Healthcare is a demanding career not meant for those who crave short days and hours that follow a neat, predetermined time card.
For Dr. Michael Baker of Independence Township, the last 25 years in medicine have not weakened his passion for treating patients ? thanks in part to his five healthy children and trading in his stethoscope for a guitar and microphone in off hours.

The Doctor
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital honors Baker and other medical professionals on May 17 at the Orchard Lake Country Club. The event in part recognizes Baker’s 25 years of service for the hospital.
‘I think it’s a great honor. That’s a quarter of a century. It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long? the time has flown by,? said Baker.
While Baker’s medical contribution at the hospital dates back to his post graduate training in 1978, his roots with Mercy delve back as far as possible.
‘I was born there. The chief of staff said I was the only physician on staff born there. I don’t think that’s true anymore,? laughed Baker.
Part of what Baker enjoys about the hospital is the Catholic inception he believes adds a spiritual philosophy that allows the institution to do things like help the poor and address the spiritual side of patients.
‘I think the way I practice is not overtly spiritually based. But I think what is ingrained on me in my training and practice was the human touch of medicine and that’s how I practice,? said Baker. ‘My role? is to really try to understand people and their personal lives and the spiritual and personal things going on with them, and how that impacts their health.?
Intertwined with his St. Joe’s affiliation, Baker practiced privately in the area including stints in Clarkston from 1982 ? 1993 and from October 2002 to the present, where he practices at Clarkston Medical Group.
However, Baker’s medical career did not always focus on private practice. He worked as part of St. Joe’s administration from 1993 to 2001.
Despite acknowledging he learned much about the functions of the hospital beyond the medicinal side and enjoyed his time in administration, he discovered his true place.
‘I learned what I do best and where I’m supposed to be is sitting in that room with patients,? said Baker.
The decision to move back to private practice became an easy one.
‘Looking at what Dr. O’Neill had created and built with Clarkston Medical Group, and I wanted to be part of maintaining and sustaining it,? said Baker, who acknowledged the scheduling flexibility allowed him to ease back into a full-time schedule.
Looking back over the last 25 years, patients prove to be the foundation of Baker’s most valued medical experiences.
‘I’m most proud of the fact that despite all the changes in my medical career? I have returned to an extremely loyal group of patients, some who have been patients for essentially 25 years,? said Baker.

The musician and father
When away for the office, Baker enjoys his five kids ? Libby, Vince, Mike, Patrick and Max.
Luckily for Baker, his kids and favorite hobby have merged recently as he plays in the 40 Buffalo Band with Mike and Vince. The band formed about a year ago with the trio’s first gig last May. The group’s focus thus far is primarily 70’s music like Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Beatles.
‘To be able to play with my two sons has been awesome. I love that,? said Baker.
Before hitting the local music scene, Baker has dabbled in music since the mid-80’s when he needed a creative outlet to compliment his medical career.
‘It’s my number one outlet in life outside practicing my medicine and trying to be a great dad to my kids,? said Baker.
In 1985, he, with several friends, formed Modesty Forbids, an Irish folk band that recently played St. Patrick’s Day at The Clarkston Union. Over the years, with some breaks, the group produced a compact disc and cassette while provided Baker with his greatest stage memory; opening for Ricky Skaggs at The Palace of Auburn Hills in 1991. According to Baker, the group played a 35-minute set.
?(Opening) was pretty amazing and exciting. It was nice because there was this really nice, high-quality sound equipment and sound guys,? said Baker. ‘It was one of those once in a lifetime opportunities none of us in the band will come to forget.?
Recently, Baker embarked on two additional projects including solo performances singing and playing guitar and collaborating with a friend who plays the harp.
‘I’ve always had the good sense to surround myself with good musicians. I’m an average guitar player, but a good singer and leader,? said Baker.
Being a music aficionado, when not taking temperatures and writing prescriptions, Baker has found musical influence listening to Warren Zevon and Pierce Pettis.
‘I like words. So I like songs that have interesting things to say, interesting plays on words and a different way of describing things,? said Baker.
A reflection of his admiration for musicians are his two cats named Zevon and Ronstadt, after Warren Zevon and Linda Ronstadt.

Is that my physician on stage?
With the May 17 date honoring his 25 years approaching, Baker said he has neither the intention of slowing down his practice nor his music.
In upcoming dates, he, Mike, Vince, and/or Modesty Forbids will be on stage as patients squint over cocktails and sandwiches, realizing that catchy lead singer was working a sphygmomanometer just hours ago.