Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio

In this special episode of Core Conversations, the microphone is flipped as Corewell Health Southwest Michigan President Natalie Baggio answers some of the most common questions and misconceptions circulating throughout the community. From physician recruitment and appointment access to labor and delivery services, radiology wait times, and future investments in local health care, Natalie provides...

In the kickoff to Series 3 of  Core Conversations , the mic is flipped as Sarah Cavanaugh sits down with Corewell Health President Natalie Baggio to discuss the future of health care careers in Southwest Michigan. Together, they explore how career pathway and pipeline programs are helping address workforce shortages by creating new opportunities for students, team members, and community membe...

In this episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio sits down with Dr. Max Schaefer of Corewell Health to discuss the growing need for accessible substance use treatment and the evolving field of addiction medicine across Southwest Michigan. Dr. Schaefer shares his personal journey into this work, the inspiration behind launching a dedicated substance use clinic, and how a compassionate, team-ba...

In this episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio sits down with Dr. Tom Birris, a gastroenterologist serving Southwest Michigan, for an informative discussion on digestive health, preventive screenings, and the growing importance of early colon cancer detection. Dr. Birris shares why colon cancer screening now begins at age 45, discusses common symptoms that should prompt a conversation with...

In this special episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio revisits meaningful conversations that highlight the power of compassionate care, quick action, and community-focused health care. From a patient's unexpected journey through emergency cardiac bypass surgery to stories showcasing life-saving interventions and teamwork, these moments demonstrate the impact health care professionals have...

In this special episode of Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio, we look back at meaningful conversations with Corewell Health leaders about the future of health care, innovation, mentorship, and compassionate leadership. From AI and virtual medicine to developing the next generation of nurses and providers, these insights showcase the people and ideas shaping health care across Southwest M...

General surgery is rapidly evolving in Southwest Michigan — and patients are seeing the impact. In this episode of  Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio , Dr. Craig Klein shares how services ranging from hernia and breast surgery to trauma care, and how robotic-assisted technology is helping improve outcomes with smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter hospital stays. Dr. Klein...

A newly redesigned behavioral health unit in St. Joseph is helping reshape the care experience for patients across Southwest Michigan—featuring natural light, comfort-centered design, and a more compassionate healing environment. In this episode of  Core Conversations , Dr. Sonia Motin shares the personal experiences that shaped her path in behavioral health and her commitment to helpin...

Women’s health care is evolving in Southwest Michigan and it’s all about keeping care close to home. In this episode of  Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio, Women’s Services and OB Director Amy Knauf shares how her 26-year journey in nursing is shaping the future of care for moms and families in our community. From meaningful birth stories to new innovations li...

Stroke care is closer than ever in Southwest Michigan - And that means more lives saved, closer to home. In this episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio and Dr. Amrinder Singh discuss how Corewell Health’s Neurointerventional Program is delivering 24/7, advanced stroke care locally, helping patients recover faster while staying connected to the people and places they love. Learn what t...

In this episode of  Core Conversations , Natalie Baggio is joined by Dr. John Froggatt to highlight how Corewell Health is advancing cardiology care for the people of Southwest Michigan. From new treatments for irregular heart rhythms, to expanded access through additional specialists and leading-edge technology, this conversation showcases how heart care in our region is becoming more advanc...

In this episode of  Core Conversations  with Natalie Baggio, Scott Nolte, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Corewell Health, discusses how rehabilitation care is becoming more accessible across Southwest Michigan. With new and expanded clinic locations, patients can more easily access the care they need—close to home. From treatment for common back, shoulder, and knee pain to...

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Natalie Baggio talks with Connie Harmon, Chief Nursing Officer for Corewell Health in Watervliet. Connie shares her 40+ year journey in health care and discusses the services available locally, including cardiology care, outpatient surgery, lab and diagnostic testing, and the walk-in clinic, open seven days a week.   They also talk about Corewell He...

In this episode of Core Conversations, host Natalie Baggio sits down with Andrea Baumann, Senior Director of Inpatient Care Services for Corewell Health South, to talk about cancer care services available right here in Southwest Michigan. Andrea discusses the importance of prevention and screenings, how early detection improves outcomes, and the role primary care providers play in helping patients...

In this episode of Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio, we explore how clinical leadership and innovation are shaping the future of health care in Southwest Michigan. Natalie is joined by Dr. John Froggatt, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Infectious Disease Physician, who has practiced locally for 27 years. Dr. Froggatt shares exciting news about a new stroke treatment service launching s...

In this episode of Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio, we’re celebrating the power of community in Southwest Michigan. Natalie sits down with Dr. Melinda Gruber, newly appointed President of the Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan, to talk about how philanthropy, partnership, and local generosity are strengthening health care close to home. With more than 30 years in the commun...

In this episode of Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio, Stephanie Ostrander, Vice President of Human Resources at Corewell Health South, discusses how workforce development is strengthening health care in Southwest Michigan. With nearly two decades in the region, she shares how intentional pipeline programs and community partnerships are attracting and growing local talent. Stephanie highlights...

In this episode of Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio, we sit down with Heather Lallo, Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller at Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan, to explore the powerful connection between finance and patient care. With more than 14 years at Corewell Health and leadership experience across Michigan, Heather shares how financial decisions directly impact access to...

In this episode of Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio, Dr. Chris Harvey, Medical Director of Specialty and Primary Care in Southwest Michigan, shares how health care works best when physicians are aligned with the community they serve. With more than 20 years practicing pediatrics in Niles, Dr. Harvey discusses how innovation and leadership are helping improve patient access and strengthen pro...

After an emergency turns into something far more complex, Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio continues to follow Pat Moody as he shares more of his health care journey into unfamiliar and uncertain territory. Pat reflects on the days of waiting, the weight of unexpected complications, and the trust placed in the care teams at Corewell Health, guiding him forward. Through candid conversation an...

The guest featured in this episode of Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio is both a Corewell Health patient and an employee of Mid-West Marketing & Media, the company producing this podcast. Corewell Health advertises on Mid-West Marketing & Media radio stations and Moody on the Market. *** In part one of this episode of  Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio , Natalie welcomes be...

This episode of Core Conversations highlights Corewell Health’s residency program, led by Dr. Mic Mancini, and its mission to train adaptable physicians in a family-centered, Midwest-focused environment. The discussion explores early recruitment through audition rotations, a strong emphasis on community, and why nearly 30% of residents choose to stay in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Mancini addres...

Chris Fox, a veteran nurse and leader, shares her passion for nursing and developing strong care teams. She explains how clinical excellence is rooted in engaged, empowered nurses supported by open communication and continued education. The discussion explores current challenges like burnout and workforce shortages, alongside the evolution of nursing roles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.