Core Conversations with Natalie Baggio

Core Conversations welcomes Moniica Woods, a certified surgical technologist at Corewell Health, for a conversation about the vital role surgical technologists play in patient care. Moniica shares how a personal loss inspired her career in healthcare, what it's like to work in the operating room, and how education, mentorship and innovative training programs are helping build the next generation of healthcare professionals. Discover why she believes that if you have a heart to serve others, there's a place for you in healthcare.

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How do physician residency programs help strengthen health care in Southwest Michigan? In this episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio sits down with Dr. Maddie Massa, an emergency medicine physician at Corewell Health, to discuss her journey from medical student to residency graduate and now faculty mentor. Dr. Massa shares why she chose to build her career in Southwest Michigan, the value of hands-on residency training, physician well-being, and how Corewell Health is developing the next generation of physicians while improving care for the communities it serves.

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Corewell Health's Natalie Baggio sits down with Dr. Kourosh Baghelai, cardiothoracic surgeon, to discuss how Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan is providing nationally recognized heart care close to home. Dr. Baghelai shares what it takes to build a world-class cardiothoracic surgery program, the importance of teamwork in achieving exceptional patient outcomes and what it means for the program to earn the prestigious three-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. He also discusses innovative, minimally invasive heart valve procedures that are expanding treatment options and helping more patients receive advanced cardiac care right here in Southwest Michigan.

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What does it take to change careers and become a nurse later in life?

On this episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio sits down with Jeanine Bussa, a graduate of the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program at Corewell Health. Jeanine shares how she pursued her lifelong dream of nursing at age 55 while balancing work, school and family. She discusses the support that helped her succeed, the importance of continuing healthcare benefits while earning her degree and the rewarding experience of now caring for patients in surgical services.

Learn how Corewell Health is helping strengthen the local healthcare workforce by creating opportunities for future nurses to grow, learn and serve their communities.

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In this episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio sits down with ER nurse Gabby Stover to discuss her journey from growing up in Southwest Michigan to building a career caring for the community she calls home. Inspired by her parents, both ICU nurses, Gabby shares how Corewell Health's Student Nurse Apprentice Program gave her valuable hands-on experience and helped prepare her for a successful transition from nursing school to the emergency department.

Gabby reflects on the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and leading with compassion in health care. She also offers encouraging advice for anyone considering a career in nursing, reminding future caregivers that the most meaningful part of the job is caring for patients with your whole heart. It's an inspiring conversation about opportunity, purpose, and giving back to your community.

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In the kickoff to Series 3 of Core Conversations, the mic is flipped as Sarah Cavanaugh sits down with Corewell Health President Natalie Baggio to discuss the future of health care careers in Southwest Michigan. Together, they explore how career pathway and pipeline programs are helping address workforce shortages by creating new opportunities for students, team members, and community members to pursue meaningful careers in health care.

Natalie also shares how these innovative programs are already making an impact by strengthening the local workforce, improving access to care, and retaining talented health care professionals in Southwest Michigan. You’ll also get a preview of what's ahead this season as you'll hear inspiring stories from people whose lives and careers have been transformed through these programs.

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In this special episode of Core Conversations, the microphone is flipped as Corewell Health Southwest Michigan President Natalie Baggio answers some of the most common questions and misconceptions circulating throughout the community. From physician recruitment and appointment access to labor and delivery services, radiology wait times, and future investments in local health care, Natalie provides candid insight into what’s happening behind the scenes.

Hear how Corewell Health is working to recruit more physicians, modernize facilities, improve access to care, and expand specialized services closer to home. Through an open and transparent conversation, this episode offers a closer look at the challenges, progress, and opportunities shaping the future of health care across Southwest Michigan.

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In this episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio sits down with Dr. Max Schaefer of Corewell Health to discuss the growing need for accessible substance use treatment and the evolving field of addiction medicine across Southwest Michigan. Dr. Schaefer shares his personal journey into this work, the inspiration behind launching a dedicated substance use clinic, and how a compassionate, team-based approach is helping patients from all backgrounds find support and healing.

The conversation explores the critical role of education, reducing stigma, and connecting patients with the right resources at the right time. Dr. Schaefer also shares a powerful recovery story that demonstrates the life-changing impact of treatment, community partnerships, and meeting people where they are on their recovery journey.

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In this episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio sits down with Dr. Tom Birris, a gastroenterologist serving Southwest Michigan, for an informative discussion on digestive health, preventive screenings, and the growing importance of early colon cancer detection.

Dr. Birris shares why colon cancer screening now begins at age 45, discusses common symptoms that should prompt a conversation with your physician, and explains what patients can expect during a colonoscopy. He also addresses popular trends such as digestive cleanses and probiotics, offering practical advice on what really matters when it comes to maintaining a healthy digestive system.

From nutrition and exercise to the latest screening recommendations, this conversation provides valuable insights to help you take charge of your digestive health and overall well-being.

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In this special episode of Core Conversations, Natalie Baggio revisits meaningful conversations that highlight the power of compassionate care, quick action, and community-focused health care. From a patient's unexpected journey through emergency cardiac bypass surgery to stories showcasing life-saving interventions and teamwork, these moments demonstrate the impact health care professionals have every day.

Hear reflections on patient recovery, rural health care, community wellness, and the importance of accessible local services. Through these conversations, patients, physicians, and leaders share how collaboration, innovation, and compassion continue to improve lives and strengthen the health of communities across Southwest Michigan.

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