Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Bain.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I completed my medical education at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by a family medicine residency at McLaren Oakland Hospital. After residency, I was hired by Country Creek Family Physicians with the goal of eventually taking over the practice from its founder, Dr. Joucys, who was nearing retirement and no longer practicing on a full-time basis. Around that same time, the physician who had been managing the practice was transitioning to another opportunity, which required me to step into a leadership role earlier than anticipated.
As a result, I largely learned the business and operational side of medicine in real time—managing clinical care while also navigating practice operations, staffing, and decision-making as the practice evolved. When Dr. Joucys passed away unexpectedly, his wife was unable to continue ownership of the practice due to regulatory and tax requirements requiring physician ownership. At that point, we began the formal process of transitioning ownership to me, ensuring continuity of care for patients and stability for the practice. That transition ultimately led to me becoming the owner of the practice today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road, especially in the beginning. The transition to ownership had to happen very quickly after Dr. Joucys passed away, which meant learning how to run a medical practice in real time while also maintaining patient care. There was a steep learning curve on the business side—operations, staffing, and finances—but I was fortunate to have strong support from our office manager and staff. Many of them stayed through that transition, and most are still with me today, which made an enormous difference.
At the same time, I was dealing with significant personal challenges. Around the period when I took over the practice, my father was diagnosed with glioblastoma. As the only physician in my family, I was closely involved in helping manage his care, attending frequent hospital visits, and navigating complex medical decisions. His treatment was primarily coordinated through University of Michigan with neuro-oncology and neurosurgery, and he passed away about a year later. Balancing those responsibilities while building a practice was emotionally and physically demanding.
From a business standpoint, the first year was financially challenging. Recredentialing with insurance companies took significant time, which delayed revenue and created real strain on the practice. During that first year, I worked without pay to keep the doors open so patients wouldn’t lose access to their care. Eventually, we also had to make the difficult decision to part ways with our physician assistant because it was no longer financially sustainable. That meant I took on full clinical responsibility—being on call 24/7 and working longer days to maintain access and continuity for patients.
While those years were challenging, they were also formative. They reinforced the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and putting patients first, even when the path forward isn’t easy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I run an independent family medicine practice that provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages—from newborns to patients well into their 90s. As a family medicine physician, my work spans preventive care, chronic disease management, acute visits, pediatrics, adult medicine, and geriatric care. That full-spectrum approach allows me to care for entire families across generations and develop long-term, meaningful relationships with my patients.
What we’re most known for is accessibility and communication. We prioritize short wait times, responsiveness, and continuity of care. Patients are given the time they need during visits, and we intentionally avoid overbooking so appointments don’t feel rushed. We also place a strong emphasis on clear, timely communication—whether that’s answering questions, reviewing results, or helping patients navigate next steps in their care.
What I’m most proud of is building a practice that puts patients first in a healthcare environment that often feels rushed and impersonal. By staying independent, we’re able to make decisions based on what’s best for our patients rather than external pressures. That flexibility allows us to be more attentive, more human, and more consistent. Ultimately, what sets us apart is that patients feel heard, known, and cared for—and that’s something we work hard to protect every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ccfamilymedicine.net/
