Internal Medicine Residency Faculty
Samantha LaBay, DO
Program director
Assistant hospitalist program director
Nocturnist
Hometown: Burbank, IL
Undergraduate education: Augustana College
Medical school: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Residency: Spectrum Health Lakeland
Hobbies: I love to travel and am an adrenaline junkie so things like whitewater rafting, skiing, and snorkeling. I balance the adrenaline with reading.
Why Lakeland? I felt this was a home away from home. Loved the staff, love the atmosphere, and feel that my future goals were supported.
Thomas Birris, MD
Assistant program director
Core faculty
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate education: University of Notre Dame
Medical school: Drexel University College of Medicine
Residency, chief residency, and fellowship: Loyola University Chicago and Hines VA Medical Centers
Interests: General Gastroenterology, Teaching
Hobbies: Craft beer, music, golf, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame sports
Why Lakeland? My wife (Jamie, Clinical psychologist at Marie Yeager Cancer Center) is originally from St. Joseph. When I finished training in 2012, we were ready for free parking, a short commute, and a great place to raise a family. Southwest Michigan offered all of those things as well as an outstanding practice opportunity with Great Lakes Gastroenterology.
Michael Wang, MD
Assistant program director
Clinical associate professor
Hometown: Lafayette, LA
Undergraduate education: Washington University, St. Louis, MO
Medical school: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA
Residency: University of Illinois - Chicago
Fellowship: Loyola University Medical Center
Interests: C-diff infections, HIV
Hobbies: spending time with my kids, playing piano, rooting for the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bulls, and the LSU Tigers!
Why Lakeland? We provide a high level of care with a small-town feel.
April Emmons, DO
Core faculty
Hometown: Grayling, MI
Undergraduate education: Michigan State University
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Western Michigan Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine (WMED)
Hobbies/interests: Reading, cooking a new recipe, Michigan summers (it's why we stay despite the long winters... beach days, bonfires, waterfalls, hikes, etc), working around the house with my husband and my toddler trying to 'help'
Why Lakeland? Lakeland has absolutely wonderful staff and St. Joseph is a great community to raise a family
Katie Fitton, DO
Core faculty
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Undergraduate education: MSU
Medical school: LECOM-Bradenton
Residency: Ascension Genesys, Grand Blanc
Hobbies/interests: Reading, puzzles, hanging out with my family, binge-watching shows with my husband
Why Lakeland? Because Lakeland has all the resources and talents of a tertiary care center with the heart of a small town.
Nick Frazier, DO
Hospitalist
Core faculty
Hometown: Newport Beach, California
Undergraduate education: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Residency: Spectrum Health Lakeland
Hobbies/interests: Hunting, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with my two adventurous boys and loving wife.
Why Lakeland? The people, the lake, and the Midwest way of life.
Alex Hinckley, DO
Clinic administrator
Core faculty
Hometown: Schaumburg, IL
Undergraduate education: Elmhurst College
Medical School: Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downer's Grove, IL
Residency: Spectrum Health Lakeland
Hobbies/interests: Cooking and bread making, woodworking, running, traveling
Why Lakeland? Opportunity to advance, good work/life balance, and feel appreciated for the work that I do every day.
Ewanah Johnson, MD
Clinical assistant professor
Core faculty
Hometown: Little Fort, British Columbia, Canada
Undergraduate education: Southwestern Adventist University; BS Biology
Medical school: Loma Linda University
Residency: Kettering Medical Center
Fellowship: Kettering Medical Center – Weiffenbach Fellowship in Hospital Medicine
Hobbies/interests: Hiking, biking, sewing, reading and traveling
Why Lakeland? I initially came because my husband moved here for university. I quickly learned that Lakeland cared for the community. I love being part of a caring group that strives for excellence. I am excited to be part of the residency program. I find teaching gives me great satisfaction. I believe having residents stimulates me to be a better physician.
Michael Burton, MD
Associate faculty
Hometown: Prescott, AZ
Undergraduate education: Northern Arizona University
Medical school: American University of the Caribbean
Residency: St. John Providence, Southfield Michigan
Fellowship: St. John Providence, Southfield Michigan
Hobbies: Family, outdoors
Why Lakeland? The community and a great place to raise a family.
Bo Liu, MD, PhD
Hospitalist
Hobby: Home renovation of all kinds, reading.
Why I Chose Lakeland: As the resident graduated from Lakeland program. I chose to remain at Lakeland as an attending because of the healthy and intimate relationships among faculty and residents, fostering an environment where we can grow intellectually and professionally together. This supportive atmosphere offers the excellent learning experience I value. Lakeland, as a community-based hospital, builds close relationships with the local community while providing comprehensive exposure to a wide range of subspecialties and case variety. Its affiliation with Michigan State University opens up numerous academic pathways, including fellowships and positions as internists and primary care physicians. Additionally, I appreciate the small-town charm, the beach, the lighthouse, and the farms, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
