After a former Pokagon Band health clinic in Dowagiac sat empty for several years, two area female practitioners have established a new family health clinic at that spot called Advanced Practice Integrated Health and are now open for business, although their new sign for the front of the building isn’t slated to get installed until next week.
Lisa Wolske, Nurse Practitioner and Kathleen Basha, Physician’s Assistant, are the founders of the new practice which is located at 57392 M-51 South in Dowagiac.
Wolske and Basha recognized that the rural and under-served community there had a critical gap following the retirement of two physicians in recent days, and decided to re-establish a presence in a central location between multiple cities including not only Dowagiac, but also Cassopolis, Decatur, Eau Claire and Niles.
The two will be joined one week out of each month by Dr. Son Phung, MD, who has been in practice for more than 20-years, working as a hospitalist, in internal medicine, occupational medicine and in the Emergency Room.
Lisa Wolske has been practicing in the area for 15-years and has worked in the hospital setting as well as in long-term care, home care, wound care, and in a primary care practice servicing all ages.
Kathleen Basha has been practicing in the area for 25 years, having served as an EMT, worked in the ER, in primary care, and even developed a drug rehabilitation program with the state of Michigan.
The new Advanced Practice Integrated Health Center will provide comprehensive family care in an internal medicine setting. The practitioners have worked in oncology, infusion, long-term care, would care, home care, primary care and have served the under-served populations in a variety of settings over the years, while developing trust and providing care in diverse settings.
Wolske says, “We have a passion for helping people achieve the best health they can,” and adds, “Our goal is to provide one-stop comprehensive care, primary medical care, wound care, infusions, diabetic care and needs, with on-site labs, mental health services and on site-diagnostics all available.” She also points out, “Providing these services in one place increases compliance and understanding, reduces costs to both the patient and insurance companies, and eliminates the need for multiple doctor appointments and traveling. More importantly, it allows the relationship between patient and practitioner to develop, creating a supportive, supportive, trusting and long lasting connection.”
Wolske explains the new team’s drive, saying, “Understanding and appreciating what our patient’s weaknesses, limitations, and strengths help up develop a plan that is achievable and results in the best outcome possible. We are informed, experienced, and dedicated to helping patients connect with community resources when needed. ”
Dr. Phung will be developing the occupational medicine part of the business which will include Department of Transportation physicals.
Additional options at the new practice include:
- Diabetic care including education, medication management, foot care, and retinal eye screening in office…
- Wound care given by the practitioners who are skilled in a multitude of treatment plans and we will be able to provide the wound care on site, eliminating the need for trips to wound care and in-home services…
- Mobile ultrasound imaging in house to provide lower cost and convenient services to the patient. Cardiovascular and vascular imaging will be available…
- Mental health care. The practitioner has experience and compassion for helping the patient discuss problems and select appropriate medications for the patient…
- Genetic testing is available and well covered by the patient to determine any potential interactions and intolerances to medications. This test helps find the best medications more quickly, therefore helping the patient to improve their mental health and function in the best way that they can…
- We will also have an on site counselor or psychiatrist in the future once a week…
- Primary health care including gynecological screening and care…
- On-site lab services allowing blood draws to be done in the office, eliminating the need for a visit to outpatient lab and increasing compliance with having health conditions monitored…
In the future, the practice will include Infusion care, providing antibiotic therapy, hydration therapy, and immunotherapy on site. That service would eliminate the need to go to a hospital, infusion center, or have someone come into the home.
They will also be offering Physical therapy, Home care services, and Occupational therapy as the practice grows.
Current hours of operation at Advanced Practice Integrated Health run Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, however as they expand and grow the practice they plan to add a late night operation on Wednesdays until 7pm in the future.
To reach the new practice you can call the office at 269-462-9587 or their 24-hour line at 269-849-6115.
