Tips for Communicating

We Want You to Feel Comfortable Asking Questions


It is important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your doctor prior to having surgery. The following suggestions may help to improve communication between you and your doctor:
  • If you do not understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do.
  • Take notes, or ask a family member or friend to accompany you and take notes for you.
  • Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions, if necessary.
  • Ask your doctor where you can find printed material about your condition. Many doctors have this information in their offices.
  • If you still have questions, ask the doctor where you can go for more information.

Continue Watching

Physician Video Profile: Evan Lytle, DO (Neurosurgery)

Evan Lytle, DO is a neurosurgeon in Southwest Michigan at Corewell Health. He diagnoses and treats patients with injuries or diseases/disorders of the nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord.

Mar 20, 2023
Inpatient Rehabilitation: Timothy Buchana "Making Every Second Count"

After suffering a severe brain hemorrhage, Timothy turned to Lakeland Hospital Watervliet for inpatient rehabilitation.

Sep 19, 2019
Inpatient Rehabilitation: Mike Wilson "A New Normal"

After suffering a stroke, Mike Wilson spent the next month participating in an extensive inpatient rehabilitation program at Lakeland Hospital Watervliet to help him return to his normal functions.

May 13, 2019
Check-Up: Michael O'Hearn - A Pain in the Back

Physical therapist, Michael O'Hearn shares when to seek medical help for back pain.

Mar 08, 2019
Provider Video Profile: Michael Schiman, NP (Neurology)

Nurse practitioner Michael Schiman helps those with a variety of neurologic illnesses at Lakeland Neurology.

Jan 23, 2019
Physician Video Profile: Rafeek Woods, MD (Neurosurgery)

Introducing Dr. Rafeek Woods, a neurosurgeon at Lakeland Neurosurgery in St. Joseph

Oct 11, 2017
Brain Cancer: Rick Ledesma "We're Going to Fight"

Learn about Rick's journey with glioblastoma mltiforme.

Jun 12, 2017
Physician Video Profile: Robert Ward, DO (Neurology)

Introducing Dr. Robert Ward, a neurologist with Berrien Regional Associates in Neurology.

Jun 07, 2017
Physician Video Profile: Christopher Contardo, PhD, ABPP (Neuropsychology)

Introducing Dr. Christopher Contardo, a neuropsychologist with Psychiatric & Psychological Specialties.

Jun 05, 2017
Bigger than a Building: Newly renovated Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital Pavilion

The newly renovated Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital Pavilion in St. Joseph focuses on high-tech modernizations and exceptional patient experiences.

Dec 07, 2022

Trending on Lakeland

Corewell Health Center for Wellness Has Relocated to Expand Local Health Services in Benton Harbor

The Corewell Health™ Center for Wellness has moved to a spacious new building around the corner from its original facility. The new space is approximately 24,000 square feet - nearly 20 times larger than the previous location, adding adequate room to expand community-based health services.

Corewell Health’s President in Southwest Michigan Announces Retirement

Loren B. Hamel, M.D., president, Corewell Health™ in Southwest Michigan, has announced his plan to retire on June 30, 2024.

New Members Appointed to Corewell Health South Board of Directors

Corewell Health welcomed two new members to its board of directors in Southwest Michigan. Bertha King and Stephen Hempel, M.D., began three-year terms on Jan. 1, 2024.

Corewell Health Announces Changes to Board of Directors, Appoints New Chair

Today, Corewell Health™ announced changes to its board of directors, including the introduction of two new members, the appointment of a new chair and vice chair, and the departure of three founding board members.

Corewell Health Encourages Community Members to Donate Blood, Save Lives This Holiday Season

Corewell Health™, in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, is encouraging Lakeland area community members to donate blood this holiday season. A series of community blood drives will take place this December.

Corewell Health, YMCA Increase Access to Healthy Foods Through Veggie Van™ Partnership

The Veggie Van™, a mobile farmers market, served 13 counties throughout Michigan this year, ensuring that free fruits and vegetables were available to individuals who otherwise had limited access. The program, a joint effort of Corewell Health™ and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, launched in 2018 to combat food insecurity and will continue for a sixth consecutive year in spring 2024. Through their partnership, 46,466 free pieces of produce were distributed to Michigan families in 2023.

Corewell Health Named a Leading Inclusion Index Company

Corewell Health™ was named to professional services and research firm Seramount’s 2023 Inclusion Index. The recognition measures three key areas of an organization: best practices in the recruitment, retention and advancement of people from historically marginalized groups—women, racial/ethnic groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people; inclusive company culture; and demographic diversity.

South Haven Luminary Fundraiser  for Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care

Community members are invited to support Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care, formerly Caring Circle, by purchasing a luminary now through Monday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m.

Great Lakes Gastroenterology joins Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

Southwest Michigan area residents can access gastroenterology services at a new Corewell Health™ facility, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals Gastroenterology, 3903 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. The facility, formerly Great Lakes Gastroenterology, joined Corewell Health on Nov. 1.

Drug Take Back Day Encourages Community to Dispose of Unwanted Medications

Corewell Health and Berrien County Sheriff Department have teamed up to collect unused and unwanted prescription drugs for safe disposal. Community members are invited to stop by Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital and Corewell Health Care Center on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New General Surgeon Joins Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan

General surgeon Andrew Vaughan, D.O., joined the medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Vaughan will see patients alongside several board-certified surgeons and advanced practitioners at 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Physician to Diabetes and Endocrinology

Board-certified endocrinologist, Inderpreet Madahar, M.D., will join Corewell Health’s medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Madahar will see patients at Corewell Health Diabetes and Endocrinology – Royalton, 3950 Hollywood Road, Suite 288, St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Primary Care Provider in Coloma

Family nurse practitioner Andrea Edgerly, N.P., has joined the Corewell Health™ medical staff in Southwest Michigan. Edgerly is accepting new patients at Corewell Health Watervliet Hospital Primary Care - Coloma, 6701 Paw Paw Ave.

Corewell Health Welcomes New Nurse Midwife

Alexandra Vroom, CNM, has joined Corewell Health™ in Southwest Michigan. Vroom will see patients alongside three physicians and four other advanced practice providers at Corewell Health Women’s Health‐ Royalton, 3950 Hollywood Road, Suite 100, in St. Joseph.

Corewell Health Named a 2023 Top 75 Company for Executive Women

Corewell Health was named among the list of 2023 Seramount Top 75 Companies for Executive Women.

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