ST. JOSEPH — On March 30, Lakeland Health will honor the commitment of over 500 medical providers in southwest Michigan as part of “Doctor’s Day” – an annual celebration of medical providers across the nation.

“Our physicians do amazing work and we are proud to celebrate their passion, dedication, and commitment to provide quality healthcare and to touch the hearts and lives of our patients every day,” said Lowell Hamel, MD, vice president medical affairs, chief medical officer, Lakeland Health.

Currently, Lakeland employs 546 partner physicians and licensed providers, representing a total of 55 specialties. Forty-nine new providers joined the medical staff in fiscal year 2015.

Lakeland also serves as a teaching hospital and offers residency-training programs through a partnership with Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. This year marks the second class of graduating residents in emergency medicine, family medicine, and dermatology, and the third class of graduating internal medicine residents. Between the 2015 class of 14 graduates and the 2014 class of four graduates, nine of these physicians chose to continue to practice medicine in southwest Michigan after completing their residencies.

“Lakeland is honored to play a critical role in shaping future doctors,” said Dr. Hamel. “As this program continues to grow, patients can expect the best talent, knowledge, and medical techniques from our physician team.”

Lakeland Health is a nonprofit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services, and physician practices. Lakeland has over 3,800 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 500 affiliated physicians and other providers. For more information, visit www.lakelandhealth.org