IRON MOUNTAIN – Jennifer Hwang, DO, a native of Louisiana, is the latest addition to the Dickinson Medical staff.

Dr. Hwang will begin an internal medicine practice primary care for adults on Sept. 8. Her practice will be located in Suite 115 of the Dickinson Medical Building and has been named Dickinson Health Partners – Internal Medicine.

Dr. Hwang obtained a bachelor of science degree in microbiology from Xavier University of Louisiana where she graduated magna cum laude. She attended the University of Michigan School of Public Health for one year before entering medical school.

She earned her medical degree from Michigan State University-College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2009. She then completed a three year residency program in internal medicine at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills.

Upon completion of her residency training, Dr. Hwang worked as an attending physician and hospitalist at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

Most recently, she was employed by Colorado Geriatric Care as an attending physician where she provided post acute care services to multiple skilled nursing facilities in the greater Denver area.

Dr. Hwang liked the small town feel of the Iron Mountain area as well as the family-oriented work atmosphere throughout Dickinson County Healthcare System; she liked the fact that everyone knew each other.

Dr. Hwang is looking forward to starting her practice in early September. Her reason for entering the field of medicine ties directly to her practice philosophy and the name of her practice. Communication with her patients will form the cornerstone of her practice as she strives to help them become full partners in their care.

“I chose the field of medicine because I like to really connect with people and to help them understand their health,” commented Dr. Hwang. “Medicine is all about communication with the patient. I believe in talking with my patients – not at them – because it is in that exchange where we can break down barriers. When trust is established between doctor and patient, the patient always does better.”

In her free time, Dr. Hwang admits to a willingness to try new things. She has always enjoyed gardening and reading and combined her interest in travel with a new adventure in diving. Her first diving experience was in Belize, a country known for its beautiful water and diving opportunities; she is now a licensed diver. She is also conversationally fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese and Spanish.

“As much as I enjoy travel and really experiencing new places, I do also enjoy staying home,” commented Dr. Hwang. “I look forward to making a home here in Iron Mountain.”