Emergency Medicine Residency Residents
PGY 1
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.
EM Residents PGY 2
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.
PGY 3
Monica Dholakia, MD
Hometown: Fullerton, California
Undergraduate Education: Tulane University
Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, camping, hiking, traveling, reading, and playing with dogs.
Why I Chose Lakeland: The people I met during my interview felt like people that I would want to spend time with. They had a kind and genuine atmosphere. I know that residency can be difficult, so I wanted to set myself up for success by being in a supportive environment.
Brianna Dietrich, MD
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Undergraduate Education: Wayne State University
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Travel, soccer, football, murder mysteries, working out, family, dogs, and everything adventurous.
Why I Chose Lakeland: My situation is unique - I transferred to Lakeland after completing two years of emergency medicine in Harlem. Life threw some family curveballs, and I wanted to be closer to home. I applied to Lakeland, and they welcomed me like a long-lost cousin at a family reunion. The tight-knit, family-like atmosphere here is incredible. I felt it the moment I walked through the door. I feel so fortunate to be part of this program and can't wait to dive into emergency medicine with this awesome crew!
Graham Federico, DO
Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana
Undergraduate Education: Calumet College of St. Joseph
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Spending most of my time with my wife and 3 children. We also have two dogs. I like to be outside. Love Kentucky basketball!! Go Wildcats!!
Why I Chose Lakeland: Corewell allows me to be near family and practice emergency medicine. While doing rotations at Spectrum, I was able to work with multiple attendings. Every one of them made sure that during the shift I learned something new. This let me know that this program will give me the tools needed to be the best EM physician possible. Also, as a former firefighter/paramedic, I am interested in the EMS track as part of my career goals will be giving back to the EMS community. Lastly, the group of people here seem like a great family, and I’m excited to join the fam!!
David Funk, DO
Hometown: Fraser, Michigan
Undergraduate Education: Oakland University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Sports (college football, NFL, NHL), weightlifting, snowboarding, golf, intramural sports (football, soccer, softball)
Why I Chose Lakeland: Despite living on the east side of Michigan for the entirety of my life, I knew after my interview with Lakeland that this program was something special. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by its EM faculty, residents, and fellow staff were virtually unmatched. Their dedication to high-quality resident education and patient-centered care made Spectrum Health an easy choice for residency! (Plus, it gives me an excuse to FINALLY leave the east side and check out the west coast of Michigan!)
Erin Heath, DO
Hometown: Tekonsha, Michigan
Undergraduate Education: Western Michigan University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Running, hiking, cooking, eating, gardening/plants, and really any outdoor activity.
Why I Chose Lakeland: Proximity to family and friends along with comfort in familiarity. I have been at this hospital for two years as a student and have grown to love and appreciate the community as well as those who work here.
Erin Leach, MD
Hometown: Middleville, Michigan
Undergraduate Education: Grand Valley University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy working on craft projects, downhill skiing, learning about bonsai trees, exploring new breweries with friends, watching Netflix, reading, hiking the lakeshore, and hanging out with my cat, James. In medicine I have special interests in mindfulness, research, toxicology, and ethics.
Why I Chose Lakeland: There are so many great reasons to choose Lakeland, but first and foremost is the culture of the program. As a visiting student, it was incredible the amount of respect I saw in interactions between patients, staff, students, residents, and attendings. That respect fosters a safe and encouraging learning environment that I thrived in as a student and will continue to thrive in as a resident. Other big reasons for me were the location (on Lake Michigan!), the diverse pathology, the opportunity to train in both Saint Joseph and Niles, and that the program is unopposed.
Matthew Merchant, MD
Hometown: Southwick, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Education: Providence College
Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
Hobbies/Interests: Backpacking, hiking, golf, brewing beer, cooking, and watching all Boston sports.
Why I Chose Lakeland: During my away rotation I was able to appreciate how amazing the environment at Lakeland truly is. Whether that's the welcoming arms of the residency program, the clinical staff checking in after a difficult case, or the encouraging words of the local community members, I continue to be impressed through each of the experiences I have encountered.
Zachary Taylor, DO
Hometown: Wausau, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Education: Brigham Young University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Fishing and aviation.
Why I Chose Lakeland: Close-knit family vibes