Alpena Surgical Associates, a general surgery practice in Alpena, has join MidMichigan Physicians Group. While the practice name will change, the overall operational changes within the practice will be seamless to the patient and the office will remain at its current location, 311 Long Rapids Plaza in Alpena. The general surgeons at this location are Brian Hanna, D.O., Michael Paulsell, M.D., Mark Puls, M.D., and Thomas Thornton, M.D.

MidMichigan Physicians Group, a subsidiary of MidMichigan Health, is a large multi-specialty practice currently covering more than 30 medical specialties in 16 communities across middle and northern Michigan. MidMichigan Physicians Group will own and operate the practice, employ the providers and staff, and provide centralized support services such as billing, physician recruiting, human resources, regulatory compliance, marketing and information technology.

This team of surgeons has advanced training in surgical treatment of conditions and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon and gallbladder. They also deal with disease involving the skin, breast and soft tissue, as well as hernias. Special surgical procedures performed include breast cancer care, colonoscopy, hemorrhoid procedures, thyroidectomy, carpal tunnel release and more.

“This general surgical practice has been here since 1958, and we saw this as the best way to continue serving Alpena families for the long term,” Dr. Puls said. “It is getting more difficult for small privately-owned practices to deliver great patient care while keeping up with all of the new regulatory requirements and the day-to-day operations of running a business. We were looking for a partner who could help with those operational tasks so we could focus on what we do best — taking excellent care of our patients. Being backed by a large health system affiliated with MidMichigan Medicine, the health care division of the University of Michigan, will also make us more attractive to recruit and retain new providers, so that we can offer better coverage and care for our patients.”

Those who would like more information about MidMichigan Physicians Group may visit www.midmichigan.org/mpg. Those with specific questions about the practice may call the general surgery office at 354-5717.