HUTCHINSON CLINIC INVESTS IN PATIENT NEEDS BY
EXPANDING GASTROINTESTINAL SERVICES
Michael Green, M.D., to Lead Department Increasing Regional Access to GI Expertise
HUTCHINSON, KANSAS. – Aug. 3, 2020 – Hutchinson Clinic, the region’s leading multispecialty physician group, announced today that Michael Green, M.D., has joined the team to oversee the practice’s gastrointestinal (GI) department. Gastroenterology services that were once fulfilled through a local partnership will now be provided completely within the family of local physicians for which Hutchinson Clinic is known.
Dr. Green was born and raised in Hutchinson, attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his Gastroenterology Fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also served as chief fellow. With the move to be closer to family, Dr. Green is also amongst relatives who have worked for the clinic.
“The Hutchinson community shaped me and prepared me for both my personal and professional successes,” said Dr. Green of his hometown. “Hutchinson has been a positive light in my life, and I’m excited to now be in a position to contribute to others in the community.”
“Dr. Green’s clinical expertise, passion for patient care and love for the community will be invaluable to our patients and clinicians as we expand GI services,” said Mike Heck, CEO of Hutchinson Clinic. “More specifically, Dr. Green’s addition to our team means that when a patient needs a GI physician, that need will be met in-house by a provider who is a part of the Hutch Team and has been a part of the Hutch community his entire life.”
GI is an area of healthcare that is often overlooked even though it effects overall wellbeing more than most realize – with GI complications being one of the leading causes of work absences. Dr. Green was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease early in medical school and is personally familiar with the various ways GI issues disrupt daily living, and the extent to which access to GI care can change lives.
“Patient relationships are important to me and are essential to creating tailored care plans,” said Dr. Green. “Whether I’m working with someone for a long or short amount of time, I recognize that I’m connecting with them at a critical moment. My goal is to get to know my patients so that I can help them get back to comfortably enjoying their daily lives.”
Access to GI care is increasingly important for Kansans as colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the US and is being seen more frequently in young people. The state ranks 36th nationally in the number of endoscopies performed in 2020 and has thus far seen 1,730 colorectal cancer diagnoses and 500 colorectal cancer deaths this year.
“There is a dramatic lack of specialists in this area, especially when looking west of Hutchinson,” said Heck. “Lack of access to quality GI care is one of many healthcare challenges in rural areas of our state. By investing in GI care for our region, we are committed to serving surrounding areas that are lacking this critical need.”
In addition to access challenges, GI care is also routinely delayed or ignored due to individuals being embarrassed to discuss GI-related symptoms, even with their doctor.
“I want to help establish a culture in which we are comfortable talking about health and our health struggles so that those struggling with GI symptoms, big or small, will see that they are not alone,” said Dr. Green. “If we can do that, people will get help sooner rather than later and that makes a big difference. While colon cancer is scary, it is also one of the most preventable cancers if you are proactive. By practicing at Hutchinson Clinic, I will be able to collaborate with other clinicians to benefit our patients. Being able to conduct scopes within the same walls as other specialties helps prioritize holistic patient health and makes for a friendlier care journey.”
Patients needing an annual GI appointment or other check-up can call 620-669-2500 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Green.
About Hutchinson Clinic
The Hutchinson Clinic is a team of more than 90 physicians and providers and more than 500 employees who provide the highest possible standard of comprehensive medical and surgical care. Representing all major medical specialties, the expertly trained Hutchinson Clinic physicians bring their expertise and experience to each patient’s needs. The mission of the Hutchinson Clinic is to maintain a culture of excellence by delivering to patients the most advanced, timely, and compassionate care possible. For more information, visit www.HutchClinic.com or follow @HutchClinicKS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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