Novi Welcomes a New Medical Practice from a Veteran Doctor
NOVI — It’s not every day you meet someone who has dedicated over three decades to serving our country and still finds time to open a local medical practice. Dr. Ron Kuzdak, who recently celebrated the first anniversary of his clinic, Gem Health and Wellness, embodies that spirit. His journey is not just about doctoring; it’s about serving others and putting his heart into everything he does.
A Journey of Service
Ron Kuzdak’s story begins in the Castle Rouge neighborhood of Detroit, where he dreamed of becoming a doctor from a young age. “I always loved math and science, and people would often say to me, ‘You’re going to be a doctor one day,’” he recalls, with a smile. Those words, repeated often, instilled in him a strong determination to pursue a career in medicine.
However, as he graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1987 and headed to Michigan State University, he faced some financial hurdles. “I excelled in school, but financial aid wasn’t enough to cover everything,” he shares. It was during this challenging period that a friend’s suggestion to join the U.S. Navy Reserve transformed his life. With a full-ride scholarship to medical school as a major incentive, Kuzdak enlisted in the Navy Reserve in 1988.
Military Experience Shapes a Doctor
His time in the military not only helped him financially but also offered a wealth of experiences that shaped his medical career. He completed boot camp and hospital corpsman school and deployed on the USNS Comfort during Operation Desert Storm. “That was when I knew I was on the right path. The training was challenging but rewarding, giving me a taste of military life and helping me connect my studies to real-life applications,” Kuzdak reflects.
After years of balancing his medical education with his military duties, Kuzdak finally received his full-ride scholarship to medical school. He completed his residency at Botsford Hospital in Farmington before deploying again for Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he played a crucial role in establishing one of the first tent hospitals in Kuwait during the war. “It was austere, but we were the only working hospital there when the influx of casualties came in. It was a harrowing and important experience,” he says.
A Legacy of Leadership
Throughout his military career, Kuzdak held various esteemed positions within the Navy Reserve, earning rapid promotions and widespread respect. “The relationships I built with my patients and colleagues were the most rewarding part of my career,” he comments humbly. Lt. Cmdr. Justin Peters, one of his colleagues, echoes this sentiment, highlighting Kuzdak’s ability to uplift the team with humor and kindness.
“He was a great leader, always making serious situations feel lighter. Ron was truly easy to talk to and an inspiration for many of us,” adds Angelo Vivio, a hospital corpsman who served under him for years. Guiding countless aspiring medical professionals, Kuzdak remains a beacon of success and resilience.
Bringing Compassionate Care to Novi
After retiring from the military in 2022, Kuzdak shifted focus to his family and his medical practice. He lives in Milford with his wife, Nancy, and their two sons, Mitchell and Noah. A true lover of life, he also owns two horses, further illustrating his passion for caretaking.
Opening Gem Health and Wellness in Novi was a dream realized. “I wanted to create a practice centered around personalized patient care, where people wouldn’t feel like just another number in the system,” he expresses. It’s about giving his patients the attention and care they deserve.
Celebrating His Practice
As he approaches his one-year anniversary, Kuzdak is inviting the community to help celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, set for October 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event promises an evening of fun, with music from Dave Gondoly, the lead singer of the Killer Flamingos.
Dr. Ron Kuzdak’s journey proves that dedication and compassion can reshape lives—for both the doctor and the patients he serves. As the Novi community welcomes him with open arms, it’s evident that his story is far from over. Here’s to many more years of health and happiness for Dr. Kuzdak and his patients!
