s already comprehensive cardiovascular services. Bringing the UMCA physicians and staff into the MGH family of caregivers has been a goal for quite some time. Attaining that goal is a development from which UP patients will see many benefits.” UMCA was originally founded in 1977 as Cardiology Associates of the Upper Peninsula. Since that time, the group has provided the highest quality of cardiovascular care to the people of the Upper Peninsula and surrounding areas. Twelve physicians and 55 employees at the group are now directly employed by MGH. 
Dr. Bill Jean, Cardiologist Cardiologist Dr. William Jean said his group’s decision to be acquired by MGH reflects a national shift in healthcare reimbursement, a changing delivery model as a result of the Affordable Care Act, and the opportunities for expansion of service created by Marquette General being acquired last year by Duke LifePoint. “Playing a key role in development of the Marquette General Heart and Vascular Institute,as our hospital embraces the future as a Duke LifePoint hospital, was a driving factor in our decision to formally unite with MGH,” Jean said. “The opportunities for recruiting new specialists, expanding cardio and vascular services throughout the region, and ultimately improving quality care and access to our patients is limitless under our new integrated model.” All 12 physicians are board certified and many of them hold multiple board certifications. They provide expertise in cardiac care, vascular and lung surgery, as well as peripheral vascular care. They concentrate on the patient’s health and medical well being through a comprehensive team-oriented approach to care solely focused on the heart and vascular system. Cardiologists and surgeons work closely together to provide the best plan for each patient. The physicians now joining MGH include: Thomas LeGalley, M.D.; Kristofer Dosh, M.D.; David Pesola, M.D.; Rudolph Evonich, M.D.; Raymond Wood, D.O.; Gary Friesen, M.D.; Nelson Gencheff, D.O,; William Jean, M.D.; John Pap, M.D.; and Mark Cowan, M.D. Cardiac surgeons Dr. Douglas Baldwin and Dr. Curtis Marder joined MGH as employed physicians in 2011, and will also be under the Heart and Vascular Institute umbrella.
Gary Muller, MGH Chief Exectuive Officer Marquette General recently announced plans to build a new hospital facility to replace its existing main campus in Marquette. MGH Chief Executive Officer Gary Muller said that the regional medical center’s acquiring the largest cardiology group in the UP is part of a long-range strategy that fits with the new hospital plans. “We will be constructing a true 21st Century regional medical center, with facilities, technology and the range of service upgraded in every area of care,” Muller said. “Formation of the Heart and Vascular Institute is an important component in our strategy as we plan our new facility and outreach clinic potential. We are proud this group of physicians and its support staff are now united with our hospital.” It is estimated that planning and constructing a new hospital will take more than three years. When complete, it will include a new medical office building, where all cardiology services and physician offices will be located. Until that time, the cardiology office will remain at the Upper Peninsula Medical Center in Marquette.