Primary Care Providers

Jennifer Bowling earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner from Grand Valley State University. Prior to this degree, Jennifer received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Ferris State University and an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Northwestern Michigan College.

Before coming to Traverse Health, Jennifer spent 20 years at Munson Medical Center. She enjoyed four years as Part-Time Adjunct Faculty at Northwestern Michigan College. Now at Traverse Health Clinic, Jennifer is serving adults and older adults.

Dr. Ghaemi has a strong interest in lifestyle approaches to health and wellness. He brings a comprehensive, holistic perspective to his practice of primary care with patients of all ages. 

After graduating from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Ghaemi completed his residency at Munson Family Practice. Prior to joining Traverse Health Clinic as Chief Clinical Officer, he practiced family medicine in Leelanau County. 

Dr. Ghaemi is trained in osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT. A type of hands-on bodywork, OMT non-invasively engages soft tissue, muscles and joints to improve function and mobility, reduce pain, and assist in recovery from injury. 

“As a primary care provider, I value a partnership approach,” Dr. Ghaemi says. “My goal is to support patients on their path towards health, honoring their goals, wishes, and abilities, while sharing what I can of my knowledge and expertise. My role is to help patients make health decisions they can feel confident in.”

In addition to seeing patients as a primary care physician, Dr. Ghaemi is our team's Chief Clinical Officer. 

With over 20 years’ experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Christine (Chris) Hawkins brings her expertise caring for patients of all ages – from infants to seniors –to Traverse Health Clinic. She is welcoming new patients now.

Chris recently relocated to the Traverse City area with her family. She says, “I continue to work because I love my profession and taking care of patients.”

Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Chris studied nursing as an undergraduate at Ball State University before going on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing and Advanced Nurse Practitioner degree from Valparaiso University.

Karen Lowe earned her bachelor and Master of Nursing degrees at the University of South Alabama. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Karen was Registered Nurse in an E.R. for many years. Before moving to Traverse City with her family, she cared for patients at a busy family practice outside Detroit. Karen loves caring for people of all ages. She also loves caring for entire families, offering a true “family practice” experience.

Linda Rasmussen graduated with a BSN from Loyola University and an MSN from Simmons College.  Her previous areas of practice include Public Health at Fairbanks Regional Public Health Center, College Health at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Rural Health Clinics in McGrath and Kotzebue, Alaska and Urgent Care in Boston, MA.   

Linda is an Adjunct Instructor with the Michigan State University College of Nursing and a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Linda serves our adult patients.

Amber Ristow graduated with a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan, Flint. She is an alum of NMC’s Associate of Nursing Degree program, where she was also an adjunct instructor. Amber welcomes new patients of all ages, from infants to senior citizens and everyone in between!

Kelly Ryan, APRN, PMHNP offers on-site psychiatric services for our patients ages 16 and up on a part-time basis. Kelly works with individuals experiencing moderate to severe mental illness and also collaborates with the Clinic’s other providers ensuring management of patients’ mental health is seamlessly integrated into their overall care plans.