Biography
Yolanda Fong, M.D., specializes in family medicine at MidMichigan Health Park - Freeland. She sees patients of all ages for all types of family care except prenatal care and obstetrics.
“Medicine has always been a good fit for me,” Dr. Fong said. “It allows me to serve and help people, and I find it challenging and rewarding. There is nothing I would rather do.”
Philosophy of Care
“I enjoy working with people and helping them stay healthy,” Dr. Fong said. “I believe in shared decision making, a partnership versus a paternalistic relationship. ”
Dr. Fong believes patient education is vital for a successful partnership. “The more information patients have, the better,” she said. “I take the time to explain things to patients, answer their questions and give them accurate information to take home.”
Even as she encourages patients to learn as much as they can about their health, Dr. Fong cautions those who do their own research to be discerning. “A lot of information is easily available, but not all of it is correct,” she said. “Patients often come to me armed with information. We talk about it, I give my recommendations that are centered on evidenced-based medicine, and together we come up with a plan that works for them.”
Dr. Fong works to help her patients feel comfortable and be open with her. “I want them to feel free to talk to me about anything and ask all their questions,” she said. “If I don’t know the answers, I’ll find them.”
She thinks a team approach best serves patients. “If people have restrictions that keep them from meeting their goals, we’ll come up with alternatives. There are a lot of sources that can be tapped. We can explore options with specialists, social workers and others within the health care system.”
While health care providers can offer advice and guidance, Dr. Fong believes patients need to be responsible as well. “We can only do so much,” she said. “I’m here to coach them and be a resource; however, ultimately, patients have to take charge of their health.”
Dr. Fong and her husband, Andrew Bone, M.D., an Urgent Care physician, have two children. Originally from Hawaii, Dr. Fong now enjoys the cold-weather sports of skiing and snowshoeing, as well as jogging and reading.
Special Interests and Procedures
- Adolescent medicine
- Endometrial biopsy
- Geriatrics
- Skin lesion biopsy
- Skin lesion excision
- Women’s health
