Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Bios

PGY 4

Jacob Butman, MD

Hometown: Beavercreek, OH

Medical school: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am most excited about the strong sense of community I experienced while learning about the program at Corewell Health along with its clinically focused training. I am also excited to explore the city of Grand Rapids and all the surrounding outdoor beauty.

Clinical interests: I have a particular interest in preventative cardiology along with heart failure/transplantation.

Hobbies: Outside of medical training, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, spending time with my wife, Julie, and our border collie, Tucker, and playing sports. My most recent endeavor is learning to play tennis!

Mohamad El Shami, MD

Internal Medicine: Corewell Health— Grand Rapids/Michigan State University
Medical School: Universite Saint-Joseph

Dylan Goings, MD

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

Medical school: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to train at a program known for its clinical volume, strong electrophysiology presence, and tight-knit culture, all things that close friends and colleagues have spoken highly of. I'm especially looking forward to building on my interest in arrhythmia management while learning from a faculty deeply invested in teaching. I'm also looking forward to putting down roots in West Michigan and exploring what the area has to offer, including the lakes, the dunes, and hopefully some kayaking during the warm weather.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests center on heart rhythm disorders, with a particular focus on electrophysiology, atrial fibrillation management, and the care of patients before and after ablation procedures. I also enjoy the complex decision-making involved in caring for patients with multiple competing cardiovascular and systemic conditions, and I'm drawn to the longitudinal relationships that come with managing chronic cardiovascular disease. On the research side, I have an ongoing interest in applying machine learning to the electrocardiogram to better identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes.

Hobbies: Outside the hospital, I'm an avid chess player and like to stay active with basketball, tennis, and hiking with my dog, Molly. When I find the time, I enjoy playing guitar.

Gagan Gupta, MD

Hometown: Lorton, VA

Medical school: Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I’m excited to join the long tradition of University of Michigan graduates who have trained at the Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/MSU Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship. The program’s high procedural volume and wide clinical complexity create an ideal setting for developing expertise and advancing my growth.

Clinical interests: Coming into first year, I am interested in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and imaging. That being said, I am excited to explore the many different disciplines of cardiology.

Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy playing basketball, watching the NBA, playing video games, and exploring Chicago’s and Grand Rapid’s food scenes.

Jacob Butman, MD

Hometown: Beavercreek, OH

Medical school: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am most excited about the strong sense of community I experienced while learning about the program at Corewell Health along with its clinically focused training. I am also excited to explore the city of Grand Rapids and all the surrounding outdoor beauty.

Clinical interests: I have a particular interest in preventative cardiology along with heart failure/transplantation.

Hobbies: Outside of medical training, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, spending time with my wife, Julie, and our border collie, Tucker, and playing sports. My most recent endeavor is learning to play tennis!

Mohamad El Shami, MD

Internal Medicine: Corewell Health— Grand Rapids/Michigan State University
Medical School: Universite Saint-Joseph

Dylan Goings, MD

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

Medical school: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to train at a program known for its clinical volume, strong electrophysiology presence, and tight-knit culture, all things that close friends and colleagues have spoken highly of. I'm especially looking forward to building on my interest in arrhythmia management while learning from a faculty deeply invested in teaching. I'm also looking forward to putting down roots in West Michigan and exploring what the area has to offer, including the lakes, the dunes, and hopefully some kayaking during the warm weather.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests center on heart rhythm disorders, with a particular focus on electrophysiology, atrial fibrillation management, and the care of patients before and after ablation procedures. I also enjoy the complex decision-making involved in caring for patients with multiple competing cardiovascular and systemic conditions, and I'm drawn to the longitudinal relationships that come with managing chronic cardiovascular disease. On the research side, I have an ongoing interest in applying machine learning to the electrocardiogram to better identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes.

Hobbies: Outside the hospital, I'm an avid chess player and like to stay active with basketball, tennis, and hiking with my dog, Molly. When I find the time, I enjoy playing guitar.

Gagan Gupta, MD

Hometown: Lorton, VA

Medical school: Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I’m excited to join the long tradition of University of Michigan graduates who have trained at the Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/MSU Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship. The program’s high procedural volume and wide clinical complexity create an ideal setting for developing expertise and advancing my growth.

Clinical interests: Coming into first year, I am interested in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and imaging. That being said, I am excited to explore the many different disciplines of cardiology.

Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy playing basketball, watching the NBA, playing video games, and exploring Chicago’s and Grand Rapid’s food scenes.

Jacob Butman, MD

Hometown: Beavercreek, OH

Medical school: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am most excited about the strong sense of community I experienced while learning about the program at Corewell Health along with its clinically focused training. I am also excited to explore the city of Grand Rapids and all the surrounding outdoor beauty.

Clinical interests: I have a particular interest in preventative cardiology along with heart failure/transplantation.

Hobbies: Outside of medical training, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, spending time with my wife, Julie, and our border collie, Tucker, and playing sports. My most recent endeavor is learning to play tennis!

Mohamad El Shami, MD

Internal Medicine: Corewell Health— Grand Rapids/Michigan State University
Medical School: Universite Saint-Joseph

Dylan Goings, MD

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

Medical school: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to train at a program known for its clinical volume, strong electrophysiology presence, and tight-knit culture, all things that close friends and colleagues have spoken highly of. I'm especially looking forward to building on my interest in arrhythmia management while learning from a faculty deeply invested in teaching. I'm also looking forward to putting down roots in West Michigan and exploring what the area has to offer, including the lakes, the dunes, and hopefully some kayaking during the warm weather.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests center on heart rhythm disorders, with a particular focus on electrophysiology, atrial fibrillation management, and the care of patients before and after ablation procedures. I also enjoy the complex decision-making involved in caring for patients with multiple competing cardiovascular and systemic conditions, and I'm drawn to the longitudinal relationships that come with managing chronic cardiovascular disease. On the research side, I have an ongoing interest in applying machine learning to the electrocardiogram to better identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes.

Hobbies: Outside the hospital, I'm an avid chess player and like to stay active with basketball, tennis, and hiking with my dog, Molly. When I find the time, I enjoy playing guitar.

Gagan Gupta, MD

Hometown: Lorton, VA

Medical school: Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I’m excited to join the long tradition of University of Michigan graduates who have trained at the Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/MSU Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship. The program’s high procedural volume and wide clinical complexity create an ideal setting for developing expertise and advancing my growth.

Clinical interests: Coming into first year, I am interested in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and imaging. That being said, I am excited to explore the many different disciplines of cardiology.

Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy playing basketball, watching the NBA, playing video games, and exploring Chicago’s and Grand Rapid’s food scenes.

Jacob Butman, MD

Hometown: Beavercreek, OH

Medical school: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am most excited about the strong sense of community I experienced while learning about the program at Corewell Health along with its clinically focused training. I am also excited to explore the city of Grand Rapids and all the surrounding outdoor beauty.

Clinical interests: I have a particular interest in preventative cardiology along with heart failure/transplantation.

Hobbies: Outside of medical training, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, spending time with my wife, Julie, and our border collie, Tucker, and playing sports. My most recent endeavor is learning to play tennis!

Mohamad El Shami, MD

Internal Medicine: Corewell Health— Grand Rapids/Michigan State University
Medical School: Universite Saint-Joseph

Dylan Goings, MD

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

Medical school: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to train at a program known for its clinical volume, strong electrophysiology presence, and tight-knit culture, all things that close friends and colleagues have spoken highly of. I'm especially looking forward to building on my interest in arrhythmia management while learning from a faculty deeply invested in teaching. I'm also looking forward to putting down roots in West Michigan and exploring what the area has to offer, including the lakes, the dunes, and hopefully some kayaking during the warm weather.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests center on heart rhythm disorders, with a particular focus on electrophysiology, atrial fibrillation management, and the care of patients before and after ablation procedures. I also enjoy the complex decision-making involved in caring for patients with multiple competing cardiovascular and systemic conditions, and I'm drawn to the longitudinal relationships that come with managing chronic cardiovascular disease. On the research side, I have an ongoing interest in applying machine learning to the electrocardiogram to better identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes.

Hobbies: Outside the hospital, I'm an avid chess player and like to stay active with basketball, tennis, and hiking with my dog, Molly. When I find the time, I enjoy playing guitar.

Gagan Gupta, MD

Hometown: Lorton, VA

Medical school: Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I’m excited to join the long tradition of University of Michigan graduates who have trained at the Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/MSU Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship. The program’s high procedural volume and wide clinical complexity create an ideal setting for developing expertise and advancing my growth.

Clinical interests: Coming into first year, I am interested in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and imaging. That being said, I am excited to explore the many different disciplines of cardiology.

Hobbies: Outside of work, I enjoy playing basketball, watching the NBA, playing video games, and exploring Chicago’s and Grand Rapid’s food scenes.

PGY 5

Alexander Balinski, MD

Hometown: Essexville, MI

Medical school: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? As a proud Michigan native and Michigan State University alumnus, I am incredibly excited to join the cardiology fellowship program at Corewell Health in West Michigan. Training in my home state at an institution renowned for its innovation and clinical excellence enables me to stay connected to a community I care deeply about while developing the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible care to my patients. I look forward to learning from the exceptional physicians at Corewell Health, while also enjoying the endless beauty and adventure that West Michigan has to offer. Go Green!

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, cardiac imaging, and cardio-oncology.

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking in the woods, exploring local coffee shops, watching various TV series, and traveling the world, both domestically and abroad.

Matthew Hollowell, MD

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Having done residency here, it’s always been clear to me that the Cardiology department at Corewell Health is special. It combines outstanding clinical training with mentors who model kindness, humility, and a consistent dedication to their patients. I’m excited to stay because I know this program offers everything needed to become an excellent cardiologist. Just as importantly, it provides those opportunities within a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed.

Clinical interests: I’m interested in non-invasive cardiology and advanced cardiac imaging, with a particular focus on hypertrophic and other hereditary cardiomyopathies.

Hobbies: Outside the hospital, I enjoy traveling with my wife, exploring state and national parks, trying new restaurants around Grand Rapids, and working on home renovation projects. Most days off end up spent on a house project or outside with our dog.

Benjamin Kogelschatz, MD

Hometown: Rockford, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to return to Corewell Health in West Michigan, which is where I completed medical school and had an amazing experience. The friendly culture, great faculty, and diversity of clinical pathology make it an excellent place to train. West Michigan has a lot of beautiful nature that I am excited to continue exploring.

Clinical interests: I am interested in general cardiology, preventive cardiology, and cardiovascular imaging.

Hobbies: I enjoy biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, golfing, and trying new restaurants.

Giovanna Zampierollo-Jaramillo, MD

Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Medical school: Tufts University

Residency: University of Wisconsin

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am truly excited to join the cardiology fellowship at Corewell Health. On interview day, I was struck by how warmly the fellows spoke about the program and how supportive the faculty seemed. After training in Wisconsin and Boston, I am looking forward to continuing my education in a place that offers both strong clinical training and a great sense of community. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I also love that Grand Rapids offers access to nature and is just a short drive from Lake Michigan—it already feels like a great fit both professionally and personally.

Clinical interests: While I am still exploring specific subspecialty interests, I am passionate about working with underrepresented communities and advancing equitable cardiovascular care.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy baking, taking walks near the water, and playing board games. I also love spending quality time with friends and family—it is how I recharge and stay grounded.

Alexander Balinski, MD

Hometown: Essexville, MI

Medical school: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? As a proud Michigan native and Michigan State University alumnus, I am incredibly excited to join the cardiology fellowship program at Corewell Health in West Michigan. Training in my home state at an institution renowned for its innovation and clinical excellence enables me to stay connected to a community I care deeply about while developing the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible care to my patients. I look forward to learning from the exceptional physicians at Corewell Health, while also enjoying the endless beauty and adventure that West Michigan has to offer. Go Green!

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, cardiac imaging, and cardio-oncology.

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking in the woods, exploring local coffee shops, watching various TV series, and traveling the world, both domestically and abroad.

Matthew Hollowell, MD

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Having done residency here, it’s always been clear to me that the Cardiology department at Corewell Health is special. It combines outstanding clinical training with mentors who model kindness, humility, and a consistent dedication to their patients. I’m excited to stay because I know this program offers everything needed to become an excellent cardiologist. Just as importantly, it provides those opportunities within a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed.

Clinical interests: I’m interested in non-invasive cardiology and advanced cardiac imaging, with a particular focus on hypertrophic and other hereditary cardiomyopathies.

Hobbies: Outside the hospital, I enjoy traveling with my wife, exploring state and national parks, trying new restaurants around Grand Rapids, and working on home renovation projects. Most days off end up spent on a house project or outside with our dog.

Benjamin Kogelschatz, MD

Hometown: Rockford, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to return to Corewell Health in West Michigan, which is where I completed medical school and had an amazing experience. The friendly culture, great faculty, and diversity of clinical pathology make it an excellent place to train. West Michigan has a lot of beautiful nature that I am excited to continue exploring.

Clinical interests: I am interested in general cardiology, preventive cardiology, and cardiovascular imaging.

Hobbies: I enjoy biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, golfing, and trying new restaurants.

Giovanna Zampierollo-Jaramillo, MD

Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Medical school: Tufts University

Residency: University of Wisconsin

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am truly excited to join the cardiology fellowship at Corewell Health. On interview day, I was struck by how warmly the fellows spoke about the program and how supportive the faculty seemed. After training in Wisconsin and Boston, I am looking forward to continuing my education in a place that offers both strong clinical training and a great sense of community. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I also love that Grand Rapids offers access to nature and is just a short drive from Lake Michigan—it already feels like a great fit both professionally and personally.

Clinical interests: While I am still exploring specific subspecialty interests, I am passionate about working with underrepresented communities and advancing equitable cardiovascular care.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy baking, taking walks near the water, and playing board games. I also love spending quality time with friends and family—it is how I recharge and stay grounded.

Alexander Balinski, MD

Hometown: Essexville, MI

Medical school: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? As a proud Michigan native and Michigan State University alumnus, I am incredibly excited to join the cardiology fellowship program at Corewell Health in West Michigan. Training in my home state at an institution renowned for its innovation and clinical excellence enables me to stay connected to a community I care deeply about while developing the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible care to my patients. I look forward to learning from the exceptional physicians at Corewell Health, while also enjoying the endless beauty and adventure that West Michigan has to offer. Go Green!

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, cardiac imaging, and cardio-oncology.

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking in the woods, exploring local coffee shops, watching various TV series, and traveling the world, both domestically and abroad.

Matthew Hollowell, MD

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Having done residency here, it’s always been clear to me that the Cardiology department at Corewell Health is special. It combines outstanding clinical training with mentors who model kindness, humility, and a consistent dedication to their patients. I’m excited to stay because I know this program offers everything needed to become an excellent cardiologist. Just as importantly, it provides those opportunities within a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed.

Clinical interests: I’m interested in non-invasive cardiology and advanced cardiac imaging, with a particular focus on hypertrophic and other hereditary cardiomyopathies.

Hobbies: Outside the hospital, I enjoy traveling with my wife, exploring state and national parks, trying new restaurants around Grand Rapids, and working on home renovation projects. Most days off end up spent on a house project or outside with our dog.

Benjamin Kogelschatz, MD

Hometown: Rockford, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to return to Corewell Health in West Michigan, which is where I completed medical school and had an amazing experience. The friendly culture, great faculty, and diversity of clinical pathology make it an excellent place to train. West Michigan has a lot of beautiful nature that I am excited to continue exploring.

Clinical interests: I am interested in general cardiology, preventive cardiology, and cardiovascular imaging.

Hobbies: I enjoy biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, golfing, and trying new restaurants.

Giovanna Zampierollo-Jaramillo, MD

Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Medical school: Tufts University

Residency: University of Wisconsin

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am truly excited to join the cardiology fellowship at Corewell Health. On interview day, I was struck by how warmly the fellows spoke about the program and how supportive the faculty seemed. After training in Wisconsin and Boston, I am looking forward to continuing my education in a place that offers both strong clinical training and a great sense of community. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I also love that Grand Rapids offers access to nature and is just a short drive from Lake Michigan—it already feels like a great fit both professionally and personally.

Clinical interests: While I am still exploring specific subspecialty interests, I am passionate about working with underrepresented communities and advancing equitable cardiovascular care.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy baking, taking walks near the water, and playing board games. I also love spending quality time with friends and family—it is how I recharge and stay grounded.

Alexander Balinski, MD

Hometown: Essexville, MI

Medical school: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? As a proud Michigan native and Michigan State University alumnus, I am incredibly excited to join the cardiology fellowship program at Corewell Health in West Michigan. Training in my home state at an institution renowned for its innovation and clinical excellence enables me to stay connected to a community I care deeply about while developing the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver the best possible care to my patients. I look forward to learning from the exceptional physicians at Corewell Health, while also enjoying the endless beauty and adventure that West Michigan has to offer. Go Green!

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, cardiac imaging, and cardio-oncology.

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking in the woods, exploring local coffee shops, watching various TV series, and traveling the world, both domestically and abroad.

Matthew Hollowell, MD

Hometown: South Bend, IN

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Having done residency here, it’s always been clear to me that the Cardiology department at Corewell Health is special. It combines outstanding clinical training with mentors who model kindness, humility, and a consistent dedication to their patients. I’m excited to stay because I know this program offers everything needed to become an excellent cardiologist. Just as importantly, it provides those opportunities within a supportive and collaborative environment where everyone genuinely wants to see each other succeed.

Clinical interests: I’m interested in non-invasive cardiology and advanced cardiac imaging, with a particular focus on hypertrophic and other hereditary cardiomyopathies.

Hobbies: Outside the hospital, I enjoy traveling with my wife, exploring state and national parks, trying new restaurants around Grand Rapids, and working on home renovation projects. Most days off end up spent on a house project or outside with our dog.

Benjamin Kogelschatz, MD

Hometown: Rockford, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to return to Corewell Health in West Michigan, which is where I completed medical school and had an amazing experience. The friendly culture, great faculty, and diversity of clinical pathology make it an excellent place to train. West Michigan has a lot of beautiful nature that I am excited to continue exploring.

Clinical interests: I am interested in general cardiology, preventive cardiology, and cardiovascular imaging.

Hobbies: I enjoy biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, golfing, and trying new restaurants.

Giovanna Zampierollo-Jaramillo, MD

Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

Medical school: Tufts University

Residency: University of Wisconsin

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am truly excited to join the cardiology fellowship at Corewell Health. On interview day, I was struck by how warmly the fellows spoke about the program and how supportive the faculty seemed. After training in Wisconsin and Boston, I am looking forward to continuing my education in a place that offers both strong clinical training and a great sense of community. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I also love that Grand Rapids offers access to nature and is just a short drive from Lake Michigan—it already feels like a great fit both professionally and personally.

Clinical interests: While I am still exploring specific subspecialty interests, I am passionate about working with underrepresented communities and advancing equitable cardiovascular care.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy baking, taking walks near the water, and playing board games. I also love spending quality time with friends and family—it is how I recharge and stay grounded.

PGY 6

Michael Abiragi, MD

Hometown: Grosse Pointe, MI

Residency: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am very excited about the opportunity to learn from excellent cardiologists and to grow as a clinician alongside my future co-fellows. I was extremely impressed during the interview day by how highly the current fellows speak of their experience at Corewell Health in West Michigan, and I am thrilled to be joining this outstanding and supportive program.

What are your clinical interests? I am currently open-minded regarding my future career path but I am interested in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiac critical care.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my fiancee, family, and friends. I also like to exercise and play sports, read, and listen to podcasts.

Levi Fry, MD

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I completed my clinical years during medical school at Corewell Health in West Michigan where I was able to do my cardiology rotation. In addition to the breadth of pathology, high clinical volume, and excellent facilities, it was the emphasis placed on my education by all cardiology faculty that drew me back to Corewell Health in West Michigan.

What are your clinical interests? Currently, I am keeping an open mind, but do have clinical interests in general cardiology, interventional, and advanced imaging.

Hobbies: My hobbies include working out, scuba diving, exploring new restaurants and breweries, card/board games, and golfing.

Connor Kerndt, DO

Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan

Residency: Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/Michigan State University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Having trained here for residency, I saw the culture of collegiality here at Corewell in West Michigan firsthand and knew I wanted to stay here. Having the opportunity to learn from world-class cardiologists who are deeply invested in our education, was an opportunity I could not pass up. The staff, facilities, and infrastructure are set up for us to succeed and achieve our career aspirations. I could not be more excited to learn cardiology here.

What are your clinical interests? I am keeping an open mindset going into my first year with an inclination towards general cardiology or electrophysiology.

Hobbies: In my non-hospital hours I like to spend my time with my wife and two French bulldogs exploring West Michigan. I also enjoy weight-lifting, basketball, and golf.

Lucas Rich, MD

Hometown: Clawson, MI

Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about continuing training with a great group of co-fellows and faculty who are supportive and invested in our education. Further, Corewell Health in West Michigan has the institutional framework to provide excellent training including procedural volume, a continuum of clinical complexity, and access to subspecialty training. All of this is in the city of Grand Rapids which provides the accessibility of a large city while being surrounded by beautiful parks, trails, and a short trip to Lake Michigan.

What are your clinical interests? My interests are general cardiology and medical education.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing soccer and exploring trails with my wife, Lizzie, and our dog, Lemma.

Michael Abiragi, MD

Hometown: Grosse Pointe, MI

Residency: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am very excited about the opportunity to learn from excellent cardiologists and to grow as a clinician alongside my future co-fellows. I was extremely impressed during the interview day by how highly the current fellows speak of their experience at Corewell Health in West Michigan, and I am thrilled to be joining this outstanding and supportive program.

What are your clinical interests? I am currently open-minded regarding my future career path but I am interested in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiac critical care.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my fiancee, family, and friends. I also like to exercise and play sports, read, and listen to podcasts.

Levi Fry, MD

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I completed my clinical years during medical school at Corewell Health in West Michigan where I was able to do my cardiology rotation. In addition to the breadth of pathology, high clinical volume, and excellent facilities, it was the emphasis placed on my education by all cardiology faculty that drew me back to Corewell Health in West Michigan.

What are your clinical interests? Currently, I am keeping an open mind, but do have clinical interests in general cardiology, interventional, and advanced imaging.

Hobbies: My hobbies include working out, scuba diving, exploring new restaurants and breweries, card/board games, and golfing.

Connor Kerndt, DO

Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan

Residency: Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/Michigan State University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Having trained here for residency, I saw the culture of collegiality here at Corewell in West Michigan firsthand and knew I wanted to stay here. Having the opportunity to learn from world-class cardiologists who are deeply invested in our education, was an opportunity I could not pass up. The staff, facilities, and infrastructure are set up for us to succeed and achieve our career aspirations. I could not be more excited to learn cardiology here.

What are your clinical interests? I am keeping an open mindset going into my first year with an inclination towards general cardiology or electrophysiology.

Hobbies: In my non-hospital hours I like to spend my time with my wife and two French bulldogs exploring West Michigan. I also enjoy weight-lifting, basketball, and golf.

Lucas Rich, MD

Hometown: Clawson, MI

Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about continuing training with a great group of co-fellows and faculty who are supportive and invested in our education. Further, Corewell Health in West Michigan has the institutional framework to provide excellent training including procedural volume, a continuum of clinical complexity, and access to subspecialty training. All of this is in the city of Grand Rapids which provides the accessibility of a large city while being surrounded by beautiful parks, trails, and a short trip to Lake Michigan.

What are your clinical interests? My interests are general cardiology and medical education.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing soccer and exploring trails with my wife, Lizzie, and our dog, Lemma.

Michael Abiragi, MD

Hometown: Grosse Pointe, MI

Residency: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am very excited about the opportunity to learn from excellent cardiologists and to grow as a clinician alongside my future co-fellows. I was extremely impressed during the interview day by how highly the current fellows speak of their experience at Corewell Health in West Michigan, and I am thrilled to be joining this outstanding and supportive program.

What are your clinical interests? I am currently open-minded regarding my future career path but I am interested in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiac critical care.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my fiancee, family, and friends. I also like to exercise and play sports, read, and listen to podcasts.

Levi Fry, MD

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I completed my clinical years during medical school at Corewell Health in West Michigan where I was able to do my cardiology rotation. In addition to the breadth of pathology, high clinical volume, and excellent facilities, it was the emphasis placed on my education by all cardiology faculty that drew me back to Corewell Health in West Michigan.

What are your clinical interests? Currently, I am keeping an open mind, but do have clinical interests in general cardiology, interventional, and advanced imaging.

Hobbies: My hobbies include working out, scuba diving, exploring new restaurants and breweries, card/board games, and golfing.

Connor Kerndt, DO

Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan

Residency: Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/Michigan State University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Having trained here for residency, I saw the culture of collegiality here at Corewell in West Michigan firsthand and knew I wanted to stay here. Having the opportunity to learn from world-class cardiologists who are deeply invested in our education, was an opportunity I could not pass up. The staff, facilities, and infrastructure are set up for us to succeed and achieve our career aspirations. I could not be more excited to learn cardiology here.

What are your clinical interests? I am keeping an open mindset going into my first year with an inclination towards general cardiology or electrophysiology.

Hobbies: In my non-hospital hours I like to spend my time with my wife and two French bulldogs exploring West Michigan. I also enjoy weight-lifting, basketball, and golf.

Lucas Rich, MD

Hometown: Clawson, MI

Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about continuing training with a great group of co-fellows and faculty who are supportive and invested in our education. Further, Corewell Health in West Michigan has the institutional framework to provide excellent training including procedural volume, a continuum of clinical complexity, and access to subspecialty training. All of this is in the city of Grand Rapids which provides the accessibility of a large city while being surrounded by beautiful parks, trails, and a short trip to Lake Michigan.

What are your clinical interests? My interests are general cardiology and medical education.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing soccer and exploring trails with my wife, Lizzie, and our dog, Lemma.

Michael Abiragi, MD

Hometown: Grosse Pointe, MI

Residency: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am very excited about the opportunity to learn from excellent cardiologists and to grow as a clinician alongside my future co-fellows. I was extremely impressed during the interview day by how highly the current fellows speak of their experience at Corewell Health in West Michigan, and I am thrilled to be joining this outstanding and supportive program.

What are your clinical interests? I am currently open-minded regarding my future career path but I am interested in general cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiac critical care.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my fiancee, family, and friends. I also like to exercise and play sports, read, and listen to podcasts.

Levi Fry, MD

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I completed my clinical years during medical school at Corewell Health in West Michigan where I was able to do my cardiology rotation. In addition to the breadth of pathology, high clinical volume, and excellent facilities, it was the emphasis placed on my education by all cardiology faculty that drew me back to Corewell Health in West Michigan.

What are your clinical interests? Currently, I am keeping an open mind, but do have clinical interests in general cardiology, interventional, and advanced imaging.

Hobbies: My hobbies include working out, scuba diving, exploring new restaurants and breweries, card/board games, and golfing.

Connor Kerndt, DO

Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan

Residency: Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/Michigan State University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Having trained here for residency, I saw the culture of collegiality here at Corewell in West Michigan firsthand and knew I wanted to stay here. Having the opportunity to learn from world-class cardiologists who are deeply invested in our education, was an opportunity I could not pass up. The staff, facilities, and infrastructure are set up for us to succeed and achieve our career aspirations. I could not be more excited to learn cardiology here.

What are your clinical interests? I am keeping an open mindset going into my first year with an inclination towards general cardiology or electrophysiology.

Hobbies: In my non-hospital hours I like to spend my time with my wife and two French bulldogs exploring West Michigan. I also enjoy weight-lifting, basketball, and golf.

Lucas Rich, MD

Hometown: Clawson, MI

Residency: University of Michigan

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about continuing training with a great group of co-fellows and faculty who are supportive and invested in our education. Further, Corewell Health in West Michigan has the institutional framework to provide excellent training including procedural volume, a continuum of clinical complexity, and access to subspecialty training. All of this is in the city of Grand Rapids which provides the accessibility of a large city while being surrounded by beautiful parks, trails, and a short trip to Lake Michigan.

What are your clinical interests? My interests are general cardiology and medical education.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing soccer and exploring trails with my wife, Lizzie, and our dog, Lemma.

Graduates

Anthony Dils:
- General Cardiologist - Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Ibrahim Khaleel:
- Advanced Imaging Fellowship - Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Umar Ahmed:
- Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology Fellowship – Vanderbilt Health, Nashville, TN
Scott Winsor:
- General Cardiologist - Northwell Health, Danbury, CT

Four medical professionals in white lab coats standing together indoors in front of a glass wall.

Anthony Dils:
- General Cardiologist - Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Ibrahim Khaleel:
- Advanced Imaging Fellowship - Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Umar Ahmed:
- Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology Fellowship – Vanderbilt Health, Nashville, TN
Scott Winsor:
- General Cardiologist - Northwell Health, Danbury, CT

Group photo of the 2025 Cardiovascular Disease fellows, celebrating their achievements.

Amy Rechenberg
- General Cardiologist – Ascension Health, Milwaukee, WI
Patrick Kurecka
- Advanced Imaging Fellowship – Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Mahrukh Akram
- General Cardiologist – Corewell Health South/Lakeland, St. Joseph, MI
Mazin Habhab
- General Cardiologist – ProMedica, Toledo, OH

Hassan Saleh
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship - University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- CHIP/CTO Fellowship - NewYork Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY

Ryan Ber
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship - Ascension Providence/MSUCHM, Southfield, MI
- Interventional Cardiologist - McLaren Northern Michigan Heart & Vascular - Petoskey, MI
Joseph Banno
- Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship – University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
Trisha Gomez
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship – Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
- Interventional Cardiologist – Corewell Health South/Lakeland, St. Joseph, MI

Rajus Chopra:
- General Cardiologist - Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Eesha Purohit:
- Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology Fellowship - Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
- Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiologist - Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
Marvin Kajy:
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship – Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI
- Interventional Cardiologoist – Heart & Vascular Institute, Dearborn, MI

Malav Parikh:
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, Spectrum Health/Michigan State University
- Interventional cardiologist - Academic Cardiology Associates - Rochester Hills, MI
Lahdan Refahiyat:
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship - Spectrum Health/Michigan State University
- Interventional cardiologist - Carson Tahoe Medical Group - Nevada
Christopher Madison:
- Advanced Imaging Fellowship - Spectrum Health/Michigan State University
- General Cardiologist/Advanced Imager - Ascension St Thomas Heart – Midtown, Nashville, TN

Cardiovascular Fellowship 2022 Graduates

Cardiovascular Fellowship 2021 Graduates

Stephen Wilkinson:
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship - Spectrum Health/Michigan State University
- Interventional Cardiologist - Intermountain Health, Provo, UT
David Bryska:
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship - University of Illinois - Chicago, IL
- Interventional Cardiologist – University of Michigan Health-West, Grand Rapids, MI
Jose Rios Salcido:
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship - Spectrum Health/Michigan State University
- Interventional Cardiologist - West Michigan Cardiology, Grand Rapids, MI

Adnan "Alex" Kassier:
- Interventional Cardiology Fellowship – Beacon Kalamazoo (Formerly Ascension Borgess), Kalamazoo, MI
- Structural Heart Fellowship - Beacon Kalamazoo (Formerly Ascension Borgess), Kalamazoo, MI
- Interventional & Structural Heart Cardiologist - Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MO
- Interventional & Structural Heart Cardiologist & Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program Director, University of Michigan Health – Sparrow, Lansing, MI
Jose "Joe" Tan:
- Advanced Imaging Fellowship - Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imager - Corewell Health West/MSU, Grand Rapids, MI
Manivannan Veerasamy:
- General Cardiologist - Georgia Heart Institute of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, GA

Cardiovascular Fellowship 2020 Graduates

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Graduates