Specialty Infusion Center – Nursing and Pharmacy Services
Specialty Infusion Center is a collaboration between Ambulatory Infusion Care North (AIC North) and JLS Infusion Nurse Staffing Services (JLS).
AIC North is a home infusion pharmacy that has been in business since 1989. It is owned by Tom Tomaski, a Registered Pharmacist. The organization is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare (ACHC). JLS Infusion Nurse Staffing Services was established in June of 2018 by Jodie Lockman-Samkowiak, a Doctor of Nursing Practice with 31 years of specialty infusion nursing experience. Together, these two recognized a gap in the access to care for infusion patients in Michigan.
Specialty Infusion Center offers flexible and convenient scheduling options. Patient Services Coordinator Michelle Schwartz has been a healthcare patient advocate and manager for many years. In her role at Specialty, Michelle helps patients apply for copay assistance programs to help make their infusions affordable. All infusion medications are prepared in a sterile environment and are administered by infusion certified or biotherapy/chemotherapy certified nurses with extensive experience in complex infusion therapy.
The staff at Specialty Infusion Center is excited to offer this quality infusion program close to home. If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone at the center, please feel free to call 989-619-6253.
Our Mission Is
To provide specialty infusion pharmacy and infusion nursing excellence by serving patients throughout Michigan.
Our Vision Is
To become the leading provider of specialized infusion pharmacy and nursing care with the most knowledgeable, skilled and experienced staff
To provide infusion center care in the most cost-effective way possible while meeting the needs of each and every patient.
Our Values
We will accomplish our Mission and Vision
by being the BEST.
Meet Our Team
Jodie Lockman-Samkowiak,
DNP, RN, CRNI
Recognizing the lack of qualified and experienced nurses in specializing in infusion therapy, Dr. Lockman-Samkowiak created JLS Infusion Nurse Staffing Services contracting with infusion pharmacies throughout the state to provide credentialed nurses experienced in the infusion of specialty medications. Dr. Lockman-Samkowiak is a life-long resident of Northern Michigan growing up in Mancelona and residing in Gaylord for the past 38 years. Rural healthcare and the challenges patients face who live in these areas are her passion.
Tom Tomaski
Thomas A. Tomaski graduated from Central Michigan University and then the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy in 1984. Tomaski practiced hospital and retail pharmacy. He was a regional Rite Aid Pharmacy Supervisor before opening his own business in 1989. Ambulatory Infusion Care North is an infusion company that provides IV medication, nutrition and hydration in the home. After 30 years, Tomaski has earned a reputation for providing the best patient-oriented infusion services in northern Michigan. He is a member of the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) and the Consultant and Specialist Pharmacist of Michigan (CSPM) on the MPA Board of Directors. Tomaski is also on the FSU Alumni Pharmacy Advisory Board. He resides in Gaylord with his family and enjoys all outdoor adventures our area bestows.
Lori Kasubowski, BSN, RN
Lori developed and implemented a physician feedback system to inform physicians of patient treatment and condition. She also researched and implemented an acuity based staffing model to improve patient flow and ensure appropriate staffing levels are in place daily. She has been instrumental in the recertification process of the Oncology Program and Quality Oncology Practice Initiative.
Lori is a lifelong resident of northern Michigan and providing safe, effective, quality infusion therapy to patients are her highest priorities.
Michelle Schwartz
Michelle Schwartz is Specialty Infusion Center’s Patient Services Coordinator. She coordinates all patient care and program navigation as well as communication with pharmacy staff, physicians, and insurance navigation. Michelle helps patients apply for their copay assistance programs to help with their out of pocket expenses so patients can minimize their worries about whether they can afford their treatments.
Michelle has been in healthcare her entire career. She worked for over 13 years as a manager of a busy adult day center in Northern Michigan. In that role she coordinated all day to day operations of the center. She functioned as an advocate for all clients and their families providing the best care possible with an emphasis on convenience and accessibility to services. In her role, Michelle became skilled in grant writing, budgeting and financial management and especially a very positive leader to her staff.
Michelle is a life-long resident of northern Michigan and continues to live in Harbor Springs with her husband. They have 3 wonderful adult children and a beautiful grandson.
Our Partners
ACHC Accreditation
Specialty Infusion Center is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). Accreditation is the process of review that allows healthcare organizations to demonstrate their ability to meet regulatory requirements and standards established by a recognized accreditation organization. Accreditation reflects an agencies dedication and commitment to meeting standards that demonstrate a higher level of performance and patient care.
Our infusion center and pharmacy undergoes a comprehensive review process every 3 years that looks at our organizational structure, policies and procedures, and compliance with state and federal laws.
Accreditation is regarded as one of the key benchmarks for measuring the quality of an organization.