To prospective teammates,

I’m the system medical director for Munson Healthcare Otsego Hospital, located in Gaylord, Michigan. I have been a part of Sound Physicians for eight years. I’m proud of the hospitalist practice we have built and welcome interest from experienced Hospitalist physicians desiring a career change. I’d like to share more about it, specifically about our people, practice, and purpose, as you consider options:

People

• We are a closely-knit, established team of three physicians and four advanced practice providers. We staff one physician and one APP per day shift (7a-7p) and an APP on nights (7p-7a)
• Part of our team grew up in the surrounding communities that we serve. Other colleagues have moved to this area and enjoy living in Northern Michigan and all it offers.
• We are significantly involved in hospital committees and process improvement initiatives within the hospital. Our hospital partners highly value our input.
• Gaylord is in the center of the northern lower peninsula. It is a four-season outdoor paradise. Our team enjoys being outside, spending time on the lakes and trails, skiing, and golfing. Gaylord is known as a premier summer golf mecca with 17 golf courses. Some of America’s top golf course designers design world resorts and championship golf.
• We proudly sponsor H1B candidates, and Sound has excellent in-house visa specialists and our licensing and credentialing experts. All required filing fees for the visa are paid, and services are covered by Sound.

Practice

• Otsego Memorial Hospital was founded in 1951 and has grown through the years. Otsego will transition from a community hospital into a regional hospital over the next three years. This summer 2024 building has started for this expansion. We care for inpatients at this 46-bed community hospital with a five-bed open ICU.  During the day (7a-7p), we have one physician and one APP that works autonomously.  During the evening, we have one nocturnist APP providing coverage. Our nocturnist APP or the ED physician does ICU procedures during the evening.
• No calls are required.
• We provide care for a diverse patient population.
• As subspecialty support is limited, we often facilitate patient transfers to our regional medical center for a higher level of care.
• For those who like to teach, we work with PA students.
• Team meetings are held monthly.
• We have a robust case management/discharge planning department we work closely with daily.
• Most of us like to spend time with our families or outdoors, so a flexible schedule is available, and we cover for each other when we’re out.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance, long- and short-term disability, 401k with match, paid medical malpractice and tail coverage, and annual CME allowance.

Purpose

• We put patients first. Always.
• A focus on growth and development is a key feature of Sound’s practices, where teammates can expand their careers here locally and within the broader medical group.
• We’re a community-minded team and encourage our team members who want to contribute in and out of the hospital to help make our local community thrive.

More about our community: Nestled in Michigan’s north, Gaylord draws residents with its stunning natural beauty. Lush forests, sparkling lakes, and rolling hills provide endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking and biking to fishing and boating. World-class golf courses and ski resorts cater to active lifestyles year-round. Yet, Gaylord isn’t just about nature. The friendly, close-knit community fosters a sense of belonging, while quaint shops and restaurants line Main Street, offering a warm, small-town charm. Families appreciate the excellent schools and safe environment; history buffs revel in the rich heritage showcased in museums and local events. Gaylord offers something for everyone, whether seeking outdoor adventure, a welcoming community, or a taste of history.

To learn more, please get in touch with my recruiting partner, who will put you in touch with me.

Kelsey Knaack, DO, System Medical Director