Biography
Ann Traynor, M.D., specializes in internal medicine, seeing patients at MidMichigan Medical Offices – Clare on the campus of MidMichigan Medical Center – Clare.
Philosophy of Care
“My philosophy is that a person is naturally a sort of miracle of balance, and that the body will do everything it can to maintain that balance,” said Dr. Traynor. “Even small changes can be life-saving, since the body resists injury and disease through many mechanisms. Often a habitual mistake in our behavior is the cause of organ injury, and we need to understand what we habitually do to put the system out of balance, so we can allow the body to restore its health.”
“I help my patients identify the safest and least invasive way to restore their bodies to normal health, with a goal to minimize medicines and injurious habits. Often my patients intuitively know what changes they need to make, and they just need help making the transition. In that sense, I am like a coach.”
“I see myself as an ally on the front line. I try to make it very clear what must be done, what I can do, and what I expect the patient to do. The most satisfying aspect of my work is seeing the patient take charge of his or her health and assume full understanding.”
“I constantly strive to make managing diabetes, hypertension, weight gain, obstructive lung disease and congestive heart failure as simple and successful as possible. I also strongly encourage my patients to take preventive health measures such as Pap smear, vaccinations and stool testing.”
“Molecular biology is an exciting aspect of modern medicine, allowing us ultimately to overcome genetic defects. The most exciting current class of medicines to me are the GLP1 agonists, (like liraglutide and exentide) for diabetes, because they have come the closest to curing that disease, by restoring response to insulin. Organ transplant is becoming much less invasive and lower in risk as well, and we have great access to that in Michigan.”
“I believe that nursing is at the center of medicine. I listen carefully to my patients at every visit, and I encourage them to listen to and have a close relationship with the nurse as well. The nurse helps devise the plan and explain it and is not just there for a chief complaint and vital signs.”
In her spare time, Dr. Traynor enjoys Zumba, bicycling, canoeing, sewing, oil painting, piano and reading.
“I love helping young people succeed,” she said. “I look forward to exploring the ‘rail trail’ near Clare with members of my family and with new friends, and finding the best places for cross country skiing. I love birds and wildlife.”
“My husband, John, a retired attorney, is a native of Boston and a big Patriots and Celtics fan, but he has loved living in ‘Big 10’ area. We are ‘older’ parents. Our daughter, Aidan, is a junior at University of Michigan, studying History and Chinese. Our nephew, Neo, is 16 and lives with us. A junior in high school, he is a big Spartans fan, an athlete and a fine student.”
Special Interests and Procedures
- Breast or prostate exams
- Full skin exams
- Liquid nitrogen treatments for skin lesions
- Pelvic exams
- Shave biopsy
- Yearly physicals
