HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Clinic announced Monday that Michael Green, M.D., has joined the team to oversee the practice’s gastrointestinal (GI) department.
Dr. Green was born and raised in Hutchinson, attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine and completed his Gastroenterology Fellowship at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also served as chief fellow. With the move to be closer to family, Dr. Green is also amongst relatives who have worked for the clinic.
“The Hutchinson community shaped me and prepared me for both my personal and professional successes,” Dr. Green said of his hometown. “Hutchinson has been a positive light in my life and I’m excited to now be in a position to contribute to others in the community.”
“Dr. Green’s clinical expertise, passion for patient care and love for the community will be invaluable to our patients and clinicians as we expand GI services,” Mike Heck, CEO of Hutchinson Clinic, said. “More specifically, Dr. Green’s addition to our team means that when a patient needs a GI physician, that need will be met in-house by a provider who is a part of the Hutch Team and has been a part of the Hutch community his entire life.”
GI is an area of healthcare that is often overlooked even though it impacts overall wellbeing more than most realize – with GI complications being one of the leading causes of work absences. Dr. Green was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease early in medical school and is personally familiar with the various ways GI issues disrupt daily living and the extent to which access to GI care can change lives.
“Patient relationships are important to me and are essential to creating tailored care plans,” Dr. Green said. “Whether I’m working with someone for a long or short amount of time, I recognize that I’m connecting with them at a critical moment. My goal is to get to know my patients so that I can help them get back to comfortably enjoying their daily lives.”
Access to GI care is increasingly important for Kansans as colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. and is being seen more frequently in young people. The state ranks 36th nationally in the number of endoscopies performed in 2020 and has thus far seen 1,730 colorectal cancer diagnoses and 500 colorectal cancer deaths this year.
“There is a dramatic lack of specialists in this area, especially when looking west of Hutchinson,” Heck said. “Lack of access to quality GI care is one of many healthcare challenges in rural areas of our state. By investing in GI care for our region, we are committed to serving surrounding areas that are lacking this critical need.”
In addition to access challenges, GI care is also routinely delayed or ignored due to individuals being embarrassed to discuss GI-related symptoms, even with their doctor.
Patients needing an annual GI appointment or other check-ups can call 620-669-2500 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Green.