Becca Geunthardt poses for a photo.
Becca Geunthardt chose to practice family medicine in Big Rapids after graduation. She likes the small town feel of treating generations of patients. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

Becca Geunthardt was already in high demand when she graduated from her physician’s assistant program.

In addition to three practices she was considering along the lakeshore, Becca’s friend and fellow PA, Jonathan Russell, asked her to come to Big Rapids to interview.

Becca was immediately interested.

Raised in Manistee, Michigan, Becca’s goal was to work in a smaller community.

“I really enjoy local health,” Becca explained. “There are opportunities to get to know people as more than just a number.”

While completing her training in the thumb region of Michigan, Becca loved being able to care for families across generations.

“I took care of kids, their parents, and their grandparents,” she said. “I got to know their family dynamics and build up a high level of trust.”

When determining what kind of practice was best for her career, Becca chose the multi-faceted area of family medicine.

“I enjoy working with patients on things like hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol,” she said, adding that she also wanted to utilize the full range of her training. “Family practice keeps my knowledge base broad.”

When choosing the location to begin her career, Becca says the deciding factor was the connection she felt with Spectrum Health Big Rapids Family Medicine.

“For me, it felt like sitting down to talk—not just an interview,” she said.

Becca knew she wasn’t the only one who would feel that way. “I could tell they were the same way with patients.”

Today, Becca is fulfilling her goal, helping people in her community get the care they deserve. And she couldn’t be happier about it.

“This is a great fit for me,” she said.