Epilepsy expertise has arrived on the Lakeshore

Trinity Health Medical Group is pleased to welcome Andersen Shemme, MD to the lakeshore.  He is a board-certified neurologist who will be providing care at Trinity Health Neuroscience Center in Muskegon.  He will also see patients at Trinity Health Medical Group, Neurology in Grand Haven, where his expertise in epilepsy care will be a new service for patients. 

We sat down with Dr. Shemme to learn a bit more about his practice, his experience, and his philosophy of care. 

What areas of medicine do you specialize in? 

I am a board-certified neurologist. That means I work with patients who are experiencing disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and/or nervous system. I am also a board-certified epileptologist, which means I have extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

What are the most common disorders that you treat?

Many of my patients come to me with severe headaches, seizures, numbness and tingling, or involuntary movements. I also see patients who are struggling with memory loss. Those are some of the most common presentations. However, neurology is a broad field, and I can diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions. 

Where did you study medicine?

I attended St. George University School of Medicine in Grenada and then came to Trinity Health in Grand Rapids for my residency. Following that, I completed an epilepsy fellowship at the University of Michigan, where I expanded my skills related to epilepsy. 

How does your fellowship experience benefit patients with epilepsy?

During my residency, I reviewed about 10 to 20 EEG (electroencephalogram) studies per year, so my experience was limited. During my fellowship, however, I interpreted more than 1,000 EEGs, which gave me a much deeper understanding of brain wave patterns and how they relate to patient care. This training also helped me develop advanced skills in treatment planning so I can create personalized strategies to achieve the best possible results for each of my patients. 

Trinity Health Epilepsy Center in Grand Rapids is now the only location in West Michigan to hold a Level 4 designation (the highest possible) from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. I work closely with that team to bring a connection to the expertise, technology, facilities, and experience to successfully treat common and complex types of epilepsy for patients in our Lakeshore communities. 

What is your approach to care?

I take a careful and patient approach to care. Rushing can lead to missed details, and I want to make sure every decision is based on a clear and accurate understanding. That’s why I review and confirm information before moving forward. This helps me see the whole picture and create a plan that truly fits each person’s needs. 

Dr. Shemme looks forward to welcoming new patients to his practice. If you are seeking timely care for neurological issues including epilepsy, please work with your primary care physician to secure a referral to Dr. Shemme in Muskegon or Grand Haven.