Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners Provide Vital Clinical Support for Spectrum Health Medical Group

The Spectrum Health Medical Group recently hired several new physician assistants and a nurse practitioner, which will enable the growing organization to provide better service to its patients.

Physician assistants have earned the credentials to practice with the supervision of a physician, seeing patients and providing diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health maintenance services. Nurse practitioners also undergo advanced training and education in order to assume an expanded role in providing medical care in collaboration with a physician.

“The level of education, skills and experience that is represented by these individuals greatly expands our clinical capabilities,” said James M. Tucci, MD, MMM, president, Spectrum Health Medical Group. “We are very pleased to welcome them as vital members of our team.”

Lydia Bolen, PA-C, a certified physician assistant, received her Bachelor of Science degree in physician assistant studies from Daemen College in Amherst, NY, and her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences from Grand Valley State University. Her specialty is orthopedics. She practices at mmpc® Orthopedic Surgery, 4069 Lake Drive SE, Suite 315, in Grand Rapids.

Jen Lenius, PA-C, a certified physician assistant, received her Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical sciences and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Her specialty is primary care and family practice. She practices at all Spectrum Health Medical Group primary care offices.

Jill Tallman, PA, a physician assistant, received both her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Grand Valley State University. She practices at mmpc® Diabetes/Endocrinology, 4069 Lake Drive, Suite 315, in Grand Rapids.

Natasha DeHaan, RN, MSN, NP-C, a certified nurse practitioner, received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Hope College and her Master of Science degree in nursing from Grand Valley State University. Her specialty is obstetrics and gynecology. She practices at both mmpc® Obstetrics and Gynecology offices, 4829 East Beltline NE and 3800 Lake Michigan Drive NW in Grand Rapids.

The Spectrum Health Medical Group currently employs more than 500 physicians and mid-level providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system in West Michigan that offers a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, a collection of eight hospitals and more than 140 service sites; the Spectrum Health Medical Group, mmpc® and West Michigan Heart—physician groups totaling more than 500 providers; and Priority Health, a health plan with nearly 580,000 members. Spectrum Health’s 16,000 employees, 1,500 medical staff members and 2,000 volunteers are committed to delivering the highest quality care. The organization provided $79.4 million in community benefit during its 2009 fiscal year. In 2010, Spectrum Health was named a Top 10 Health System by Thomson Reuters.