Time to Talk. Time to Listen.

Spectrum Health Medical Group Doctor Dialogue Event to Focus on Aging

Sometimes as we age, hearing and speaking are impacted. Our ability to hear well can decrease. And, sometimes, so does our ability to clearly explain to our family, friends and caregivers what we want in terms of our future care.

Spectrum Health Medical Group’s next Doctor Dialogue Series seminar focuses on the importance of communicating future health care decisions. This free public event will be held on Wednesday, October 21, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Calvin College’s Prince Conference Center, 1800 East Beltline Avenue SE, Grand Rapids.

Iris Boettcher, MD, division chief of geriatrics, will explain the advance care planning process and the importance of anyone and, particularly, senior citizens making a plan for their future health care wishes. Debra Youngsma, audiologist, will also be on hand to discuss the signs of hearing loss and treatment options.

This event is open to all who want to learn more about these topics. Register at www.shmg.org/events or by calling 616.267.2626, then choose option four. People who are unable to attend can watch the seminar online or on Periscope @SpectrumHealth.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 183 ambulatory and service sites; more than 3,100 physicians and advanced practice providers, including 1,200 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with about 654,000 members. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 23,400 employees. The organization provided $283 million in community benefit during its 2015 fiscal year. Spectrum Health is the only health system in Michigan to be named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics for 2015. This is the fourth time the organization has received this recognition.