Children's Health

Beloved Physician Takes on New Role at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 6, 2022 –Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, part of Corewell Health™ (formerly Spectrum Health), announced today that James Fahner, MD has accepted the position of medical director of philanthropy education and provider well-being, transitioning from his role as Endowed Division Chief of pediatric hematology and oncology.

Dr. Fahner’s 33-year-plus  legacy as a community leader in child and family health care lends itself well to continued work as a philanthropy champion. Dr. Fahner is the founding and current endowed division chief, pediatric hematology/oncology, Ethie Haworth Children’s Cancer Center, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and Corewell Health Medical Group West.

An enthusiastic leader, Dr. Fahner serves on several community boards, including the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation board of directors, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital board committee, Hospice of Michigan Foundation board, Van Andel Research Institute and Graduate School boards of trustees, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan medical advisor and the Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan executive board. He will continue to serve these organizations.

“Dr. Fahner’s passion and contagious spirit have contributed to the growth and image of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital as a destination center for world-class pediatric care. He will continue to be a spokesperson and advocate for the children’s hospital and our patients in his new role,” said Dr. Hossain Marandi, President, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

As medical director of philanthropy education and provider well-being, Dr. Fahner’s focus will be to inspire and lead engagement in advancing our mission and vision. In his new role, he will elevate Foundation work through provider mentoring, donor relations, fundraising and stewardship activities. He will also work closely with the Office of Physician and APP Fulfillment to promote and lead provider well-being programs to combat caregiver burnout and provide peer support.

Beth Kurt, MD will succeed Dr. Fahner and has accepted the inaugural role of James Fahner MD Endowed Division Chief of hematology and oncology, a position made possible by the visionary generosity of Dick and Ethie Haworth.

In 2018, Dr. Kurt was promoted to section chief of pediatric hematology/oncology. She also serves as associate medical director for the After-Care and Transition clinic that oversees the long-term, follow-up care of childhood cancer survivors. She previously served as the associate program director for the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship program and as associate program director for the Med/Peds Residency Training Program.

 

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About Corewell Health West 

Corewell Health West, formerly Spectrum Health, is a not-for-profit health system serving 13 counties in West Michigan. Corewell Health West is a region of Corewell Health™, formerly the BHSH System (Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health) that provides care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 22 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving over 1.2 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org or spectrumhealth.org.

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