West Michigan Heart to Join the Spectrum Health Medical Group

West Michigan Heart (WMH), a member of Spectrum Health and the largest cardiology practice in West Michigan, will join the Spectrum Health Medical Group (SHMG) on January 1, 2015.

SHMG has an established practice of vascular surgeons and the formal integration of WMH into SHMG creates one of the largest groups of cardiovascular specialists in Michigan. There are currently 36 cardiologists in the practice. The WMH group of physicians joined Spectrum Health in 2009 and has operated as a separate entity within the health system.

WMH’s joining SHMG brings a legacy and culture of putting patients and families first with high-quality care, notes Seth Wolk, MD, president of Spectrum Health Medical Group.

“This is a group of cardiovascular specialists who have worked for decades to develop and implement a distinctive vision for care in West Michigan,” said Wolk. They also have provided great leadership in developing programs at Spectrum Health. Their vision and leadership is an excellent fit with the Medical Group and they will be a vital part of our success and growth.”

“Exceptional patient care, research and education have been hallmarks of West Michigan Heart,” said Kevin Wolschleger, MD, president of West Michigan Heart. “In addition, we’ve placed great importance on building relationships with regional and referring physicians. We’re proud to bring these qualities to bear in supporting the mission of the Medical Group.”

All West Michigan Heart locations will remain the same, including the flagship location at 2900 Bradford Street, Grand Rapids, which will become the Spectrum Health Heart and Vascular Center.

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 11 hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 169 ambulatory and service sites; 1,150 employed physicians and advanced practice providers including members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a 590,000-member health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 21,600 employees. The organization provided $294.6 million in community benefit during its 2014 fiscal year. In 2014, Spectrum Health was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems® by Truven Health Analytics.