/ Residents
Emergency Medicine Residency Residents
PGY 1
Spencer Boehm, DO
Hometown: Noblesville, Indiana
Hobbies: In my free time, I love playing golf and had the chance to explore some great courses in St. Joseph during my rotation days off this summer. I love to paint, build LEGO sets, enjoy watching shows/movies, and love discovering new places to eat with my wife.
Why I chose Lakeland: I chose Corewell Lakeland for my residency because of the incredible experience my wife and I had during my audition rotation. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at home, making unforgettable memories. The supportive environment, coupled with a strong sense of community, truly stood out. The educational experience was unparalleled—without a doubt, it was the best I had throughout my entire 4th year. The opportunity to learn from such dedicated and knowledgeable faculty, alongside amazing people that became friends while rotating together, made it an easy decision to return for residency.
Josh Dennis, DO
Hometown: Rosemount, Minnesota
Hobbies: Hockey, hiking, long distance running, and being a tortured Minnesota sports fan
Why I chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland because the residents I encountered seemed the most ready to practice in any situation compared to everywhere else I went. This was my first audition rotation in my fourth year and they set the standard for how I wanted faculty to be engaged in teaching while on my shift. Every shift the faculty invested time into teaching both the residents and the medical students and I felt I improved everyday because of this investment. The residents seemed genuinely happy to come to work every day while also enjoying their days off by the beach. Between practicing at multiple different sites (St Joseph and Niles) as well as their fellowship tracks, the residents I worked with seemed the most ready to take on an attending role in the ER.
John Jaeger
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Hobbies: Running and training for races, playing the drums and listening to music, watching sports, hiking, and learning to cook
Why I chose Lakeland: During my audition rotation in medical school, I witnessed firsthand the culture of the program and knew that this is where I wanted to continue my training. Everyone was held to a high standard of work ethic and professionalism, and I felt that I would be both challenged and valued as a trainee. With this standard, the attendings, residents, and staff all worked together to foster a close-knit and supportive group where I felt right at home. The unopposed community setting of the program also reaches a diverse patient population creating a training environment that allows for exceptional learning opportunities.
Mohammed Khatib, DO
Hometown: Tinley Park, IL
Hobbies: Hiking, soccer, trying new cuisines and local foods, traveling the world with my wife
Why I chose Lakeland: During my second look at Lakeland with my wife, I was truly impressed by the warmth and hospitality of the residents and faculty. I felt a strong sense of community and camaraderie, which made me feel comfortable and welcomed into the program. The tour of St. Joseph and the surrounding community further reinforced my appreciation for the hospital and its commitment to patient care. Additionally, the program’s location allows me to stay close to my family in the Chicagoland area. These factors made Lakeland the perfect fit for my training and professional growth.
Jon Mennecke, DO
Hometown: Ames, Iowa
Hobbies: Running, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and photography
Why I chose Lakeland: Out of everywhere I interviewed and performed audition rotations, Lakeland was the one place that left a powerful impression on me. The time I spent in Saint Joseph during my audition rotation proved to be the deciding factor in my fiancée and my decision to choose this program. The extensive hands-on training, diverse underserved patient base, and family-centered support from the residency were all key to our final choice. Additionally, with the multiple fellowship tracts available, I will be able to expand my education beyond ER and become a more well-rounded physician. Lastly, I am a huge fan of the outdoors. Having the opportunity to live in a place that has such a focus on nature, located only about 20 minutes from a State Park and 45 minutes from Indiana Dunes National Park, was a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see what adventures my fiancée and I start in the next three years.
Laura Miller, DO
Hometown: Clinton Township, MI
Hobbies: Spending time on the lake, country line dancing, hiking, traveling, concerts, and just anything that allows me to be outside!
Why I chose Lakeland: I was fortunate to be a base student at Lakeland for my third and fourth year clinical rotations and quickly realized what a gem this place is. There is a unique sense of community both inside and outside the hospital. From my rotations as a student, I was impressed by the faculty and attending involvement in the residents’ learning, both on shift and during didactic time. Working at two locations (St. Joseph and Niles) with different population demographics and diverse pathology was also a big draw for me. I am grateful to continue my training here in Southwest Michigan at such a strong program in a beautiful community along Lake Michigan.
Jacky Sarette, MD
Hometown: Merrimac, MA
Hobbies: Kickboxing, storm chasing, astronomy, rockhounding
Why I chose Lakeland: I was a base student and literally by the end of my first week here, I knew I wanted to stay for residency. I was immediately struck by how kind and welcoming everyone was. On each rotation, everyone I worked with seemed like they wanted to be there, working with, supporting, and teaching the residents and med students. The program’s reputation speaks for itself as well. In addition to my own experiences, I wanted a small, unopposed, community program because that’s the environment I felt I would do best in, and Lakeland checks those boxes as well. Lastly, this is a beautiful location; I’m from the east coast and grew up going to the ocean, but being right on Lake Michigan might’ve converted me to a lake person!
Derek Scott, DO
Hometown: Eureka, Illinois
Hobbies: Hiking, swimming, enjoying the beach with my wife and dogs.
Why I chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland for the comprehensive curriculum with flexibility to tailor to individual interests, the friendly and welcoming vibes from residents and faculty, as well as the program's focus on resident wellness. Lakeland also allows my wife and I to be close to our friends and family in a beautiful location.
Tugba Serbest, DO
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Hobbies: I love to read and listen to audiobooks, play volleyball, sew, and travel!
Why I chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland because from the moment I interacted with the faculty and residents, I felt genuinely welcomed and supported. The program struck the perfect balance between strong academic training and a tight-knit, family-oriented culture. What stood out to me was the genuine passion the residents had for the program and how confident they felt in their training, which made me confident that this was the right place for me!
Ethan Snider, DO
Hometown: Pittsburg, KS
Hobbies: Basketball, hiking, gardening, baking, pickleball, and spending time with my wife and dog.
Why I chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland because it checked off everything that I desired in an EM program including a supportive culture, excellent training, and a great place to live. During my sub-I rotation, I was able to witness first hand what Lakeland had to offer. The program culture is outstanding. The faculty and staff are extremely welcoming and truly care about the residents development, not only as physicians but also as people. The residents are knowledgeable and well-trained. Lastly, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in St. Joseph. Overall, I couldn’t ask for better place to spend the next 3 years!
EM Residents PGY 2
Tanny Beaumont, DO
Hometown: Zionsville, Indiana
Undergraduate Education: University of Indianapolis
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Exploring new restaurants with my fiancé and training for running races.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose CHL for my residency training due to the warm welcome from faculty and everyone I encountered during my rotation. The faculty and residents had taught me so much and fostering my confidence in pursuing a career in EM. Witnessing the adept handling of complex causes by residents further solidified my aspiration. CHL also has a family-oriented atmosphere, everyone gets along and enjoys being around each other. I know I will get all the support to become a great EM doctor.
Patrick Cranor, DO
Hometown: Umatilla, Florida
Undergraduate Education: University of Central Florida
Medical School: Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I love to fish any chance I get despite minimal success! I also love to cook (and eat) all different types of cuisines. My family and I love to explore the new states we move to, finding hidden gems and making wonderful memories!
Why I Chose Lakeland: I rotated with Lakeland as my first Sub-I in fourth year and they definitely set the professionalism standard. I was so impressed with the interactions between all staff levels and how seamlessly I was integrated into the care team as a student. What sold me on Lakeland is the commitment of the program administration and attendings to the success of the resident’s training. They accomplish this while easily keeping a close-knit family-style environment.
Abbey Goodman, MD
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Undergraduate Education: Northern Arizona University
Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, pickleball, baking, knitting, walking/hiking with my dogs.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland because of its outstanding physicians, dedicated staff, and robust training program. As someone aiming to specialize in emergency medicine, it was crucial for me to be in a residency where I could actively participate in procedures and gain hands-on experience managing a busy emergency department. This ensures that I'll feel confident and well-prepared to handle any situation in my future career. Additionally, during the interview process, it was evident that the sense of camaraderie among staff and residents at Lakeland was strong, creating a supportive and welcoming environment that felt like a true family.
Tanner Kirchberg, DO
Hometown: Columbus, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Education: University of Wisconsin
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, sports, boating, cooking.
Why I Chose Lakeland: From the first time I contacted the faculty and staff at Lakeland, I felt like a was a part of their family. The welcoming environment that they cultivate at their program is evident, even through a Zoom interview. Not only is Lakeland a great environment to train, but after speaking with the residents and faculty it is also a place where you can tell you will get the best training possible. They also have fellowship tracks that allow you to get more experience in a subspecialty of interest to you, which is unique and a great benefit. It was clear to me that they value your time away from the hospital and resident wellness with unique programs like their Culinary Medicine course. St. Joseph is a beautiful town with plenty to do year-round, and my wife and I could not be more excited to be there for the next three years and raise a family.
Alyssa McCue, DO
Hometown: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Undergraduate Education: Oregon Institute of Technology
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Hobbies/Interests: Travel, travel, travel! I also love to read, do puzzles, go camping, and paddleboarding.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose Corewell because from the very beginning of the interview, something just clicked. I thoroughly enjoyed my interactions that day with all of the faculty and residents and felt like it would be a good fit for me. I loved that Lakeland is a smaller program in a smaller town, but still has great training opportunities with high procedural volume. The residents seemed very close-knit, and really involved with the faculty both in and out of the hospital. It's always hard to judge a program based on a single virtual interview day, but so far, this program has exceeded every one of my expectations. And, really, who doesn’t want to live on the lake?
Gabrielle Pine, DO
Hometown: Moline, Illinois
Undergraduate Education: Montana State University
Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, art (painting, crafts, and embroidery), baking, and gardening. Playing with our pup Mozzarella
Why I Chose Lakeland: I joined Lakeland for its wonderful location, the community setting, and the fantastic attendings. Lakeland is the closest EM residency to my husband, who attends Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, only forty-five minutes away. As my husband and I wanted to avoid any serious long distance, we looked into all the EM programs closest to us. That’s how Lakeland came on to our radar, and I auditioned with high hopes. While there, I was incredibly impressed. The attendings were more than your average teaching physicians. They were mentors, friends, and role models to the residents. I knew that if I was lucky enough to come to Lakeland, I would receive a very dedicated and personalized mentorship. Furthermore, the Lakeland ED residents had no competition from other residencies and the residents were able to become skilled in all procedures. While the program impressed me greatly with its rigor, it also didn’t hurt that the residency is surrounded by beautiful beaches, the great outdoors, and charming small-town vibes.
Zoe Smith, DO
Hometown: Highland, Utah
Undergraduate Education: Brigham Young University
Medical School: A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, hiking, spending time with my husband and 2 dogs, floral design, gaming.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland for my emergency medicine residency because of its reputation for having amazing and supportive staff who are dedicated to nurturing residents' growth and success—something I saw during my audition rotation here! The atmosphere here fosters a sense of camaraderie and mentorship, where I feel valued and encouraged to excel. Moreover, the unopposed learning opportunities at Lakeland were a major draw for me. With access to a diverse patient population and a wide range of cases, I know I'll receive comprehensive training and be well-prepared for any challenges that arise in my future career as an emergency medicine physician.
Auburn Swainston, MD
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
Undergraduate Education: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Medical School: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, tennis, DIY projects.
Why I Chose Lakeland: My choosing Corewell Health Lakeland for my emergency medicine residency was anchored in the sense of belonging and support I experienced during my away rotation here as a medical student. The program's welcoming atmosphere and dedicated faculty made me feel like an integral part of their team from day one. Remaining in West Michigan, with my family close by, was an invaluable factor in my decision-making process, providing a strong support system for the challenges ahead. Opting for an unopposed program like Corewell Health Lakeland was a deliberate choice and offers a unique opportunity to cultivate my clinical skills and critical thinking abilities. I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to continue my training in such a supportive and enriching setting, and I look forward to contributing positively to the Corewell Health Lakeland community as a resident.
Nick Wilson, DO
Hometown: Pinckney Michigan
Undergraduate Education: Michigan State University
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I knew Corewell Health Lakeland was the right residency for me after an audition rotation due to the exceptional camaraderie among the faculty and residents, well-rounded didactics, diverse patient population, and two diverse training sites between St. Joseph and Niles. The Emergency Medicine Residency program at Lakeland exudes a familial atmosphere and provides outstanding support. Additionally, Lakeland's location offers close proximity to family and friends, along with a plethora of outdoor activities such as mountain biking trails, sand dunes, fishing, and hunting.
PGY 3
Coty Buchwalter, DO
Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana
Undergraduate Education: Purdue Northwest
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with the wife and baby, beach, sports, board games
Why I Chose Lakeland: Two main reasons I chose Lakeland: the people and the location. I quickly learned during my rotation at Lakeland that the residents and attendings had a very close relationship and were committed to teaching. I was confident I was going to receive exceptional training at this program. Factoring in the beautiful area of Southwest Michigan, choosing Lakeland was simple.
Mark Chesebro, DO
Hometown: Wayland, Michigan
Undergraduate Education: Spring Arbor University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Play guitar, collecting bonsai trees, spending time with my wife Ashley, daughter Ava, and dog Colby Jack.
Why I Chose Lakeland: As a base student, I spent most of my clerkship rotations here at Lakeland. It quickly became clear that the culture here was one that supported learning and pushed me to develop the skills I would one day need as a resident. When the time came for me to start comparing programs for residency, I could not find another place that matched that same sense of investment in my learning. I look forward to staying and continuing to grow professionally and academically for the next three years.
Almasa Duheric, DO
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Why I Chose Lakeland: I originally decided to rotate at Lakeland because I had heard great things regarding the strength and rigor of the program. I had also heard that St. Joe’s was a little Lake Michigan paradise. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and truthfully, my husband and I never saw ourselves leaving the city. But between the faculty, GME, Dr. Mancini and the beautiful town, St. Joe’s immediately became a place I could envision myself thriving as both a resident and as a person. I love beaches, paddle boarding, being near the lake, breweries, food, and trails to walk with my dog and this hit every mark. I felt like I found my people here and I’m so excited for this journey!
Kristine Graham, DO
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Lakeland: I knew that Lakeland would give me the skillset I was looking for to become a well-rounded emergency medicine physician. As a base student the great educational environment at Lakeland Hospital stood out to me. I always felt challenged to push my learning further and also supported by the attendings and staff! I am really happy to be a part of the Lakeland team.
Keaboka Nyumbu, MD
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Education: Northeastern University
Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, art (sketching, oil pastels), YouTube watcher, star gazing, and sleeping
Why I Chose Lakeland: After my residency interviews, I reviewed all my pros and cons for each program. Under Lakeland, I had “perfect program.” This program had all the things I was looking for. I was looking for an unopposed program, so I could get as many procedures done as possible. The program also felt small and intimate, meaning I could foster a strong relationship with the residency cohort and faculty. Lastly, Lookout Point is an affordable and safe place to live for the duration of my residency. Not to mention, the scenery by the lake is absolutely beautiful!!
Taylor Read, DO
Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
Undergraduate Education: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Baking, crafts, anything with my dogs
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland for so many reasons! I learned I really wanted a community-based program without surgical residents since that allowed more hands-on training as an EM resident. My family is in the Chicago area, and I am excited to be closer to them but in a community setting while watching sunsets on the lake. I also quickly connected with the residents and felt the faculty were down to earth and truly cared about the residents.
Hannah Taylor, DO
Hometown: Lexington, Ohio
Undergraduate Education: Miami University
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, coffee, reading, visiting local wineries, and playing with my family's dogs.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland because the people are great, and the program feels like a family. It was clear during my interview and visit that I would get an excellent education while surrounded by supportive people I’ll truly enjoy spending time with. I felt that Lakeland would be the perfect combination of kind people, a great training experience, and a beautiful location, and I’m excited to join the team!
Phillip Whitman, DO
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Lakeland: Honesty, transparency, and community are what drew me to Lakeland. Right away I knew that the care each member had for each other was genuine. I immediately felt welcomed and part of their family. As I talked with residents and staff, it was evident the care and respect everyone had for this program. Plus, I am close to my family and Lakeland offers learning experiences I could not find elsewhere.