About Melissa Pynnonen, MD, MSc
Professor of Otolaryngology, Michigan Medicine
Current Role:
Chief of Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology.
Introduction:
Melissa Pynnonen, a distinguished figure in the field of Otolaryngology, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role at Michigan Medicine.
Education
Melissa began her academic journey at Western Michigan University before earning her medical degree from the University of Michigan. She completed her residency in otolaryngology at the University of Michigan and further enhanced her medical expertise by earning a Master of Health Care Research (MSc) from the same institution. In addition, Melissa is a certified Executive Coach and is currently pursuing a Master of Organization Development at Bowling Green State University’s Schmidthorst College of Business.
Professional Achievements
Melissa Pynnonen brings over 20 years of impactful leadership experience to healthcare consulting. As the Medical Director for a multi-specialty clinic at the University of Michigan, Dr. Pynnonen led initiatives that promoted collaboration and innovation, driving significant financial growth and establishing the clinic as a preferred destination for both providers and staff.
Under her leadership, the clinic exceeded visit and revenue projections in its first year. She played a crucial role in two major initiatives to improve primary care services, including participating in a multi-year Primary Care Transformation project that enhanced patient access and care quality. Through a collaborative approach, her team also developed and implemented team-based care, improving both the patient experience and provider efficiency.
During the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Pynnonen showcased exceptional leadership by swiftly repurposing the clinic to meet the community’s needs. Her team successfully integrated 13 primary care clinics, while also leading the implementation of Covid testing and treatment protocols. Throughout this time, she prioritized the safety and well-being of both patients and staff.
Now, with a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success, Dr. Pynnonen is committed to empowering organizations through leadership coaching and team development. She believes that effective leadership is rooted in personal values, which enable leaders to guide with clarity and confidence. Dr. Pynnonen specializes in enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering positive work environments, and driving transformative change through collaborative efforts.
Leadership Philosophy
Melissa’s experience during the pandemic highlighted her commitment to compassion, humility, and authenticity, especially in times of crisis. She believes in the power of these values to create a positive impact in healthcare and beyond.
Executive Coaching and Lifelong Learning
Coaching Approach:
Melissa is passionate about continuous learning, and executive coaching has been a pivotal element in her own career growth. She is dedicated to supporting healthcare executives as a strategic partner, offering thoughtful guidance to help them navigate challenges and unlock their full potential.
Personal Interests:
Outside of her professional life, Melissa enjoys traveling, learning piano, and cherishing life’s small joys, often celebrated over meals with friends.