Building Relationships: One Baby at a Time

I really enjoy building relationships with my patients – it’s important to have excellent communication between a provider and their patients. I also specialize in high-risk OB care, and I love bringing that service to Glencoe. We offer high-quality care at a local level, where we’re really able to get to know our patients and their families, and care for them during some of the most important times of their lives. It makes my OB practice that much more fulfilling.

A word from Dr. Johnson’s patient, Hailey Steil: “Without Dr. Johnson, I wouldn’t have my three beautiful children. He has been part of my journey from the very beginning, and is informative, answers all of my questions, and always eases my concerns. While I was pregnant with my twins and having a few issues, he also called me personally because he wanted to make sure things were trending in the right direction. My twins were delivered via emergency cesarean – everything happened in what seemed like a blink of an eye, but Dr. Johnson made decisions quickly and had a positive attitude. He made sure I understood everything and continuously made sure I was ok. I have nothing but kind words and admiration for Dr. Johnson. He will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Caring for whole families, including multiple generations, is my passion. Not only did I grow up in Glencoe, but I was actually born at GRH, and having that background makes it even more special to now be delivering babies and caring for families in the area that raised me. I love getting to know my patients, and want them to feel comfortable talking with me about any concerns they may have.

A word from Dr. Appleby’s patient, Mollee Mielke: “Dr. Appleby has been a great provider for us over the last five years. She’s been compassionate, helpful, and understanding throughout that time. I’ve always felt very comfortable discussing any health concerns we have, and she’s always ready to listen and offer advice and care. She’s fantastic with my son, who she’s known since my pregnancy and his birth. We are expecting again and are glad to know we’ll be able to have her there for this baby, as well. One thing I particularly appreciate is that she’s a mother herself. Not only can she give us care based on medical knowledge, but also life experience as a parent. I feel so comfortable knowing she’s “been there before.” I would definitely recommend Dr. Appleby to anyone seeking an OB or family practitioner.”

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to be a doctor. Originally, I wanted to be a pediatrician, but in medical school I delivered my first baby, and I was hooked. I knew family medicine was the perfect fit for me, because I can see both moms and babies. I love that my practice allows me to take care of whole families – from caring for moms throughout the whole course of their pregnancy, to welcoming little ones into the world, and then watching those babies grow up afterward.

A word from Dr. Budahn’s patient, Joleen Woytcke: “Dr. Budahn is fantastic – she’s very thoughtful, sweet, and easy to talk to. She’s extremely smart, knowledgeable, and reassuring. She’s quick to respond when you need her, which I’ve always appreciated. During delivery, my babies have always come out very quickly, and as mom, when things are moving fast it can be stressful – but Dr. Budahn is always there right away, ready to go, and super calm, which has made me even more calm. She’s the best doctor I have ever had.”

What excites me most about my practice is really developing relationships with my patients, and getting to meet those little babies and watching them grow. I have some patients who are teenagers now, who I’ve been able to be there for since they were born – it’s super rewarding. Getting to be part of that beautiful and awesome moment a family welcomes a baby into their lives is my favorite part of my practice – it’s just such a miracle every time.

A word from Dr. Leino’s patient, Carly Tupy: “Dr. Leino and GRH have been a great experience for us. We moved after having our first child, and had to find a new doctor and hospital. People always say the second kid is easier, but the difference for us was beyond expected. My husband and I agree – we wish we’d had our first kid here, as well. Everything went so smoothly! Dr. Leino always listens to our questions and gives good explanations. She knows how to emphasize what’s important without causing undue stress or worry when issues arise. She’s great with kids, too! It’s so nice to have the same person care for your baby before and after they’re born. We’re so blessed to have such great continuous care.”

My goal is to provide my patients with as much education as possible, to answer their questions, and to make them feel comfortable during such an exciting time in their lives. The most rewarding part of my practice has been continuing to partner with patients who have had multiple children – when you’re delivering four, five, six, or even seven babies all within the family, it gives you a unique and beautiful ability to really see that family grow up.

A word from Michelle’s patient, Ashley Hallstrom: “The best testament to Michelle’s care is how long I’ve being seeing her – I saw her for my first pregnancy over 18 years ago, during which time she’s changed health systems and I’ve followed her! Michelle has been with me and my family through thick and thin – we’ve even given one of our daughters the middle name Michelle. I feel that she knows me and what I need better than myself most of the time! When I’m making a decision about my care, I trust her and what course she thinks is best. She is always an upbeat person, too – I cannot think of a time in the 18+ years I’ve been seeing her that she hasn’t been able to bring a smile to my face!”

My care philosophy is holistic. People are not just their bodies – we need to take their whole person into consideration when caring for them and developing a treatment plan. I want my patients to win, to be well, and to feel supported. I care about my patients having good health before they get pregnant; during their pregnancy; and as they become moms, dads, and families. I care for people throughout the continuum of their lives – I’m in it for the long haul.

A word from Dr. Kari’s patient, Amanda Anderson: “Kari is just amazing! She always listens, and she notices when you’re nervous and does what she can to comfort you. Whenever you have an appointment with her, she walks into the exam room like she is truly excited to see you. She is informative, caring, and kind. I have had all three of my kids at Glencoe Regional Health with Kari, and she has been nothing short of amazing. She genuinely cares for her patients. Going to the doctor’s office is not always fun, but Kari always makes it ten times better!”