SYMPOSIUM

Dr. Mehdi Baluch Joins Covenant Digestive Care

Covenant HealthCare welcomes Mehdi H. Baluch, MD, as a member of the Covenant Medical Group. Dr. Baluch joins the Covenant Digestive Care team. The office is located at 900 Cooper Ave., Suite 4300, Saginaw, MI 48602 and the team can be reached at 989.583.7460.

Recognizing Physicians of Excellence

The annual active staff dinner serves to transition new medical staff leaders, honor colleagues, and to reconnect with peers. Attendees were grateful to gather in person for the first time in three years to pay tribute to some extraordinary team members.

2022 DISTINGUISHED PHYSICIAN AWARD

Michael J. Wolohan, MD

Dr. Michael Wolohan, a Saginaw native, has been an orthopaedic surgeon in our community for 33 years. After completing his orthopaedic training and a sports medicine fellowship in Boston, he brought his skills back to continued on page 28

2023 Pediatric Symposium A Panoramic View

FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 • 8:00 am-3:15 pm

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Gilbertson Hall

7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

This program offers up-to-date research and care guidelines for chronic constipation, bed wetting, dermatologic conditions, infant and child nutrition, childhood obesity and bariatric surgery, palliative care, and social media and children’s mental health.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Physicians, nurses and allied health professionals involved in the care of pediatric patients.

Disclosures: The planner(s) and speaker(s) have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

• Identify a cause of constipation and the relationship of constipation to bladder dysfunction.

• Identify common pediatric dermatologic conditions.

• Identify one contributing factor to the obesity crisis in children.

• Identify one benefit of bariatric surgery in the adolescent population.

• Identify one aspect of how social media impacts children’s mental health.

• Identify signs of both hunger and satiety in infants and toddlers.

• Define pediatric palliative care.

Agenda

TOPIC/DISCUSSION

Registration and Continental Breakfast

Opening Remarks

Chronic Constipation and Bed Wetting

Dermatologic Conditions

Break

Infant/Toddler Nutrition

Childhood Obesity and Bariatric Surgery

Lunch

Palliative Care

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REGISTER ONLINE AT: covenanthealthcare.com/pediatric-symposium or scan the QR Code

TUITION COST:

Physicians $100

Non-physicians $75

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact 989.583.4426 or childbirtheducation@chs-mi.com

SPEAKER

Rebecca S. Schultz, RN, BSN, MA, JD Director of Women’s & Children’s Health Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw, MI

Erika Dobschensky, PT, DPT, CLT Physical Therapist Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation at Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw, MI

Derek Hirschman, DO Dermatology H2 Dermatology, Saginaw, MI

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Social Media and Children’s Mental Health

Sara Lee, RD Registered Dietitian Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw, MI

Mary Moore, MD Peds Rheumatologist & Medical Advisor of the Adolescent Bariatric Program CMU Health/Covenant HealthCare Saginaw, MI

Franchesca Garcia-Robles, MD Pediatric Hospital Medicine Hospice & Palliative Medicine Fellowship CMU Health, Saginaw, MI

Sarah Domoff, PhD Associate Professor, Department of Psychology Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI

Jason Kuhn, DO Bariatric & General Surgery Covenant HealthCare Saginaw, MI continued from page 26

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Central Michigan University College of Medicine and Covenant HealthCare. CMU College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Central Michigan University College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn up to 6.0 MOC points in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.

Saginaw, working with many local schools and sports teams throughout his career. He has been a leader at Covenant, serving as Section Chief of Orthopaedics and on countless other committees. As clinical leader, he has also served as a mentor and colleague for many surgeons in the community. Dr. Wolohan is currently serving as a clinical instructor for both residents and medical students through CMU Medical Education Partners (CMU Partners).

2022 MEDICAL STAFF OFFICER’S AWARD

Delicia J. Pruitt, MD

Dr. Delicia Pruitt has been practicing family medicine (FM) here in Saginaw for over 20 years. In addition to her academic role at CMU College of Medicine, she has served as Program Director of the CMU Partners FM Residency, as well as, FM Section Chief and Maternal FM Department Chair here at Covenant. Dr. Pruitt was honored for her tireless, collaborative, and compassionate work leading our community during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Medical Director of the Saginaw County Health Department, a community physician, an educator, a social media star, a state and national advocate, and an unwavering voice for an underserved community.

Outstanding Leadership

Kathleen M. Cowling, DO

In addition to the honorees above, Dr. Kathleen Cowling was also recognized for her outstanding leadership the past four years as Chief of Staff for Covenant — twice the standard term — most of it being served during a pandemic. Sanjay J. Talati, MD assumed the role as Chief of Staff effective January 1, 2023.

“I cannot think of three more deserving individuals to have had the honor and privilege of working with and calling friends,” says Michael W. Sullivan, MD, VP of Performance Improvement/Chief Medical Officer. “Our medical staff, Covenant HealthCare, and the entire Great Lakes Bay Region is much better off for the skills, dedication, and service of Drs. Wolohan, Pruitt, and Cowling.” Thank you for your service and contributions to our community!

Leroy Clark Barry, MD passed away on March 14, 2023, at his home in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 14, 1932, to the late Jack L. Barry, Sr. and Doretha (Clark) Barry. He married Carolyn “Kit” Kendeigh on January 30, 1953; she preceded him in death in November, 1994. He married Susan Zeit in May, 2002.

He graduated from Albion College in 1954, and earned his medical degree from Wayne State University College of Medicine in 1958. He completed his general surgery residency at Providence Hospital in Detroit in 1962, followed by a twoyear preceptorship at the VA Hospital in Saginaw, MI.

He spent most of his career working at St. Mary’s Hospital, where he joined his brother, Dr. Jack Barry, who was also on staff there. He retired in 2004 after serving Saginaw patients for over 40 years. Starting in 1972, Dr. Barry was involved with establishing the general surgery residency program through Michigan State University College of Human Medicine at what originally was Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals, Inc. He was proud to have trained hundreds of residents and students over the years, many who stayed in the Saginaw area. He was awarded multiple teaching awards. He received the Spirit of Saint Vincent Award from the St. Mary’s of Michigan Foundation at the annual Cornette Ball in 2001. At the time, in a Saginaw News article, he was affectionally referred to as the “dean of surgeons” by several of his colleagues, many who he mentored.

Dr. Barry served 15 years as Chief of Surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital, as well as, two years as Chief of Staff. He was a 60year member of the Saginaw County Medical Society, and served as President from 1986-87. He also served as President of the Saginaw Surgical Society, and held numerous local and national leadership positions with professional affiliations. He was a former member of State Street Methodist Church, the Saginaw Country Club, Saginaw Club and many other organizations. He moved to the Palm Harbor, Florida area in 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Susan M. Barry. He is also survived by his children, Dr. Ronald and Joanne Barry, Saginaw, MI; Janet Barry, Troy, MI; Dr. Jill Barry, Troy, MI; and Dr. Robert and Theresa Barry, Manistee, MI. Grandchildren and greatgrandchildren include Dr. Renee Barry Ludka and Jonathan Ludka and their son, Jacob, Columbus, OH; Jonathan Barry, Royal Oak, MI; Rachel and Brandon Wade, Columbus, OH; Lauren and Jack Hyzba, Cadillac, MI; Dr. Zachary and Alex Barry, Indianapolis, IN; and Rebecca Barry and her fiancé, Ashton Timmons, Austin, TX. He was also predeceased by his brother, Dr. Jack L. Barry, Jr. and sister, Margaret Barry-Bashur. A memorial service was held at the Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home in Tarpon Springs, Florida on March 31, 2023.

Joel Martin Aganan Beltran, DO, age 63, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 20, 2023. The son of Jose and Lydia (Aganan) Beltran, Joel was born January 30, 1960, in Manila, Philippines.

Joel attended Michigan State University for both his undergraduate degree and for medical school. It was also where he met the love of his life, Katie Herrington. They were married on June 15, 1991, and shared 31 years together. He worked as a Neurologist with Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw for his entire career. Joel poured all of his time, energy, and passion into his family and his patients, his two greatest loves in life. He will be remembered for his zany sense of humor and his ability to lend a joke to nearly any conversation or situation. Joel will forever be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Joel is survived by his beloved wife, Katie Beltran; loving children, Benjamin (Amy) Beltran and Sarah Beltran; mother, Lydia Beltran; siblings, Jofre (Aimee) Beltran and Lynn (Jack) Furlong; mother-in-law, Donalda Herrington; brothers and sisters-in-law, Matt Herrington, Tim (Diana) Herrington, and Pete (Jodi) Herrington; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and last, but certainly not least, his adored dog, Max. Joel was preceded in death by his father, Jose Beltran; and his father-in-law, James Herrington.

Funeral services took place on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Saginaw, with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery, Saginaw. Memorials in honor of Joel may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Saginaw Choral Society, Post Office Box 4033, Saginaw, MI 48606.

The Saginaw County Medical Society Board and Members offer their sincere sympathy to Cathy’s family and her colleagues at Bieri Hearing. Cathy was instrumental in supporting the Saginaw County Medical Society for many years.

Catherine Marie Bieri Ryan, age 71, passed away early Friday, January 13, 2023, at home with her family. Catherine was born on May 6, 1951, in Saginaw, Michigan the daughter of Gottlieb and Marie (Webber) Bieri. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in 1969, Catherine continued her education at Michigan State University, Auburn University and Central Michigan University and finally achieving her Doctoral Degree of Audiology/Au.D., Speech Pathologist, MSC. Catherine worked with her father for many

April 2015 –Jerd Clayton and Cathy continued from page 29 years; helping manage the family business, Bieri Hearing Specialist. She continued to own and operate the business after her father's retirement and grew it into the business it is today. Catherine approached her life just like her business with faith, optimism and determination. She relied on prayer, faith and God to get her through many challenges and decisions.

Catherine was united in marriage to Michael Ryan on June 16, 1987, in Saginaw, Michigan; he preceded her in death August 11, 1996. In Catherine's spare time, she enjoyed traveling, sailing, boating and scuba diving. She also enjoyed devoting time to volunteering at her church. Catherine will always be remembered as a faithful servant to her God. She was generous, giving, gracious, and had such a kind soul. She will be dearly missed.

Catherine is survived by her son, Shaun Ryan; four stepdaughters, Melanie (Jason) Beyers, Kristen (Eric) Van Dyke, Stephanie (Jeff) Wolpert and Emily Anaya; eight grandchildren; brother, James (Jeanne) Bieri; niece and nephews, Ann Blizzard, Michael Bieri and Alex Bieri; very dear friends, Susan (Richard) Johnson, Jackie Niteki, Lynn Bucher and her cousin, Carol Frost, and many more family and friends; too many to mention them all.

Funeral services for Catherine took place on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at Glory International Ministries in Saginaw. Interment will take place at a later date in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Those planning a memorial contribution are asked to consider Hearing Loss Association of America or American Cancer Society

Now accepting referrals!

Adult Outpatient Psychiatry

Medicaid welcome!

GLBHC priority is to serve the underserved, uninsured, and underinsured. We offer transportation along with multiple other integrated services to address your patients’ needs like dental, laboratory and on-site pharmacy, and community health workers to address social disparities. This is our priority population and we do well serving them!

Who: Adults with mild to moderate mental health conditions

What: Outpatient psychiatry services

When: Now!

Where: Davenport Location Bay City South Location 3023 Davenport Ave 690 S Trumbull St Saginaw, MI 48602 Bay City, 48708

How: To learn more about our new referral process, please contact Amra Bader, Behavioral Health Supervisor at (989) 9072765 or abader@glbhealth.org

Of Special Note:

GLBHC is not a crisis intervention program. If patient is currently suicidal/homicidal/danger to self or others, please seek emergency intervention for them by contacting your local Community Mental Health or sending to the Emergency Room

*Saginaw Community Health Mental Health Authority (800) 233-0022

*Bay Arenac Behavioral Health (800) 327-4693