Morgan Hamminga was born and raised in Northern Michigan and is proud to call this area home. Shegraduated from Elk Rapids High School and completed her associate degree at Northwestern Michigan College. From a young age, Morgan had a deep curiosity about medicine and a strong desire to help empower people to feel their best, live healthier lives, and prevent illness whenever possible. This passion ultimately led
her to pursue a career as a physician assistant (PA).
Knowing how important it was to stay close to her family and community, Morgan applied and was accepted into Grand Valley State University’s Physician Assistant program at the Traverse City satellite campus. She was grateful for the opportunity to complete all her clinical rotations throughout Northern Michigan, allowing her to care for patients within the communities she calls home.
Morgan quickly fell in love with the broad scope and complexity of internal medicine. She began her career with the Sound Physicians hospitalist group at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, where she learned alongside incredibly talented physicians and advanced practice providers. During this time, she gained valuable experience caring for patients with both acute illnesses and complex chronic conditions, always approaching care with teamwork, compassion, and attention to the whole individual. This role strengthened her ability to think critically, practice independently, and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams—skills she continues to use every day.
In 2023, Morgan transitioned to practice outpatient internal medicine at Charlevoix Primary Care, where she discovered how meaningful long-term relationships with patients can be. This setting allowed her to focus on what she values most: helping patients understand their health, manage chronic conditions with confidence, and take proactive steps to prevent illness. Morgan believes that when patients feel heard, supported, and educated, they are better able to take control of their health and truly thrive.
As much as she loved this work, Morgan found it increasingly difficult to provide the time and attention her patients deserved within the limitations of the traditional insurance-based healthcare system. Staying true to her commitment to patient-first care, she made the decision to transition to a direct primary care model. This approach allows her to slow down, listen closely, and partner with patients in a way that feels genuine, thorough, and meaningful. She has been thrilled to return to the heart of why she chose medicine in the first place and be empowered to provide high-quality, comprehensive care to her patients without the barriers.
Outside of the clinic, Morgan is happiest when she is with animals—especially her Irish Setter, Remi—though she truly loves them all. At Docs by the Bay, we believe in the healing power of our canine friends, and patients have the option to see Remi alongside Morgan on Fido Fridays, adding a little extra comfort and puppy love to their primary care visits. Morgan also loves spending time outdoors with her husband and Remi, soaking in all that Northern Michigan has to offer through hiking, kayaking, and swimming in the beautiful place she is grateful to call home.
