Biography
Tessa Dake, M.D. is a family medicine physician with MidMichigan Physicians Group at MidMichigan Health Park – Freeland.
Philosophy of Care
“What drew me to family medicine were the stories. To be a part of my patients’ families and watch them grow and develop is very rewarding. I enjoy the people part of medicine.”
Dr. Dake sees patients of all ages and specializes in keeping them healthy, caring for them when they are sick and helping them manage ongoing conditions. She particularly loves seeing kids and babies but also likes taking care of older people and doesn’t shy away from more complex medical histories.
“Family medicine happens over time. You can’t change everything in a day, but if we start with the two or three things that matter most to you and make small changes, we can eventually see big improvements. If you need specialized care, I’ll get you to the specialists you need, but then I’ll help you manage when you come back.”
She describes her approach as a more conservative or preventive approach, and she incorporates alternative medicine into her practice, offering her patients choices other than medications to meet their needs.
“I try to create a rather casual relationship with my patients, and I tell it like it is. I don’t sugar coat things or avoid difficult subjects. I don’t start a medication without explaining why we are doing it. I will tell you if I am concerned and why I am concerned. I try to relate things to the outcomes, and not just the numbers. For example, we are doing this to improve how you feel or to enable you to do the things you love, or to decrease your chances of developing disease later in life; not just to hit a certain number on a test result.”
“Medicine is a partnership. There are things I can recommend, but you know your life better than anyone. The trick is to match those two and arrive at something that will work for you and that you can sustain. I can’t go home with you. I can’t make you get up in the morning and do what you should do or keep you from eating that Snickers bar. But together we can figure out what things you love to do, how to keep you healthy enough to do those things and what is really in your control.”
Dr. Dake practices yoga and has a goal to become an instructor, as she has seen its value in reducing stress and finding balance. She shares those lessons with patients: “Do a few things you love and a few things for the people you love and the rest is not important.”
Other hobbies include running, lifting weights, reading and yard work.
Dr. Dake was born in Saginaw and grew up in the metro Detroit area. She is once again living in her childhood home and is enjoying the process of remodeling it room by room.
Special Interests and Procedures
- Diabetes care
- Minor skin procedures, such as skin biopsies, punch shaves, abscesses
- Transgender medicine, including hormone therapy
