Community rallies around Dr. Holm
MARSHALL COUNTY — as news of Dr. Byron Holm’s recent resignation from Saint Joseph Health System, a member of Trinity Health, has emerged among the public, patients and residents of Marshall County have questions.
Though some of those questions remain unanswered for the moment, many have expressed support for a doctor who has touched countless lives in Marshall County for decades.
Marshall County
“I don’t know what the facts are but I have known Dr. Holm for over 40 years as my personal physician. In my former position as the Marshall County Sheriff I’ve worked with Dr. Holm in his treatment of the inmates at the Marshall County Jail. Most recently as a member of the Marshall County Emergency Management Advisory Board I had first hand knowledge of his handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic. As a Marshall County Council Representative I saw Dr. Holm’s compassion for the underserved areas of Marshall County and his passion to obtain the Mobile Medical Unit to provide services to not only those areas but to all the area school corporations. I fully support Dr. Holm and am very appreciative of his compassion and concern for all the residents of Marshall County.”
— Marshall County Council District III Member Jon Van Vactor
Commissioner Kevin Overmyer confirmed that Dr. Holm will remain the Marshall County Health Officer. “Dr. Holm has always taken care of his patients. Dr. Holm has first and foremost has taken care of this county.”
Overmyer emphasized that as Public Health Officer, Dr. Holm has touched every facet of health as it pertains to Marshall County. “As we went through the pandemic, he pulled people together to get us through this.”
He recommended that people refrain from jumping to conclusions as they wait for answers and future direction. “I would also like to remind people that we don’t know the whole story. There are things that are happening that are beyond his control and the county’s control. I think people just need to be patient.”
Marshall County Coroner and patient of Dr. Holm John Grolich said, “Dr. Holm has touched so many lives in this county. I’m not sure there’s a way to measure the impact that he has had on the development of this county.” Grolich noted the many contributions of Dr. Holm to the county including his critical involvement with paramedic training, many times at his own expense. “He has a level of integrity that is immeasurable. I don’t know how anybody in this county could have given any more than he has over the last forty years to make this a county that is enjoyable to live in, work in, and raise your families in.”
In addition to serving Marshall County as the Public Health Officer, Dr. Holm also serves as a Deputy Coroner.
Overmyer said, “Doc is a God-fearing person.” Every morning before 6 a.m., Dr. Holm texts a prayer devotional to people who have requested to be added. “He is just a wonderful person.”
Marshall County Circuit Court Clerk Deborah Vandemark said, “I have known Dr. Holm since 1979, the year my daughter Amy was born. He delivered all three of my children. He has been my husband’s doctor since 1975. He is not
An open letter from Schumacher Family Medicine to Holm Medical Clinic patients: “I have known Dr. Holm for 25 years. During that time we have no worked under the same roof, or for the same organization. However, I have always known Dr. Holm to be an advocate for our community and our community’s health. He has always worked to bring the best care to his patients. In my opinion, the events of the past week that have affected him (and his nurses, staff and ultimately, the patients) are not what someone deserves after 45+ years of servant leadership in our community. I have no details to share. I am not accepting new patients nor recruiting his. I am not in the middle of all the workings of what has happened. To the patients of Dr. Holm and his nurses - do not panic. Do not bolt and find a new medical office yet. I suggest you give this situation a week or two, and Dr. Holm may figure out a way to be back to providing outstanding medical care for you once again.”
— Joe Schumacher, MD
only a doctor serving his patients but is a leader in our community. It breaks my heart to hear what has happened to Dr. Holm, his staff, and his patients. It is evident through the construction of the Lifeplex, his Medical Clinic, and serving as our County Health Officer that he has a passion for the Marshall County Community. As we wait to hear what happened and what will happen next, I would like to share my support to Dr. Holm, his nurses, and staff.”
The Pilot News Group reached out to Saint Joseph Health System for feedback regarding the multiple calls of reports of staff being fired from the Saint Joseph Primary Care - Lifeplex Plymouth. Manager of Public Relations Tom Vannevel responded, “Saint Joseph Health System follows strict privacy guidelines to protect our employees. We cannot comment on employment matters.”
Overmyer expressed continued support of Dr. Holm. “As a County Commissioner who has worked with Dr. Holm over the last several years, especially through the pandemic and as our Health Officer, I totally support Dr. Holm in whatever he plans on doing in the future.”
The Pilot News Group reached out to the Holm family to offer feature coverage about what his next steps will be when he is ready.
Overmyer said that the best way to support Dr. Holm is to stay calm. “Ride the storm. We all go through storms. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.”