It is a bittersweet time at the Evergreen Living Center.
The long term care facility is ready to celebrate the upcoming retirement of John Stephenson, M.D. At the same time, they are welcoming two new providers, Lauren Buhr, M.D. and Richard Kasbow, a physician assistant (PA). All three are currently working together through the end of the month along with the entire Evergreen team to continue delivering high quality care to its residents.
Dr. Stephenson’s 56-year medical career includes time at the Mackinac Island Clinic from 1981 to 1985, before he eventually became an Emergency Room physician in St. Ignace (1999) and has been with Mackinac Straits Health System (MSHS), ever since. He has served as the Health System’s long term care physician for 22 years. After graduating medical school at the University of Michigan, he held positions in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Ann Arbor, and Chelsea, along with being stationed in Colorado as an Air Force flight surgeon.
“What a wonderful ride it’s been,” said Stephenson. “I originally went into medicine to become a family physician, never thinking a majority of my career would end up in long term care. I have been so fortunate to develop wonderful relationships with staff, patients and residents over the years, including a special bond with many of the families, too.”
“I recall arriving at Mackinac Straits the same time as Rod Nelson started as CEO,” Stephenson added. “He was very instrumental in helping grow the organization into what it is today. At that time I was overseeing the ER, Acute Care and long term care at the old hospital. Now we have a growing surgical unit, several diagnostic resources, an outstanding physical therapy program, and one of the best long term care units in the area. We’ve come a long way, baby!”
“Dr. Stephenson has played a vital role in the delivery of healthcare in the Straits area, dedicating nearly three decades of his career to the community,” said Karen Cheeseman, MSHS president and chief executive officer. “Throughout his tenure, he has served in number of medical staff leadership positions. In recent years, he was instrumental in the achievement of the Five Star rating for the Evergreen. Dr. Stephenson made a notable difference in the lives of the patients and families he has served throughout his career. We wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement.”
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