Three specialists join team at War Memorial Hospital

War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie is building up its specialty medicine practices, as the hospital has recently recruited a neurologist, a gastroenterologist and an obstetrician/gynecologist.

Mike Fitzner, the physician recruiter for War Memorial, says it's been a decade at least since a gastroenterologist has practiced in Sault Ste. Marie. The new arrival is Dr. Ann Silverman, who will begin seeing patients at the Medical Office Building in early August. Gastroenterology includes problems in the stomach and intestines, like Crohn's disease, inflammatory disorders, or colitis. Silverman was previously at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit and also pursues clinical research in her field.

"She is going to be on the cutting edge as far as new options for treatment and new medications." Fitzner says.

The new neurologist will be Dr. Robert Spitzer, currently of Southfield. He'll welcome new patients in the Medical Office Building in September, and treat patients with neurological disorders like fibromyalgia and Parkinson's disease.

"There is no question that there is a huge need in the EUP for a neurologist," Fitzner says.

Finally, but earliest, ob/gyn Dr. Laviniu Anghel, currently of Flushing Hospital Medical Center in Flushing, New York, will arrive on the Sault Women's healthcare staff in late July. He provides a full range of women's health services including extensive experience in surgery.

Fitzner says he's needed at War Memorial, which has seen an uptick in obstetrics services in the last year after adding epidurals to the birth pain management options, and adding more healthcare providers. In all, he says the specialists should improve health care in both Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas.

"It is our goal to have enough coverage to get specialists out to nearby local communities to help them with their needs," Fitzner says, including plans for outreach clinics.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mike Fitzner, War Memorial Hospital