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DCH names medical director, adds staff in family care, human resources, PT

ERIC JOHNSON

IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Healthcare System has announced three additions to its staff, as well as the appointment of Dr. Eric Johnson as medical director.

In his new position, Johnson will provide oversight and operational direction of the entire medical staff, including physician services and hospital clinics.

New to the DCH staff are Dr. Christopher Rogalla, who joins the Primary Care Center in Iron Mountain; Dan Bianco, physical therapist, bringing Bianco’s Physical Therapy and Wellness Center in Kingsford into the DCH and UP Rehab Services team; and Bradley Sudz, serving as director of human resources.

“The growth and evolution of Dickinson County Healthcare has never been stronger,” said Chuck Nelson, CEO of DCH. “We are thrilled that Dr. Johnson is taking on an important leadership role to help us further advance our system of care to the highest levels available locally.”

In the past 12 months, DCH has added locally based providers in heart care, cancer care, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, physical therapy and urology.

BRADLEY SUDZ

Johnson’s roots run deep in the Upper Peninsula, spending four years in Iron County and six years in Marquette. A prior military expeditionary and aerospace physician, he is now an emergency medicine physician, serving in directorship for Emergency Medical and Trauma Services.

He will work in partnership with DCH staff, including Mandy Shelast, vice president of Physician Services and Clinical Networks, to ensure regulations and accreditation standards are maintained.

“It is a humbling honor to be tasked with this role, even more so when considering the immense talent of my fellow physicians, specialists, advanced practitioners, and this excellent nursing team,” Johnson said.

Sudz will work with senior leadership to plan and implement hiring strategies aligned with organizational growth. As human resources director, he will oversee department staff and coordinate policies for legal compliance and best hiring practices.

He and his family relocated to Iron Mountain from Anchorage, Alaska. Sudz has an extensive background in human resources, serving various roles for the past 20 years. He most recently worked as an employee relations manager in the energy sector.

CHRISTOPHER ROGALLA

“As an HR professional, I have enjoyed helping others grow and become better in their positions,” Sudz said.

“Bradley brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization,” Nelson said. “His experience in HR hiring and sourcing strategies will play a key role at DCH as we continue to grow and expand services.”

Rogalla is board-certified from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. He graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University and completed his Mercy Health Muskegon Family Medicine residency.

Coming to Iron Mountain from Muskegon, he is eager to explore the Upper Peninsula and engage with the community in Dickinson County.

“I work to partner with my patients to provide care that helps them achieve their goals while simultaneously improving their health,” he said. “The emphasis on education and shared decision-making with patients is what led me to choose a career in family medicine.”

DAN BIANCO

He is accepting new patients at the Dickinson Primary Care Center, from infant and child wellness to adult health.

“Family medicine is a core service our community deserves,” Shelast said. “We are proud to introduce a talented new doctor to serve our local families.”

Bianco will bring his Kingsford center into the DCHS and UP Rehab Services rehab team.

DCHS Rehabilitation and Outpatient Therapy are managed by UP Rehab Services LLC of Marquette. Bianco’s Physical Therapy has offered general orthopedic and sports physical therapy services to the community since 2001.

“We are thrilled to see our rehab services offering to the community continue to grow, with the addition of Dan Bianco,” Nelson said. “Dan’s proven track record of commitment to his patients and focus on their wellbeing and recovery are in perfect alignment with our organizational goals.”

Sara Gunville, physical therapist/director of rehab, said Bianco brings an extensive professional skill set and vast experience to the rehab team.

“He and his family have been dedicated to providing the community with a continuum of care from physical therapy to fitness for 30 years,” she said. “We could not be more excited for Dan to be a part of our crew.”

Bianco, likewise, said he is happy to join forces with U.P. Rehab Services.

“Knowing the reputation that UP Rehab has for delivering the highest quality of care and service makes this transition to their team a perfect fit for me,” he said.

DCHS Rehabilitation and Outpatient Therapy provides health care-related services, including orthopedic, sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, athletic training, aquatic therapy, dry needling and several specialty services.

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