Julia Swafford, PA-C

After becoming an Army medic, I decided that I wanted a career in the medical field. Becoming a physician assistant allowed me to increase my medical knowledge that, in turn, allowed me to provide better care to my soldiers. I credit my mother as one of the individuals who most influenced my life. She grew up in poverty in El Salvador but managed to get a degree. She made the decision to move the family to the United States, allowing us to have greater opportunities and a better life than would have been available otherwise. This is another reason why I enjoy the chance to welcome new patients, assist in improving their quality of life and listen to their individual stories.

Audrey chose a career as a physician assistant because it allowed her the opportunity to acquire a deep understanding of medicine and use that knowledge to provide care to the community. And, while her family was filled with many artists and musicians, she was always encouraged to pursue medicine, making that passion her career. Audrey especially appreciates the opportunity to get to know her patients and learning new ways to deliver the care they need. With hearing loss prevalent on her mother’s side of her family, the care and technology around hearing loss has long held a special place in Audrey’s heart.

Julie first became interested in neurology in her undergraduate courses at the University of Michigan. Majoring in movement science, she focused on motor control, including courses focused on disorders of voluntary movement, and understanding those mechanisms in order to establish treatment. She then went on to obtain a national registration as an EEG Technologist, and worked for years in epilepsy, continuing to grow her passion for neurology before attending school to become a physician assistant. Julie is excited to come to work each day, because neurology is such a vast and exciting field, and each patient and case is different and rewarding in its own way.

Justine Benjamin, PA-C is a medical provider at 300 North Ave in Battle Creek.

Being a physician assistant is a second career for Karen—she went back to school when she was 48 years old! Why did she start over? Blessed with great mentors in both her career and at home, Karen was taught to always strive to be a better person and to never give up. She wanted a career where she could make a difference in someone's life. Her special interests are Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Karen facilitates the Parkinson’s disease support group in Kalamazoo and helps lead the multiple sclerosis support group. She also helps organize the annual walk-a-thon for Parkinson’s disease and is a member of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation professional advisory board.

Michael C Lahaie, PA-C is a healthcare provider at 300 North Ave 2nd Floor, Suite 2002 in Battle Creek.

When asked what gets her excited about coming to work each day, Courtney said that each day is an opportunity to help individuals take back the power of their body and their life. She believes this is one of the best parts about her job. Why is she so passionate about this? Courtney's own health largely influenced her decision to go into the medical field. She remembers how scary it was to not understand what was going on with her own body. Now, she wants to help others to feel more in control when it comes to their health. In her free time, Courtney loves to read and try new recipes. She believes food not only feeds the body, but also the soul. Patient-centered care is the best method to tackling any medical problem a person might have.

Daniel Cozzati, PA-C is at 300 North Ave 2nd Floor, Suite 2002 in Battle Creek.