New manager for family medicine office in Pentwater

February 10, 2016
Alissa Edgcomb

Alissa Edgcomb

PENTWATER — Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Family Medicine—Pentwater has a new practice manager, Alissa Edgcomb. She has been working with Spectrum Health in the Grand Rapids area.

The move fulfills a long-held desire by Edgcomb to live, work, and raise her family in Oceana County and, specifically, Pentwater. She will move her family here as soon as the school year finishes for her sons, ages 12 and 6. They currently attend school in Rockford and will enroll in Pentwater schools in the fall.

“My professional focus is on doing everything possible to take care of our patients,” said Edgcomb. “Our staff and I want to be here for the community as a whole, and to meet the medical needs of each individual.

“I’m here to make sure the office runs smoothly so our medical providers can focus all their attention on patient care,” she added.  “We’ll work together to ensure that patient tests and appointment follow-through are coordinated effectively.”

Edgcomb, who once was a hotel manager, has worked with Spectrum Health for 9 years, most recently as practice supervisor for pulmonary critical care and ICU with Spectrum Health Medical Group (SHMG). In that role she coordinated support for 26 physicians.

Dr. Allan Nelson

Dr. Allan Nelson

Prior to that she was the clinical leader for 22 medical assistants providing staff support for 8 physicians with SHMG’s Family Practice. She was involved in the transition of that group from independent status to part of Spectrum Health.

The office she now manages, led by Dr. Allan Nelson, recently completed a similar transition, integrating with Spectrum Health and its medical group, and with Ludington Hospital. The other medical providers in the Pentwater office are doctors Rebecca Miller and nurse practitioner, Renita Diehlman.

Dr. Nelson’s practice also includes the Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital family medicine office in Hart. Dr. Nelson sees patients in both offices, along with veteran nurse practitioner Beth Hartrum in Hart.

“We are so fortunate to have Alissa join us,” said Dr. Nelson. “She has an obvious passion for working with people and for staff development. Her 12 years in leadership positions will be a real asset to our office.”

Edgcomb’s older son enjoys fishing as his primary hobby. Her younger boy, she said, has already decided he wants to be a farmer. As for Edgcomb herself, her interests outside of work involve family activities, snow skiing and jet skiing.

“All of us are looking forward to the move,” said Edgcomb. “We have friends in the area and have often enjoyed spending weekends here. I feel like we’re coming home.”