Graduate Medical Education | West Michigan | Fellowships | Pediatric Hospital Medicine | Bios

PGY 4

Christopher Demas, MD

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Medical school: Alpert Medical School of Brown University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan?I am excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan because of the people. Their support, thoughtfulness and dedication to teaching truly stand out. Being part of a team that values both compassionate care and strong medical education makes Corewell Health a place where I know I'll thrive and grow.

What are your clinical interests? I'm drawn to caring for hospitalized children, especially those with complex and medically involved conditions. I find it deeply meaningful to support these patients and their families through challenging moments, and I value family-centered rounds as a way to ensure compassionate, transparent, and collaborative care that honors each child's unique situation.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking, camping, and staying active throughout all four seasons. I'm also a violinist, enjoy gardening, and have explored creative hobbies like glass blowing.

Emily Friedl, DO

Hometown: Kenosha, WI

Medical school: Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I grew up in Eastern Wisconsin, so West Michigan feels a lot like home to me. I'm very excited about the growth and opportunities this fellowship offers, especially the chance to gain new and different experiences than those I had during residency. Most of all, everyone has been so kind and welcoming—truly embracing that Midwestern warmth that I love.

What are your clinical interests? This is such a tough question! Medical education has been a major passion of mine, especially during my chief year. That said, after focusing heavily on teaching and leadership, I'm eager to get back to more hands-on clinical work. I'm particularly excited to deepen my skills in sedation and point-of-care ultrasound—both of which I believe are key to the future of hospital medicine. I also plan to pursue simulation development as a way to blend my clinical growth with my ongoing interest in medical education.

Hobbies: I have three dogs—Honey, Posey, and Obi Wan Kenobi—so anything dog-friendly is an automatic yes for us! I played soccer through college and still love to play whenever I get the chance. During residency, I discovered OrangeTheory Fitness and was instantly hooked. Lately, I've been adding pilates to my routine as well. Like many millennials, I've also entered my sourdough era—experimenting with different recipes and techniques. I've learned that feeding my sourdough starter feels a bit like taking care of a child. Thankfully, my husband helps keep up with all of my crazy antics!

Christopher Demas, MD

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Medical school: Alpert Medical School of Brown University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan?I am excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan because of the people. Their support, thoughtfulness and dedication to teaching truly stand out. Being part of a team that values both compassionate care and strong medical education makes Corewell Health a place where I know I'll thrive and grow.

What are your clinical interests? I'm drawn to caring for hospitalized children, especially those with complex and medically involved conditions. I find it deeply meaningful to support these patients and their families through challenging moments, and I value family-centered rounds as a way to ensure compassionate, transparent, and collaborative care that honors each child's unique situation.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking, camping, and staying active throughout all four seasons. I'm also a violinist, enjoy gardening, and have explored creative hobbies like glass blowing.

Emily Friedl, DO

Hometown: Kenosha, WI

Medical school: Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I grew up in Eastern Wisconsin, so West Michigan feels a lot like home to me. I'm very excited about the growth and opportunities this fellowship offers, especially the chance to gain new and different experiences than those I had during residency. Most of all, everyone has been so kind and welcoming—truly embracing that Midwestern warmth that I love.

What are your clinical interests? This is such a tough question! Medical education has been a major passion of mine, especially during my chief year. That said, after focusing heavily on teaching and leadership, I'm eager to get back to more hands-on clinical work. I'm particularly excited to deepen my skills in sedation and point-of-care ultrasound—both of which I believe are key to the future of hospital medicine. I also plan to pursue simulation development as a way to blend my clinical growth with my ongoing interest in medical education.

Hobbies: I have three dogs—Honey, Posey, and Obi Wan Kenobi—so anything dog-friendly is an automatic yes for us! I played soccer through college and still love to play whenever I get the chance. During residency, I discovered OrangeTheory Fitness and was instantly hooked. Lately, I've been adding pilates to my routine as well. Like many millennials, I've also entered my sourdough era—experimenting with different recipes and techniques. I've learned that feeding my sourdough starter feels a bit like taking care of a child. Thankfully, my husband helps keep up with all of my crazy antics!

Christopher Demas, MD

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Medical school: Alpert Medical School of Brown University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan?I am excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan because of the people. Their support, thoughtfulness and dedication to teaching truly stand out. Being part of a team that values both compassionate care and strong medical education makes Corewell Health a place where I know I'll thrive and grow.

What are your clinical interests? I'm drawn to caring for hospitalized children, especially those with complex and medically involved conditions. I find it deeply meaningful to support these patients and their families through challenging moments, and I value family-centered rounds as a way to ensure compassionate, transparent, and collaborative care that honors each child's unique situation.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking, camping, and staying active throughout all four seasons. I'm also a violinist, enjoy gardening, and have explored creative hobbies like glass blowing.

Emily Friedl, DO

Hometown: Kenosha, WI

Medical school: Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I grew up in Eastern Wisconsin, so West Michigan feels a lot like home to me. I'm very excited about the growth and opportunities this fellowship offers, especially the chance to gain new and different experiences than those I had during residency. Most of all, everyone has been so kind and welcoming—truly embracing that Midwestern warmth that I love.

What are your clinical interests? This is such a tough question! Medical education has been a major passion of mine, especially during my chief year. That said, after focusing heavily on teaching and leadership, I'm eager to get back to more hands-on clinical work. I'm particularly excited to deepen my skills in sedation and point-of-care ultrasound—both of which I believe are key to the future of hospital medicine. I also plan to pursue simulation development as a way to blend my clinical growth with my ongoing interest in medical education.

Hobbies: I have three dogs—Honey, Posey, and Obi Wan Kenobi—so anything dog-friendly is an automatic yes for us! I played soccer through college and still love to play whenever I get the chance. During residency, I discovered OrangeTheory Fitness and was instantly hooked. Lately, I've been adding pilates to my routine as well. Like many millennials, I've also entered my sourdough era—experimenting with different recipes and techniques. I've learned that feeding my sourdough starter feels a bit like taking care of a child. Thankfully, my husband helps keep up with all of my crazy antics!

Christopher Demas, MD

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Medical school: Alpert Medical School of Brown University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan?I am excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan because of the people. Their support, thoughtfulness and dedication to teaching truly stand out. Being part of a team that values both compassionate care and strong medical education makes Corewell Health a place where I know I'll thrive and grow.

What are your clinical interests? I'm drawn to caring for hospitalized children, especially those with complex and medically involved conditions. I find it deeply meaningful to support these patients and their families through challenging moments, and I value family-centered rounds as a way to ensure compassionate, transparent, and collaborative care that honors each child's unique situation.

Hobbies: Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking, camping, and staying active throughout all four seasons. I'm also a violinist, enjoy gardening, and have explored creative hobbies like glass blowing.

Emily Friedl, DO

Hometown: Kenosha, WI

Medical school: Lincoln Memorial University- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I grew up in Eastern Wisconsin, so West Michigan feels a lot like home to me. I'm very excited about the growth and opportunities this fellowship offers, especially the chance to gain new and different experiences than those I had during residency. Most of all, everyone has been so kind and welcoming—truly embracing that Midwestern warmth that I love.

What are your clinical interests? This is such a tough question! Medical education has been a major passion of mine, especially during my chief year. That said, after focusing heavily on teaching and leadership, I'm eager to get back to more hands-on clinical work. I'm particularly excited to deepen my skills in sedation and point-of-care ultrasound—both of which I believe are key to the future of hospital medicine. I also plan to pursue simulation development as a way to blend my clinical growth with my ongoing interest in medical education.

Hobbies: I have three dogs—Honey, Posey, and Obi Wan Kenobi—so anything dog-friendly is an automatic yes for us! I played soccer through college and still love to play whenever I get the chance. During residency, I discovered OrangeTheory Fitness and was instantly hooked. Lately, I've been adding pilates to my routine as well. Like many millennials, I've also entered my sourdough era—experimenting with different recipes and techniques. I've learned that feeding my sourdough starter feels a bit like taking care of a child. Thankfully, my husband helps keep up with all of my crazy antics!

PGY 5

Victoria LeBlanc, MD

Hometown: Grandville, MI

Medical school: St. George's University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am very excited to be returning to Grand Rapids to complete my fellowship as I grew up in this area and have always loved West Michigan. It truly is the people who make the program a great place to train and I felt very welcomed during the interview process. I previously worked as a scribe in the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital emergency department before heading to medical school and was able to see the excellent care that this hospital provides to every patient who walks through the doors. I can't wait to continue making a difference for these patients!

What are your clinical interests? As a current social media co-chair for the pediatric hospital medicine annual conference, I am interested in how social media plays a role in healthcare. I also have a strong interest in medical education and advocacy.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love taking my dog Mazie for walks or to the dog park! I am also a huge Disney fanatic so I make frequent trips to Florida. Other things I enjoy include reading and singing karaoke.

Victoria LeBlanc, MD

Hometown: Grandville, MI

Medical school: St. George's University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am very excited to be returning to Grand Rapids to complete my fellowship as I grew up in this area and have always loved West Michigan. It truly is the people who make the program a great place to train and I felt very welcomed during the interview process. I previously worked as a scribe in the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital emergency department before heading to medical school and was able to see the excellent care that this hospital provides to every patient who walks through the doors. I can't wait to continue making a difference for these patients!

What are your clinical interests? As a current social media co-chair for the pediatric hospital medicine annual conference, I am interested in how social media plays a role in healthcare. I also have a strong interest in medical education and advocacy.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love taking my dog Mazie for walks or to the dog park! I am also a huge Disney fanatic so I make frequent trips to Florida. Other things I enjoy include reading and singing karaoke.

Victoria LeBlanc, MD

Hometown: Grandville, MI

Medical school: St. George's University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am very excited to be returning to Grand Rapids to complete my fellowship as I grew up in this area and have always loved West Michigan. It truly is the people who make the program a great place to train and I felt very welcomed during the interview process. I previously worked as a scribe in the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital emergency department before heading to medical school and was able to see the excellent care that this hospital provides to every patient who walks through the doors. I can't wait to continue making a difference for these patients!

What are your clinical interests? As a current social media co-chair for the pediatric hospital medicine annual conference, I am interested in how social media plays a role in healthcare. I also have a strong interest in medical education and advocacy.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love taking my dog Mazie for walks or to the dog park! I am also a huge Disney fanatic so I make frequent trips to Florida. Other things I enjoy include reading and singing karaoke.

Victoria LeBlanc, MD

Hometown: Grandville, MI

Medical school: St. George's University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am very excited to be returning to Grand Rapids to complete my fellowship as I grew up in this area and have always loved West Michigan. It truly is the people who make the program a great place to train and I felt very welcomed during the interview process. I previously worked as a scribe in the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital emergency department before heading to medical school and was able to see the excellent care that this hospital provides to every patient who walks through the doors. I can't wait to continue making a difference for these patients!

What are your clinical interests? As a current social media co-chair for the pediatric hospital medicine annual conference, I am interested in how social media plays a role in healthcare. I also have a strong interest in medical education and advocacy.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love taking my dog Mazie for walks or to the dog park! I am also a huge Disney fanatic so I make frequent trips to Florida. Other things I enjoy include reading and singing karaoke.

Graduates

Catherine Ezzio, MD, Hospitalist

Baila Harris, MD, Hospitalist, Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals)

Catherine Ezzio, MD, Hospitalist

Baila Harris, MD, Hospitalist, Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals)

Danielle Fisher, MD

Allek Scheele, MD

Renée Jordan, MD, Academic hospitalist, The Children's Hospital at OU Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK

Jan Fune, MD, Academic hospitalist, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, NY

Get To Know Our Fellows

PGY 4

PGY 5

Graduates