Our Patients:
Destination Ann Arbor
Skin cancer patients travel from around the world for personalized care
Jim Bryan lives in Laurens, S.C., so it made sense that he went to a prominent medical center in the Carolinas when he was diagnosed with melanoma. Then his doctor surprised him.
“He said the only place that could do my entire treatment is the University of Michigan,” Bryan says. “I asked where he’d go if it was him and he said he’d go to Michigan.”
Within four days, Bryan received a call from Wendi Wettlin, a patient care representative from the Health System’s Skin Cancer Destination Program. His experience with the Michigan Difference had begun. Before he arrived, he spoke with Tim Johnson, M.D., clinical director of the Cutaneous Oncology and Multidisciplinary Melanoma Programs.
Jim Bryan traveled from South Carolina to Ann Arbor for melanoma
treatment.“Dr. Johnson explained my condition and the treatment process. He even gave me his home number and told me to call if I had any questions. That was extremely reassuring.”
The Skin Cancer Program is our first destination program, the Health System’s endeavor to become the provider of choice for patients around the world. It is a system-wide commitment to superior patient experiences. The destination program includes everything from help with accommodations to travel planning.
Erica Bryan, a patient care representative, explains that their role is to organize the flow of each patient’s activities. They work directly with patients and coordinate with many departments and services to ensure each patient receives the care needed during their limited time in Ann Arbor.
Wettlin adds, “This is a collective effort and it’s been phenomenal. There is no time wasted on multiple referrals because all the areas work together.”
As for Bryan, after two trips to Ann Arbor for assessment and surgery, he is home in Laurens—cancer-free—practicing law. —BJ
Inside View Editorial Advisory Group
Constance Bridges, Office of the Dean, Medical School
Paula Greeno, Office of the EVPMA
Teri Grieb, MSA Office of Research
Judy Hallberg, S.P.H.R., UMMS Human Resources
Kelly, UMHS Human Resources
Erin Koenigsknecht, UMHS Marketing Communications
Eric Kratochwill, UMHHC Office of the CEO
Allison Krieger, Public Relations and Marketing Communications
Rick Krupinski, Editor, Medicine at Michigan
Alisa Morningstar, UMHS, MFit Health Promotion
Sara Nielsen, Safety Management Services
Tammy Nipper, UMMS Human Resources
Juanita Parry, Nurse Recruitment & Retention
Steve Raymond, UMHHC Leadership & Staff Development
Karen Schlueter, Livonia Health Center
Connie Standiford, Medical School Administration
Carole Strong, House Officers Association
Public Relations & Marketing Communications Staff
Michael Harrison, chief public relations and marketing officer
Kara Gavin, director of public relations
Beth Johnson, editor and senior writer
Jessica Soulliere, assistant editor
Anne Rueter, senior public relations representative
Cathy Mellett, contributing writer
Dana Pine, contributing writer
Juliet Fuller, photography coordinator
Geoff O’Connor, Web developer