Get To Know Our Residents

PGY 1

Portrait of Gabriella Abreo, MD
Gabriella Abreo, MD

Hometown: Youngstown, OH

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I love that Grand Rapids offers training in a large tertiary/quaternary center for internal medicine and pediatrics. This offers a broad patient population and exposure to a wide variety of conditions, which was my priority. I also loved the program leadership, and the residents were super open and friendly!

Clinical interests: I am still deciding on my clinical interests, but I am leaning toward med-peds hospitalist or transitional care for complex medical conditions.

Hobbies: I have a wide range of hobbies depending on my mood! I like to crochet, play with my cats, bake, and (if I have time) binge-watch sitcoms. I also enjoy hiking and dancing! 

Portrait of Navjot Singh Azad, DO
Navjot Singh Azad, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan?  As a native of the Grand Rapids area, I am excited to give back to the community that has given me invaluable opportunities and experiences. I look forward to honing my clinical skills with the guidance of supportive faculty and seniors.

Clinical interests: I am interested in cardiovascular medicine but am open-minded about other career paths.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading at my favorite coffee shops, playing basketball, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends.  

Portrait of Evan Claggett
Evan Claggett

Hometown: Canton. MI

Medical school: Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to be a part of the team at Corewell Health in West Michigan. The Medical Mile not only has the most cutting-edge resources, it boasts an incredibly dedicated and mission-focused medical team.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include pulmonology and critical care, hospital-associated disability, Intensive care unit delirium, and the use of point-of-care ultrasound at the bedside.

Hobbies: When not at the hospital you will find me at Lake Michigan. My family and I will spend hours swimming, hiking, and watching the boat come in and out of the Grand Haven pier. You will also find me spending time disc golfing, reading, and weightlifting whenever possible

Portrait of Erin Day, DO
Erin Day, DO

Hometown: Novi, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? After rotating here, I truly fell in love with the program. I'm thrilled to be part of such a supportive environment—one that I know will challenge me and prepare me well for whatever path I choose after residency. I'm so excited to call this vibrant community in West Michigan my new home.

Clinical interests: At this time, I'm interested in inpatient medicine, cardiology, and medical education, but keeping an open mind going into intern year.

Hobbies: I love to playing tennis, reading, going Up North, and spending time with my family and friends!

Portrait of Jagroop Doad, DO
Jagroop Doad, DO

Hometown: Windsor, ON, Canada

Medical school: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan and be close to my family in the Midwest. I look forward to learning from the program's experienced faculty while caring for a diverse patient population with a broad spectrum of complex and chronic conditions.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include all aspects of internal medicine, with a strong passion for cardiology and heart failure.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Additionally, I like trying new cuisines, running, and watching the Lakers.vv

Portrait of Mckenna Galloway, MD
Mckenna Galloway, MD

Hometown: Commerce Township, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to see such a variety of complex illnesses from being at a large institution. Having done medical school in Grand Rapids, I experienced how friendly and supportive the learning environment was at Corewell Health in West Michigan. I look forward to serving my Michigan community!

Clinical interests: I am interested in inpatient medicine. Possibly a fellowship in cardiology or critical care medicine.

Hobbies: I enjoy staying active with weight lifting, yoga, and hiking. Some less active hobbies of mine include reading books, board games, and puzzles. 

Portrait of Joseph Hostnik, MD
Joseph Hostnik, MD

Hometown: Hartland, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to stay in West Michigan and Grand Rapids after two amazing years of clinical rotations with the incredible and brilliant staff at Corewell Health in West Michigan! I am grateful to stay surrounded by excellent local food, beautiful sights, and a kind, compassionate culture that inspired me to stay and practice in Michigan. I can't wait to make an impact in this wonderful community and foster relationships with my patients. Lastly, I'm looking forward to opportunities to teach the rotating medical students from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, my alma mater!

Clinical interests: I am interested in hospitalist medicine with a fellowship in hospice/palliative medicine.

Hobbies: My top hobbies include cooking and baking, guitar, board games, video games, and musical theatre - in fact my favorite place to travel is NYC to see all the latest plays and musicals!

Portrait of Nick Jacus, MD
Nick Jacus, MD

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am looking forward to working in a large hospital with the resources that Corewell Health in West Michigan has to offer, while still maintaining the close-knit, family feel of the residency program. Having grown up and attended college in Chicago, I'm excited to live in Grand Rapids and experience everything the city has to offer. At the same time, I'm eager to explore the outdoor activities available in Southwest Michigan, such as the beaches and hiking trails.

Clinical interests: I like that internal medicine covers a wide range of medical knowledge and enjoy working with patients in the hospital, which is why I am currently considering a career in hospitalist medicine. However, I remain open to exploring various fellowship opportunities as I gain more specialty experience during residency.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to stay active. I especially enjoy playing volleyball and golf, as well as weight lifting and cycling. I also like baking and cooking new recipes and sharing meals with friends and family.

Sanam Khan MD

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

Medical school: Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm eager to join a healthcare team where experienced mentors will guide and support me. I am excited about the culture of this program. The cohesive and collaborative atmosphere makes me confident that I will learn, grow, and thrive while benefiting from the wisdom of mentors and senior colleagues.

Clinical interests: I am interested in a broad range of inpatient pathologies and cardiovascular medicine.

Hobbies: My hobbies include singing, pickleball, volleyball, yoga and story time with my kids.

Portrait of Maria Kim, DO
Maria Kim, DO

Hometown: East Lansing, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to train at Corewell Health in West Michigan for the opportunity to learn from dedicated, passionate faculty and to collaborate with residents and staff in a supportive environment. I'm eager to build a strong clinical foundation through diverse, well-rounded training and look forward to exploring all that Grand Rapids has to offer—especially its food scene, parks, and trails!

Clinical interests: I am interested in in-patient medicine and cardiology.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and camping. I love being outdoors in nature. I also enjoy spending time with friends playing board games or sports.

Portrait of Joshua Kuperus, MD
Joshua Kuperus, MD

Hometown: Blyth, Ontario, Canada

Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am thrilled about my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan, as working at Butterworth Hospital as a medical scribe was the spark that initially kindled my passion for medicine. Furthermore, I am excited to return to Corewell Health West Michigan as a resident, thanks to the program's commitment to top-notch medical training, supportive faculty, and the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population.

Clinical interests: My current clinical interests include inpatient medicine and hematology/oncology.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, playing competitive ping pong, and juggling. 

Portrait of Samuel Miller, DO
Samuel Miller, DO

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Medical school: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited for my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan because it had exactly what I was looking for in a residency! The opportunity to work with attending who love to teach and truly care about their students, a hospital that sees a wide variety of pathology, and in a location that not only has beautiful nature surrounding it, but also is close to my family as well!

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, the broad nature of human pathology is what I find interesting! However, I am particularly interested in rheumatologic diseases and their manifestations in different populations.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include cheering for the Bengals football team, most outdoor activities (hiking, snowboarding, biking), reading, and spending time with my friends and family!

Portrait of Nati Nesibu, DO
Nati Nesibu, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Liberty University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Being in medical school, the dream was to get to residency and start working as a physician with patients, which I have reached by God's grace. One thing I learned during medical school was my love for internal medicine. I am fully confident and excited that Corewell Health in West Michigan is the right place for me to grow and expand my knowledge in medicine to server the community of West Michigan. I am also excited to be back in West Michigan, close to family.

Clinical interests: I am interested in learning more about the plethora of specialties available in internal medicine.  

Hobbies: I love playing and watching soccer. It's a great way to meet people and connect with communities all around the world. 

Portrait of Bradley Reinoehl, DO
Bradley Reinoehl, DO

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to return to the west side of the state and join Corewell Health in West Michigan to provide care in the communities in which I was raised. Having grown up in West Michigan and gone to Western Michigan University for my undergraduate education, I'm thrilled to return to the area. I am especially looking forward to exploring the greater Grand Rapids area.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! I've always enjoyed internal medicine because of the wide variety of conditions and patients we have the opportunity to interact with. I'm interested in Cardiology, especially Electrophysiology, and would love the opportunity to pursue a fellowship later in my career.

Hobbies: I am a huge sports fan, always rooting for Michigan State and Western Michigan, along with all the professional Michigan sports teams. I'm an alumnus of the Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band and love attending games and playing my trumpet. My other hobbies are golfing, playing basketball, video games, and tabletop games.

Portrait of Vamsish Satoor, MD
Vamsish Satoor, MD

Hometown: Evansville, IN

Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The welcoming and supportive environment present at Corewell Health in West Michigan was very evident during the interview, and this culture is definitely what I am most excited about. I live in the Eastown/Heritage Hills neighborhood. The neighborhood is very walkable, which I am not used to coming from suburban Indiana. I am very excited about exploring all the local shops, parks, and especially Fulton Street Farmers Market.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! Medically, I am interested in heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and the field of Cardiology as a whole. As for my non-academic clinical interests, I am passionate about community outreach, physician advocacy, and social determinants of health.

Hobbies: I don't have any super unique hobbies, but I like anything fun mainly sports, music, and TV shows/movies. My football teams are Georgia Tech and the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of my favorite activities is camping on my couch on Sundays and watching football all day. I also love playing piano and flute in my free time.

Portrait of Carolyn Watts, MD, MPH
Carolyn Watts, MD, MPH

Hometown: Denver, CO

Medical school: University of Colorado School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan because of its strong reputation for excellent clinical training, dedication to health equity, and opportunities for leadership and research. I'm especially drawn to the program's commitment to caring for underserved communities, which aligns with my passion for advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. I'm also excited to train at a center known for its outstanding cardiovascular care, as I'm passionate about preventive cardiology and improving cardiovascular outcomes. I look forward to learning from supportive faculty and gaining broad clinical experience that will prepare me to care for diverse patient populations.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, with a focus on reducing cardiovascular risk factors and improving long-term outcomes for patients at risk for acute cardiovascular events. I am passionate about advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health, particularly by improving access to care and outcomes for underserved communities. I am also interested in continuity of care and building lasting relationships with patients to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Hobbies: My favorite thing to do is anything with my friends and family; I am an extreme extrovert, and being with people fills my cup! I am a runner and travel to Disney World every January for their Marathon weekend! I love watching football, and despite being from Denver, I'm a huge Buffalo Bills fan! Also, I love to travel, and last year I was lucky enough to make it to Ireland and Cozumel! 

Portrait of Gabriella Abreo, MD
Gabriella Abreo, MD

Hometown: Youngstown, OH

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I love that Grand Rapids offers training in a large tertiary/quaternary center for internal medicine and pediatrics. This offers a broad patient population and exposure to a wide variety of conditions, which was my priority. I also loved the program leadership, and the residents were super open and friendly!

Clinical interests: I am still deciding on my clinical interests, but I am leaning toward med-peds hospitalist or transitional care for complex medical conditions.

Hobbies: I have a wide range of hobbies depending on my mood! I like to crochet, play with my cats, bake, and (if I have time) binge-watch sitcoms. I also enjoy hiking and dancing! 

Portrait of Navjot Singh Azad, DO
Navjot Singh Azad, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan?  As a native of the Grand Rapids area, I am excited to give back to the community that has given me invaluable opportunities and experiences. I look forward to honing my clinical skills with the guidance of supportive faculty and seniors.

Clinical interests: I am interested in cardiovascular medicine but am open-minded about other career paths.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading at my favorite coffee shops, playing basketball, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends.  

Portrait of Evan Claggett
Evan Claggett

Hometown: Canton. MI

Medical school: Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to be a part of the team at Corewell Health in West Michigan. The Medical Mile not only has the most cutting-edge resources, it boasts an incredibly dedicated and mission-focused medical team.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include pulmonology and critical care, hospital-associated disability, Intensive care unit delirium, and the use of point-of-care ultrasound at the bedside.

Hobbies: When not at the hospital you will find me at Lake Michigan. My family and I will spend hours swimming, hiking, and watching the boat come in and out of the Grand Haven pier. You will also find me spending time disc golfing, reading, and weightlifting whenever possible

Portrait of Erin Day, DO
Erin Day, DO

Hometown: Novi, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? After rotating here, I truly fell in love with the program. I'm thrilled to be part of such a supportive environment—one that I know will challenge me and prepare me well for whatever path I choose after residency. I'm so excited to call this vibrant community in West Michigan my new home.

Clinical interests: At this time, I'm interested in inpatient medicine, cardiology, and medical education, but keeping an open mind going into intern year.

Hobbies: I love to playing tennis, reading, going Up North, and spending time with my family and friends!

Portrait of Jagroop Doad, DO
Jagroop Doad, DO

Hometown: Windsor, ON, Canada

Medical school: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan and be close to my family in the Midwest. I look forward to learning from the program's experienced faculty while caring for a diverse patient population with a broad spectrum of complex and chronic conditions.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include all aspects of internal medicine, with a strong passion for cardiology and heart failure.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Additionally, I like trying new cuisines, running, and watching the Lakers.vv

Portrait of Mckenna Galloway, MD
Mckenna Galloway, MD

Hometown: Commerce Township, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to see such a variety of complex illnesses from being at a large institution. Having done medical school in Grand Rapids, I experienced how friendly and supportive the learning environment was at Corewell Health in West Michigan. I look forward to serving my Michigan community!

Clinical interests: I am interested in inpatient medicine. Possibly a fellowship in cardiology or critical care medicine.

Hobbies: I enjoy staying active with weight lifting, yoga, and hiking. Some less active hobbies of mine include reading books, board games, and puzzles. 

Portrait of Joseph Hostnik, MD
Joseph Hostnik, MD

Hometown: Hartland, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to stay in West Michigan and Grand Rapids after two amazing years of clinical rotations with the incredible and brilliant staff at Corewell Health in West Michigan! I am grateful to stay surrounded by excellent local food, beautiful sights, and a kind, compassionate culture that inspired me to stay and practice in Michigan. I can't wait to make an impact in this wonderful community and foster relationships with my patients. Lastly, I'm looking forward to opportunities to teach the rotating medical students from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, my alma mater!

Clinical interests: I am interested in hospitalist medicine with a fellowship in hospice/palliative medicine.

Hobbies: My top hobbies include cooking and baking, guitar, board games, video games, and musical theatre - in fact my favorite place to travel is NYC to see all the latest plays and musicals!

Portrait of Nick Jacus, MD
Nick Jacus, MD

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am looking forward to working in a large hospital with the resources that Corewell Health in West Michigan has to offer, while still maintaining the close-knit, family feel of the residency program. Having grown up and attended college in Chicago, I'm excited to live in Grand Rapids and experience everything the city has to offer. At the same time, I'm eager to explore the outdoor activities available in Southwest Michigan, such as the beaches and hiking trails.

Clinical interests: I like that internal medicine covers a wide range of medical knowledge and enjoy working with patients in the hospital, which is why I am currently considering a career in hospitalist medicine. However, I remain open to exploring various fellowship opportunities as I gain more specialty experience during residency.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to stay active. I especially enjoy playing volleyball and golf, as well as weight lifting and cycling. I also like baking and cooking new recipes and sharing meals with friends and family.

Sanam Khan MD

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

Medical school: Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm eager to join a healthcare team where experienced mentors will guide and support me. I am excited about the culture of this program. The cohesive and collaborative atmosphere makes me confident that I will learn, grow, and thrive while benefiting from the wisdom of mentors and senior colleagues.

Clinical interests: I am interested in a broad range of inpatient pathologies and cardiovascular medicine.

Hobbies: My hobbies include singing, pickleball, volleyball, yoga and story time with my kids.

Portrait of Maria Kim, DO
Maria Kim, DO

Hometown: East Lansing, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to train at Corewell Health in West Michigan for the opportunity to learn from dedicated, passionate faculty and to collaborate with residents and staff in a supportive environment. I'm eager to build a strong clinical foundation through diverse, well-rounded training and look forward to exploring all that Grand Rapids has to offer—especially its food scene, parks, and trails!

Clinical interests: I am interested in in-patient medicine and cardiology.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and camping. I love being outdoors in nature. I also enjoy spending time with friends playing board games or sports.

Portrait of Joshua Kuperus, MD
Joshua Kuperus, MD

Hometown: Blyth, Ontario, Canada

Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am thrilled about my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan, as working at Butterworth Hospital as a medical scribe was the spark that initially kindled my passion for medicine. Furthermore, I am excited to return to Corewell Health West Michigan as a resident, thanks to the program's commitment to top-notch medical training, supportive faculty, and the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population.

Clinical interests: My current clinical interests include inpatient medicine and hematology/oncology.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, playing competitive ping pong, and juggling. 

Portrait of Samuel Miller, DO
Samuel Miller, DO

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Medical school: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited for my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan because it had exactly what I was looking for in a residency! The opportunity to work with attending who love to teach and truly care about their students, a hospital that sees a wide variety of pathology, and in a location that not only has beautiful nature surrounding it, but also is close to my family as well!

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, the broad nature of human pathology is what I find interesting! However, I am particularly interested in rheumatologic diseases and their manifestations in different populations.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include cheering for the Bengals football team, most outdoor activities (hiking, snowboarding, biking), reading, and spending time with my friends and family!

Portrait of Nati Nesibu, DO
Nati Nesibu, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Liberty University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Being in medical school, the dream was to get to residency and start working as a physician with patients, which I have reached by God's grace. One thing I learned during medical school was my love for internal medicine. I am fully confident and excited that Corewell Health in West Michigan is the right place for me to grow and expand my knowledge in medicine to server the community of West Michigan. I am also excited to be back in West Michigan, close to family.

Clinical interests: I am interested in learning more about the plethora of specialties available in internal medicine.  

Hobbies: I love playing and watching soccer. It's a great way to meet people and connect with communities all around the world. 

Portrait of Bradley Reinoehl, DO
Bradley Reinoehl, DO

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to return to the west side of the state and join Corewell Health in West Michigan to provide care in the communities in which I was raised. Having grown up in West Michigan and gone to Western Michigan University for my undergraduate education, I'm thrilled to return to the area. I am especially looking forward to exploring the greater Grand Rapids area.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! I've always enjoyed internal medicine because of the wide variety of conditions and patients we have the opportunity to interact with. I'm interested in Cardiology, especially Electrophysiology, and would love the opportunity to pursue a fellowship later in my career.

Hobbies: I am a huge sports fan, always rooting for Michigan State and Western Michigan, along with all the professional Michigan sports teams. I'm an alumnus of the Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band and love attending games and playing my trumpet. My other hobbies are golfing, playing basketball, video games, and tabletop games.

Portrait of Vamsish Satoor, MD
Vamsish Satoor, MD

Hometown: Evansville, IN

Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The welcoming and supportive environment present at Corewell Health in West Michigan was very evident during the interview, and this culture is definitely what I am most excited about. I live in the Eastown/Heritage Hills neighborhood. The neighborhood is very walkable, which I am not used to coming from suburban Indiana. I am very excited about exploring all the local shops, parks, and especially Fulton Street Farmers Market.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! Medically, I am interested in heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and the field of Cardiology as a whole. As for my non-academic clinical interests, I am passionate about community outreach, physician advocacy, and social determinants of health.

Hobbies: I don't have any super unique hobbies, but I like anything fun mainly sports, music, and TV shows/movies. My football teams are Georgia Tech and the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of my favorite activities is camping on my couch on Sundays and watching football all day. I also love playing piano and flute in my free time.

Portrait of Carolyn Watts, MD, MPH
Carolyn Watts, MD, MPH

Hometown: Denver, CO

Medical school: University of Colorado School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan because of its strong reputation for excellent clinical training, dedication to health equity, and opportunities for leadership and research. I'm especially drawn to the program's commitment to caring for underserved communities, which aligns with my passion for advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. I'm also excited to train at a center known for its outstanding cardiovascular care, as I'm passionate about preventive cardiology and improving cardiovascular outcomes. I look forward to learning from supportive faculty and gaining broad clinical experience that will prepare me to care for diverse patient populations.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, with a focus on reducing cardiovascular risk factors and improving long-term outcomes for patients at risk for acute cardiovascular events. I am passionate about advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health, particularly by improving access to care and outcomes for underserved communities. I am also interested in continuity of care and building lasting relationships with patients to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Hobbies: My favorite thing to do is anything with my friends and family; I am an extreme extrovert, and being with people fills my cup! I am a runner and travel to Disney World every January for their Marathon weekend! I love watching football, and despite being from Denver, I'm a huge Buffalo Bills fan! Also, I love to travel, and last year I was lucky enough to make it to Ireland and Cozumel! 

Portrait of Gabriella Abreo, MD
Gabriella Abreo, MD

Hometown: Youngstown, OH

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I love that Grand Rapids offers training in a large tertiary/quaternary center for internal medicine and pediatrics. This offers a broad patient population and exposure to a wide variety of conditions, which was my priority. I also loved the program leadership, and the residents were super open and friendly!

Clinical interests: I am still deciding on my clinical interests, but I am leaning toward med-peds hospitalist or transitional care for complex medical conditions.

Hobbies: I have a wide range of hobbies depending on my mood! I like to crochet, play with my cats, bake, and (if I have time) binge-watch sitcoms. I also enjoy hiking and dancing! 

Portrait of Navjot Singh Azad, DO
Navjot Singh Azad, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan?  As a native of the Grand Rapids area, I am excited to give back to the community that has given me invaluable opportunities and experiences. I look forward to honing my clinical skills with the guidance of supportive faculty and seniors.

Clinical interests: I am interested in cardiovascular medicine but am open-minded about other career paths.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading at my favorite coffee shops, playing basketball, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends.  

Portrait of Evan Claggett
Evan Claggett

Hometown: Canton. MI

Medical school: Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to be a part of the team at Corewell Health in West Michigan. The Medical Mile not only has the most cutting-edge resources, it boasts an incredibly dedicated and mission-focused medical team.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include pulmonology and critical care, hospital-associated disability, Intensive care unit delirium, and the use of point-of-care ultrasound at the bedside.

Hobbies: When not at the hospital you will find me at Lake Michigan. My family and I will spend hours swimming, hiking, and watching the boat come in and out of the Grand Haven pier. You will also find me spending time disc golfing, reading, and weightlifting whenever possible

Portrait of Erin Day, DO
Erin Day, DO

Hometown: Novi, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? After rotating here, I truly fell in love with the program. I'm thrilled to be part of such a supportive environment—one that I know will challenge me and prepare me well for whatever path I choose after residency. I'm so excited to call this vibrant community in West Michigan my new home.

Clinical interests: At this time, I'm interested in inpatient medicine, cardiology, and medical education, but keeping an open mind going into intern year.

Hobbies: I love to playing tennis, reading, going Up North, and spending time with my family and friends!

Portrait of Jagroop Doad, DO
Jagroop Doad, DO

Hometown: Windsor, ON, Canada

Medical school: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan and be close to my family in the Midwest. I look forward to learning from the program's experienced faculty while caring for a diverse patient population with a broad spectrum of complex and chronic conditions.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include all aspects of internal medicine, with a strong passion for cardiology and heart failure.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Additionally, I like trying new cuisines, running, and watching the Lakers.vv

Portrait of Mckenna Galloway, MD
Mckenna Galloway, MD

Hometown: Commerce Township, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to see such a variety of complex illnesses from being at a large institution. Having done medical school in Grand Rapids, I experienced how friendly and supportive the learning environment was at Corewell Health in West Michigan. I look forward to serving my Michigan community!

Clinical interests: I am interested in inpatient medicine. Possibly a fellowship in cardiology or critical care medicine.

Hobbies: I enjoy staying active with weight lifting, yoga, and hiking. Some less active hobbies of mine include reading books, board games, and puzzles. 

Portrait of Joseph Hostnik, MD
Joseph Hostnik, MD

Hometown: Hartland, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to stay in West Michigan and Grand Rapids after two amazing years of clinical rotations with the incredible and brilliant staff at Corewell Health in West Michigan! I am grateful to stay surrounded by excellent local food, beautiful sights, and a kind, compassionate culture that inspired me to stay and practice in Michigan. I can't wait to make an impact in this wonderful community and foster relationships with my patients. Lastly, I'm looking forward to opportunities to teach the rotating medical students from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, my alma mater!

Clinical interests: I am interested in hospitalist medicine with a fellowship in hospice/palliative medicine.

Hobbies: My top hobbies include cooking and baking, guitar, board games, video games, and musical theatre - in fact my favorite place to travel is NYC to see all the latest plays and musicals!

Portrait of Nick Jacus, MD
Nick Jacus, MD

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am looking forward to working in a large hospital with the resources that Corewell Health in West Michigan has to offer, while still maintaining the close-knit, family feel of the residency program. Having grown up and attended college in Chicago, I'm excited to live in Grand Rapids and experience everything the city has to offer. At the same time, I'm eager to explore the outdoor activities available in Southwest Michigan, such as the beaches and hiking trails.

Clinical interests: I like that internal medicine covers a wide range of medical knowledge and enjoy working with patients in the hospital, which is why I am currently considering a career in hospitalist medicine. However, I remain open to exploring various fellowship opportunities as I gain more specialty experience during residency.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to stay active. I especially enjoy playing volleyball and golf, as well as weight lifting and cycling. I also like baking and cooking new recipes and sharing meals with friends and family.

Sanam Khan MD

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

Medical school: Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm eager to join a healthcare team where experienced mentors will guide and support me. I am excited about the culture of this program. The cohesive and collaborative atmosphere makes me confident that I will learn, grow, and thrive while benefiting from the wisdom of mentors and senior colleagues.

Clinical interests: I am interested in a broad range of inpatient pathologies and cardiovascular medicine.

Hobbies: My hobbies include singing, pickleball, volleyball, yoga and story time with my kids.

Portrait of Maria Kim, DO
Maria Kim, DO

Hometown: East Lansing, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to train at Corewell Health in West Michigan for the opportunity to learn from dedicated, passionate faculty and to collaborate with residents and staff in a supportive environment. I'm eager to build a strong clinical foundation through diverse, well-rounded training and look forward to exploring all that Grand Rapids has to offer—especially its food scene, parks, and trails!

Clinical interests: I am interested in in-patient medicine and cardiology.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and camping. I love being outdoors in nature. I also enjoy spending time with friends playing board games or sports.

Portrait of Joshua Kuperus, MD
Joshua Kuperus, MD

Hometown: Blyth, Ontario, Canada

Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am thrilled about my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan, as working at Butterworth Hospital as a medical scribe was the spark that initially kindled my passion for medicine. Furthermore, I am excited to return to Corewell Health West Michigan as a resident, thanks to the program's commitment to top-notch medical training, supportive faculty, and the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population.

Clinical interests: My current clinical interests include inpatient medicine and hematology/oncology.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, playing competitive ping pong, and juggling. 

Portrait of Samuel Miller, DO
Samuel Miller, DO

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Medical school: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited for my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan because it had exactly what I was looking for in a residency! The opportunity to work with attending who love to teach and truly care about their students, a hospital that sees a wide variety of pathology, and in a location that not only has beautiful nature surrounding it, but also is close to my family as well!

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, the broad nature of human pathology is what I find interesting! However, I am particularly interested in rheumatologic diseases and their manifestations in different populations.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include cheering for the Bengals football team, most outdoor activities (hiking, snowboarding, biking), reading, and spending time with my friends and family!

Portrait of Nati Nesibu, DO
Nati Nesibu, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Liberty University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Being in medical school, the dream was to get to residency and start working as a physician with patients, which I have reached by God's grace. One thing I learned during medical school was my love for internal medicine. I am fully confident and excited that Corewell Health in West Michigan is the right place for me to grow and expand my knowledge in medicine to server the community of West Michigan. I am also excited to be back in West Michigan, close to family.

Clinical interests: I am interested in learning more about the plethora of specialties available in internal medicine.  

Hobbies: I love playing and watching soccer. It's a great way to meet people and connect with communities all around the world. 

Portrait of Bradley Reinoehl, DO
Bradley Reinoehl, DO

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to return to the west side of the state and join Corewell Health in West Michigan to provide care in the communities in which I was raised. Having grown up in West Michigan and gone to Western Michigan University for my undergraduate education, I'm thrilled to return to the area. I am especially looking forward to exploring the greater Grand Rapids area.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! I've always enjoyed internal medicine because of the wide variety of conditions and patients we have the opportunity to interact with. I'm interested in Cardiology, especially Electrophysiology, and would love the opportunity to pursue a fellowship later in my career.

Hobbies: I am a huge sports fan, always rooting for Michigan State and Western Michigan, along with all the professional Michigan sports teams. I'm an alumnus of the Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band and love attending games and playing my trumpet. My other hobbies are golfing, playing basketball, video games, and tabletop games.

Portrait of Vamsish Satoor, MD
Vamsish Satoor, MD

Hometown: Evansville, IN

Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The welcoming and supportive environment present at Corewell Health in West Michigan was very evident during the interview, and this culture is definitely what I am most excited about. I live in the Eastown/Heritage Hills neighborhood. The neighborhood is very walkable, which I am not used to coming from suburban Indiana. I am very excited about exploring all the local shops, parks, and especially Fulton Street Farmers Market.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! Medically, I am interested in heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and the field of Cardiology as a whole. As for my non-academic clinical interests, I am passionate about community outreach, physician advocacy, and social determinants of health.

Hobbies: I don't have any super unique hobbies, but I like anything fun mainly sports, music, and TV shows/movies. My football teams are Georgia Tech and the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of my favorite activities is camping on my couch on Sundays and watching football all day. I also love playing piano and flute in my free time.

Portrait of Carolyn Watts, MD, MPH
Carolyn Watts, MD, MPH

Hometown: Denver, CO

Medical school: University of Colorado School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan because of its strong reputation for excellent clinical training, dedication to health equity, and opportunities for leadership and research. I'm especially drawn to the program's commitment to caring for underserved communities, which aligns with my passion for advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. I'm also excited to train at a center known for its outstanding cardiovascular care, as I'm passionate about preventive cardiology and improving cardiovascular outcomes. I look forward to learning from supportive faculty and gaining broad clinical experience that will prepare me to care for diverse patient populations.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, with a focus on reducing cardiovascular risk factors and improving long-term outcomes for patients at risk for acute cardiovascular events. I am passionate about advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health, particularly by improving access to care and outcomes for underserved communities. I am also interested in continuity of care and building lasting relationships with patients to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Hobbies: My favorite thing to do is anything with my friends and family; I am an extreme extrovert, and being with people fills my cup! I am a runner and travel to Disney World every January for their Marathon weekend! I love watching football, and despite being from Denver, I'm a huge Buffalo Bills fan! Also, I love to travel, and last year I was lucky enough to make it to Ireland and Cozumel! 

Portrait of Gabriella Abreo, MD
Gabriella Abreo, MD

Hometown: Youngstown, OH

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I love that Grand Rapids offers training in a large tertiary/quaternary center for internal medicine and pediatrics. This offers a broad patient population and exposure to a wide variety of conditions, which was my priority. I also loved the program leadership, and the residents were super open and friendly!

Clinical interests: I am still deciding on my clinical interests, but I am leaning toward med-peds hospitalist or transitional care for complex medical conditions.

Hobbies: I have a wide range of hobbies depending on my mood! I like to crochet, play with my cats, bake, and (if I have time) binge-watch sitcoms. I also enjoy hiking and dancing! 

Portrait of Navjot Singh Azad, DO
Navjot Singh Azad, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan?  As a native of the Grand Rapids area, I am excited to give back to the community that has given me invaluable opportunities and experiences. I look forward to honing my clinical skills with the guidance of supportive faculty and seniors.

Clinical interests: I am interested in cardiovascular medicine but am open-minded about other career paths.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading at my favorite coffee shops, playing basketball, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends.  

Portrait of Evan Claggett
Evan Claggett

Hometown: Canton. MI

Medical school: Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to be a part of the team at Corewell Health in West Michigan. The Medical Mile not only has the most cutting-edge resources, it boasts an incredibly dedicated and mission-focused medical team.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include pulmonology and critical care, hospital-associated disability, Intensive care unit delirium, and the use of point-of-care ultrasound at the bedside.

Hobbies: When not at the hospital you will find me at Lake Michigan. My family and I will spend hours swimming, hiking, and watching the boat come in and out of the Grand Haven pier. You will also find me spending time disc golfing, reading, and weightlifting whenever possible

Portrait of Erin Day, DO
Erin Day, DO

Hometown: Novi, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? After rotating here, I truly fell in love with the program. I'm thrilled to be part of such a supportive environment—one that I know will challenge me and prepare me well for whatever path I choose after residency. I'm so excited to call this vibrant community in West Michigan my new home.

Clinical interests: At this time, I'm interested in inpatient medicine, cardiology, and medical education, but keeping an open mind going into intern year.

Hobbies: I love to playing tennis, reading, going Up North, and spending time with my family and friends!

Portrait of Jagroop Doad, DO
Jagroop Doad, DO

Hometown: Windsor, ON, Canada

Medical school: Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan and be close to my family in the Midwest. I look forward to learning from the program's experienced faculty while caring for a diverse patient population with a broad spectrum of complex and chronic conditions.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include all aspects of internal medicine, with a strong passion for cardiology and heart failure.

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Additionally, I like trying new cuisines, running, and watching the Lakers.vv

Portrait of Mckenna Galloway, MD
Mckenna Galloway, MD

Hometown: Commerce Township, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to see such a variety of complex illnesses from being at a large institution. Having done medical school in Grand Rapids, I experienced how friendly and supportive the learning environment was at Corewell Health in West Michigan. I look forward to serving my Michigan community!

Clinical interests: I am interested in inpatient medicine. Possibly a fellowship in cardiology or critical care medicine.

Hobbies: I enjoy staying active with weight lifting, yoga, and hiking. Some less active hobbies of mine include reading books, board games, and puzzles. 

Portrait of Joseph Hostnik, MD
Joseph Hostnik, MD

Hometown: Hartland, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to stay in West Michigan and Grand Rapids after two amazing years of clinical rotations with the incredible and brilliant staff at Corewell Health in West Michigan! I am grateful to stay surrounded by excellent local food, beautiful sights, and a kind, compassionate culture that inspired me to stay and practice in Michigan. I can't wait to make an impact in this wonderful community and foster relationships with my patients. Lastly, I'm looking forward to opportunities to teach the rotating medical students from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, my alma mater!

Clinical interests: I am interested in hospitalist medicine with a fellowship in hospice/palliative medicine.

Hobbies: My top hobbies include cooking and baking, guitar, board games, video games, and musical theatre - in fact my favorite place to travel is NYC to see all the latest plays and musicals!

Portrait of Nick Jacus, MD
Nick Jacus, MD

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am looking forward to working in a large hospital with the resources that Corewell Health in West Michigan has to offer, while still maintaining the close-knit, family feel of the residency program. Having grown up and attended college in Chicago, I'm excited to live in Grand Rapids and experience everything the city has to offer. At the same time, I'm eager to explore the outdoor activities available in Southwest Michigan, such as the beaches and hiking trails.

Clinical interests: I like that internal medicine covers a wide range of medical knowledge and enjoy working with patients in the hospital, which is why I am currently considering a career in hospitalist medicine. However, I remain open to exploring various fellowship opportunities as I gain more specialty experience during residency.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to stay active. I especially enjoy playing volleyball and golf, as well as weight lifting and cycling. I also like baking and cooking new recipes and sharing meals with friends and family.

Sanam Khan MD

Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan

Medical school: Combined Military Hospital Lahore Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm eager to join a healthcare team where experienced mentors will guide and support me. I am excited about the culture of this program. The cohesive and collaborative atmosphere makes me confident that I will learn, grow, and thrive while benefiting from the wisdom of mentors and senior colleagues.

Clinical interests: I am interested in a broad range of inpatient pathologies and cardiovascular medicine.

Hobbies: My hobbies include singing, pickleball, volleyball, yoga and story time with my kids.

Portrait of Maria Kim, DO
Maria Kim, DO

Hometown: East Lansing, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to train at Corewell Health in West Michigan for the opportunity to learn from dedicated, passionate faculty and to collaborate with residents and staff in a supportive environment. I'm eager to build a strong clinical foundation through diverse, well-rounded training and look forward to exploring all that Grand Rapids has to offer—especially its food scene, parks, and trails!

Clinical interests: I am interested in in-patient medicine and cardiology.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and camping. I love being outdoors in nature. I also enjoy spending time with friends playing board games or sports.

Portrait of Joshua Kuperus, MD
Joshua Kuperus, MD

Hometown: Blyth, Ontario, Canada

Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am thrilled about my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan, as working at Butterworth Hospital as a medical scribe was the spark that initially kindled my passion for medicine. Furthermore, I am excited to return to Corewell Health West Michigan as a resident, thanks to the program's commitment to top-notch medical training, supportive faculty, and the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population.

Clinical interests: My current clinical interests include inpatient medicine and hematology/oncology.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, playing competitive ping pong, and juggling. 

Portrait of Samuel Miller, DO
Samuel Miller, DO

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Medical school: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited for my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan because it had exactly what I was looking for in a residency! The opportunity to work with attending who love to teach and truly care about their students, a hospital that sees a wide variety of pathology, and in a location that not only has beautiful nature surrounding it, but also is close to my family as well!

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, the broad nature of human pathology is what I find interesting! However, I am particularly interested in rheumatologic diseases and their manifestations in different populations.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include cheering for the Bengals football team, most outdoor activities (hiking, snowboarding, biking), reading, and spending time with my friends and family!

Portrait of Nati Nesibu, DO
Nati Nesibu, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Liberty University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Being in medical school, the dream was to get to residency and start working as a physician with patients, which I have reached by God's grace. One thing I learned during medical school was my love for internal medicine. I am fully confident and excited that Corewell Health in West Michigan is the right place for me to grow and expand my knowledge in medicine to server the community of West Michigan. I am also excited to be back in West Michigan, close to family.

Clinical interests: I am interested in learning more about the plethora of specialties available in internal medicine.  

Hobbies: I love playing and watching soccer. It's a great way to meet people and connect with communities all around the world. 

Portrait of Bradley Reinoehl, DO
Bradley Reinoehl, DO

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to return to the west side of the state and join Corewell Health in West Michigan to provide care in the communities in which I was raised. Having grown up in West Michigan and gone to Western Michigan University for my undergraduate education, I'm thrilled to return to the area. I am especially looking forward to exploring the greater Grand Rapids area.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! I've always enjoyed internal medicine because of the wide variety of conditions and patients we have the opportunity to interact with. I'm interested in Cardiology, especially Electrophysiology, and would love the opportunity to pursue a fellowship later in my career.

Hobbies: I am a huge sports fan, always rooting for Michigan State and Western Michigan, along with all the professional Michigan sports teams. I'm an alumnus of the Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band and love attending games and playing my trumpet. My other hobbies are golfing, playing basketball, video games, and tabletop games.

Portrait of Vamsish Satoor, MD
Vamsish Satoor, MD

Hometown: Evansville, IN

Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The welcoming and supportive environment present at Corewell Health in West Michigan was very evident during the interview, and this culture is definitely what I am most excited about. I live in the Eastown/Heritage Hills neighborhood. The neighborhood is very walkable, which I am not used to coming from suburban Indiana. I am very excited about exploring all the local shops, parks, and especially Fulton Street Farmers Market.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! Medically, I am interested in heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and the field of Cardiology as a whole. As for my non-academic clinical interests, I am passionate about community outreach, physician advocacy, and social determinants of health.

Hobbies: I don't have any super unique hobbies, but I like anything fun mainly sports, music, and TV shows/movies. My football teams are Georgia Tech and the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of my favorite activities is camping on my couch on Sundays and watching football all day. I also love playing piano and flute in my free time.

Portrait of Carolyn Watts, MD, MPH
Carolyn Watts, MD, MPH

Hometown: Denver, CO

Medical school: University of Colorado School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I'm excited to join Corewell Health in West Michigan because of its strong reputation for excellent clinical training, dedication to health equity, and opportunities for leadership and research. I'm especially drawn to the program's commitment to caring for underserved communities, which aligns with my passion for advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. I'm also excited to train at a center known for its outstanding cardiovascular care, as I'm passionate about preventive cardiology and improving cardiovascular outcomes. I look forward to learning from supportive faculty and gaining broad clinical experience that will prepare me to care for diverse patient populations.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include preventive cardiology, with a focus on reducing cardiovascular risk factors and improving long-term outcomes for patients at risk for acute cardiovascular events. I am passionate about advancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health, particularly by improving access to care and outcomes for underserved communities. I am also interested in continuity of care and building lasting relationships with patients to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.

Hobbies: My favorite thing to do is anything with my friends and family; I am an extreme extrovert, and being with people fills my cup! I am a runner and travel to Disney World every January for their Marathon weekend! I love watching football, and despite being from Denver, I'm a huge Buffalo Bills fan! Also, I love to travel, and last year I was lucky enough to make it to Ireland and Cozumel! 

PGY 2

Portrait of Benjamin Arnold, MD
Benjamin Arnold, MD

Hometown: Tiffin, OH

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Corewell Health in West Michigan gives me the opportunity to stay close to my family in the Midwest! I'm so eager to train at such a beautiful hospital where the faculty bleed the spirit and values of the institution while creating a culture with a strong family feel!

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! There are aspects of taking care of patients in inpatient and outpatient settings that equally delight me, but there's no physiologic system that displeases me! I love it all and can't wait to dive in.

Hobbies: I love sports, both playing and watching (especially Liverpool FC and Cleveland Cavaliers! Otherwise I love to hang out with friends doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, or going for a hike!

Portrait of Catherine Bloch, MD
Catherine Bloch, MD

Hometown: St. Clair Shores, MI

Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about the close-knit environment of the internal medicine program and the clear passion that faculty have for teaching! The hospital system at Corewell Health in West Michigan provides many exciting opportunities to practice medicine and to treat a diverse patient population with access to top-notch resources.

Clinical interests: My main interests at this time are medical education and geriatrics! I am looking forward to more opportunities in residency to explore these passions.

Hobbies: I spend my free time running, singing and playing guitar, and cooking and baking. I also enjoy camping trips to the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota.

Portrait of Lara Hakim, MD
Lara Hakim, MD

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? During my clinical training at Corewell Health in West Michigan in medical school, I not only received excellent training but also felt very supported by the residents and staff. I look forward to continuing to evolve as a clinician in this positive environment! I am also excited to stay in Grand Rapids, as I love this city's vibe and being close to the lakes.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include pulmonary and critical care medicine, and medical education.

Hobbies: I love exploring new trails with my dog, international travel, cooking, kayaking, spending time with family/friends.

Portrait of Javeria Hayat, MBBS
Javeria Hayat, MBBS

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Medical school: Dow Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I feel honored to be able to train at Corewell Health in West Michigan given its prestigious reputation and years of excellence in promoting graduate medical education. I feel excited to be a part of a program which is led by exceptional leadership and top-notch faculty and hope to learn from their expertise to become a competent internist.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include critical care and cardiovascular medicine.

Hobbies: My hobbies include singing, playing chess, watching thrillers, traveling, and a new-found love for cooking.

Portrait of Megan Kempa, DO
Megan Kempa, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? As a long-time Grand Rapids resident, I can't wait to serve the community I grew up in! Also, there are so many great people in this program; I'm excited to learn from such supportive mentors & peers.

Clinical interests: I'm interested in inpatient medicine and cardiology, especially heart failure.

Hobbies: I love being in nature! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my pets, plant-based cooking, cycling, reading (especially fantasy & sci-fi), and creating art like drawing & painting.

Portrait of Ross Kendall, MD
Ross Kendall, MD

Hometown: Orinda, CA

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I chose Corewell Health-Grand Rapids/Michigan State University because of the learner-centered educational philosophy, the culturally diverse and medically complex patient population, and the high quality of life that comes with living and working in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing fellowship in pulmonology/critical care after residency.

Hobbies: I spend as much time as possible with my wonderful spouse and preschool-aged daughter. Together we enjoy cooking, swimming, mountain biking, and playing with our dog.

Portrait of Melanie Mrozek, MD
Melanie Mrozek, MD

Hometown: Sandusky, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am so excited to start my residency at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids. I can't wait to get to know all the faculty and other residents, and I am looking forward to exploring the city! This program has so many great opportunities and I'm so excited to be here!

Clinical interests: I am very interested in cardiology.

Hobbies: My hobbies include volleyball, yoga, roller skating, video games, and hanging out with my husband and cats!

Portrait of Robert Ocomen, MD
Robert Ocomen, MD

Hometown: Harbor Beach, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I can't wait to work with the amazing faculty and residents I met during my interview. I know the rigorous training I will receive will make me an excellent, well-rounded physician. I also can't wait to explore Grand Rapids, it is such a beautiful city with many walking trails, parks, and restaurants!

Clinical interests: I am interested in minimally invasive procedures, pathophysiology, and taking care of critically ill patients. That is why I am leaning towards pulmonary or nephrology critical care.

Hobbies: I love hanging out and watching movies with my wife and our two cats, Cowboy and Willow. I also like being outdoors, running marathons, lifting weights, playing video games, and fishing.

Portrait of Nicholas Parliament, MD
Nicholas Parliament, MD

Hometown: Wixom, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I trained at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student and was impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff, I am excited to work with them. I also look forward to caring for a diverse patient population, coming from a variety of backgrounds and experiencing a wide range of diseases.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing infectious disease, possibly with a critical care component, however, I am open to other career paths.

Hobbies: I value spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy playing soccer and riding my bike. Additionally, I like learning about history.

Portrait of Katarzyna Purzycka, DO
Katarzyna Purzycka, DO

Hometown: Wixom, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I trained at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student and was impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff, I am excited to work with them. I also look forward to caring for a diverse patient population, coming from a variety of backgrounds, and experiencing a wide range of diseases.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing infectious disease, possibly with a critical care component, however, I am open to other career paths.

Hobbies: I value spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy playing soccer and riding my bike. Additionally, I like learning about history.

Portrait of Nader Rayyan, MD
Nader Rayyan, MD

Hometown: Dearborn Heights, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The unique city of Grand Rapids with its fusion of big city and small town. I am also excited to dive into residency and learn as much as possible.

Clinical interests: I'm excited to become a well-rounded generalist and use my residency to refine my career goals. Right now, I'm especially interested in pulmonary critical care and gastroenterology. I love diving into the pathology and management of both systems.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love playing tennis, bowling, and volleyball. I would add golf, but the learning curve has been steep. Lately, I've also been honing my video and photo editing skills, which has been a lot of fun. I really enjoy getting together with friends for board games or a lively Jackbox session. Plus, I never miss an opportunity to attend community events or festivals, it's always a blast!

Portrait of Levi Snoeyink, DO
Levi Snoeyink, DO

Hometown: Zeeland, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to return to Corewell Health in West Michigan as it feels like a homecoming and for the many opportunities this residency provides. I grew up in West Michigan and had my first healthcare job in The Meijer Heart Center. I am excited to give back to the community and continue to learn in the place that was so formative in my life. The internal medicine program is very intentional in providing all the support, resources, and skills you need to become an excellent physician.

Clinical interests: I am interested in all aspects of internal medicine especially inpatient care and critical care.

Hobbies: I enjoy woodworking, carving, and any kind of home improvement projects. I also really enjoy baking and cooking. I like to use fresh ingredients from the garden whenever possible.

Portrait of Tyler Van Velsen, MD
Tyler Van Velsen, MD

Hometown: Shelbyville, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Practicing medicine in West Michigan and caring for the communities I grew up in has always been important to me. Attending college at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine allowed me to learn medicine in West Michigan, and being an internal medicine resident at Corewell Health in West Michigan will allow for me to practice and train in an excellent program in the community.

Clinical interests: I chose Internal Medicine because my interests are broad and many topics in medicine excite me. My biggest clinical interests currently are in hematology/oncology and cardiology.

Hobbies: I grew up riding horses and still occasionally find time to ride. I also spend time with family and friends and enjoy getting outside to golf, hike, and kayak.

Portrait of Zachary Yono, DO
Zachary Yono, DO

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The people and the culture at this program are second to none. As an auditioning student, everyone made me feel welcome and made a sincere effort to teach and uplift each other. I thrive in environments where I feel supported and I always felt that way here. In addition to this, Grand Rapids is an amazing place to live and work in. Residency is hard, so I'm glad to be doing it in a city I love.
Clinical interests: I'm interested in cardiology and academic medicine, and am hoping to one day teach medical students and residents as an attending physician.

Hobbies: I enjoy exercising through running, lifting, or yoga. During the summer I play volleyball or golf and I try to ski at least a few times a year. For less active hobbies, I like to play various board games, videogames, cook, and hang out with my friends.

Portrait of Benjamin Arnold, MD
Benjamin Arnold, MD

Hometown: Tiffin, OH

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Corewell Health in West Michigan gives me the opportunity to stay close to my family in the Midwest! I'm so eager to train at such a beautiful hospital where the faculty bleed the spirit and values of the institution while creating a culture with a strong family feel!

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! There are aspects of taking care of patients in inpatient and outpatient settings that equally delight me, but there's no physiologic system that displeases me! I love it all and can't wait to dive in.

Hobbies: I love sports, both playing and watching (especially Liverpool FC and Cleveland Cavaliers! Otherwise I love to hang out with friends doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, or going for a hike!

Portrait of Catherine Bloch, MD
Catherine Bloch, MD

Hometown: St. Clair Shores, MI

Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about the close-knit environment of the internal medicine program and the clear passion that faculty have for teaching! The hospital system at Corewell Health in West Michigan provides many exciting opportunities to practice medicine and to treat a diverse patient population with access to top-notch resources.

Clinical interests: My main interests at this time are medical education and geriatrics! I am looking forward to more opportunities in residency to explore these passions.

Hobbies: I spend my free time running, singing and playing guitar, and cooking and baking. I also enjoy camping trips to the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota.

Portrait of Lara Hakim, MD
Lara Hakim, MD

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? During my clinical training at Corewell Health in West Michigan in medical school, I not only received excellent training but also felt very supported by the residents and staff. I look forward to continuing to evolve as a clinician in this positive environment! I am also excited to stay in Grand Rapids, as I love this city's vibe and being close to the lakes.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include pulmonary and critical care medicine, and medical education.

Hobbies: I love exploring new trails with my dog, international travel, cooking, kayaking, spending time with family/friends.

Portrait of Javeria Hayat, MBBS
Javeria Hayat, MBBS

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Medical school: Dow Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I feel honored to be able to train at Corewell Health in West Michigan given its prestigious reputation and years of excellence in promoting graduate medical education. I feel excited to be a part of a program which is led by exceptional leadership and top-notch faculty and hope to learn from their expertise to become a competent internist.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include critical care and cardiovascular medicine.

Hobbies: My hobbies include singing, playing chess, watching thrillers, traveling, and a new-found love for cooking.

Portrait of Megan Kempa, DO
Megan Kempa, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? As a long-time Grand Rapids resident, I can't wait to serve the community I grew up in! Also, there are so many great people in this program; I'm excited to learn from such supportive mentors & peers.

Clinical interests: I'm interested in inpatient medicine and cardiology, especially heart failure.

Hobbies: I love being in nature! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my pets, plant-based cooking, cycling, reading (especially fantasy & sci-fi), and creating art like drawing & painting.

Portrait of Ross Kendall, MD
Ross Kendall, MD

Hometown: Orinda, CA

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I chose Corewell Health-Grand Rapids/Michigan State University because of the learner-centered educational philosophy, the culturally diverse and medically complex patient population, and the high quality of life that comes with living and working in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing fellowship in pulmonology/critical care after residency.

Hobbies: I spend as much time as possible with my wonderful spouse and preschool-aged daughter. Together we enjoy cooking, swimming, mountain biking, and playing with our dog.

Portrait of Melanie Mrozek, MD
Melanie Mrozek, MD

Hometown: Sandusky, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am so excited to start my residency at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids. I can't wait to get to know all the faculty and other residents, and I am looking forward to exploring the city! This program has so many great opportunities and I'm so excited to be here!

Clinical interests: I am very interested in cardiology.

Hobbies: My hobbies include volleyball, yoga, roller skating, video games, and hanging out with my husband and cats!

Portrait of Robert Ocomen, MD
Robert Ocomen, MD

Hometown: Harbor Beach, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I can't wait to work with the amazing faculty and residents I met during my interview. I know the rigorous training I will receive will make me an excellent, well-rounded physician. I also can't wait to explore Grand Rapids, it is such a beautiful city with many walking trails, parks, and restaurants!

Clinical interests: I am interested in minimally invasive procedures, pathophysiology, and taking care of critically ill patients. That is why I am leaning towards pulmonary or nephrology critical care.

Hobbies: I love hanging out and watching movies with my wife and our two cats, Cowboy and Willow. I also like being outdoors, running marathons, lifting weights, playing video games, and fishing.

Portrait of Nicholas Parliament, MD
Nicholas Parliament, MD

Hometown: Wixom, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I trained at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student and was impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff, I am excited to work with them. I also look forward to caring for a diverse patient population, coming from a variety of backgrounds and experiencing a wide range of diseases.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing infectious disease, possibly with a critical care component, however, I am open to other career paths.

Hobbies: I value spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy playing soccer and riding my bike. Additionally, I like learning about history.

Portrait of Katarzyna Purzycka, DO
Katarzyna Purzycka, DO

Hometown: Wixom, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I trained at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student and was impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff, I am excited to work with them. I also look forward to caring for a diverse patient population, coming from a variety of backgrounds, and experiencing a wide range of diseases.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing infectious disease, possibly with a critical care component, however, I am open to other career paths.

Hobbies: I value spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy playing soccer and riding my bike. Additionally, I like learning about history.

Portrait of Nader Rayyan, MD
Nader Rayyan, MD

Hometown: Dearborn Heights, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The unique city of Grand Rapids with its fusion of big city and small town. I am also excited to dive into residency and learn as much as possible.

Clinical interests: I'm excited to become a well-rounded generalist and use my residency to refine my career goals. Right now, I'm especially interested in pulmonary critical care and gastroenterology. I love diving into the pathology and management of both systems.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love playing tennis, bowling, and volleyball. I would add golf, but the learning curve has been steep. Lately, I've also been honing my video and photo editing skills, which has been a lot of fun. I really enjoy getting together with friends for board games or a lively Jackbox session. Plus, I never miss an opportunity to attend community events or festivals, it's always a blast!

Portrait of Levi Snoeyink, DO
Levi Snoeyink, DO

Hometown: Zeeland, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to return to Corewell Health in West Michigan as it feels like a homecoming and for the many opportunities this residency provides. I grew up in West Michigan and had my first healthcare job in The Meijer Heart Center. I am excited to give back to the community and continue to learn in the place that was so formative in my life. The internal medicine program is very intentional in providing all the support, resources, and skills you need to become an excellent physician.

Clinical interests: I am interested in all aspects of internal medicine especially inpatient care and critical care.

Hobbies: I enjoy woodworking, carving, and any kind of home improvement projects. I also really enjoy baking and cooking. I like to use fresh ingredients from the garden whenever possible.

Portrait of Tyler Van Velsen, MD
Tyler Van Velsen, MD

Hometown: Shelbyville, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Practicing medicine in West Michigan and caring for the communities I grew up in has always been important to me. Attending college at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine allowed me to learn medicine in West Michigan, and being an internal medicine resident at Corewell Health in West Michigan will allow for me to practice and train in an excellent program in the community.

Clinical interests: I chose Internal Medicine because my interests are broad and many topics in medicine excite me. My biggest clinical interests currently are in hematology/oncology and cardiology.

Hobbies: I grew up riding horses and still occasionally find time to ride. I also spend time with family and friends and enjoy getting outside to golf, hike, and kayak.

Portrait of Zachary Yono, DO
Zachary Yono, DO

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The people and the culture at this program are second to none. As an auditioning student, everyone made me feel welcome and made a sincere effort to teach and uplift each other. I thrive in environments where I feel supported and I always felt that way here. In addition to this, Grand Rapids is an amazing place to live and work in. Residency is hard, so I'm glad to be doing it in a city I love.
Clinical interests: I'm interested in cardiology and academic medicine, and am hoping to one day teach medical students and residents as an attending physician.

Hobbies: I enjoy exercising through running, lifting, or yoga. During the summer I play volleyball or golf and I try to ski at least a few times a year. For less active hobbies, I like to play various board games, videogames, cook, and hang out with my friends.

Portrait of Benjamin Arnold, MD
Benjamin Arnold, MD

Hometown: Tiffin, OH

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Corewell Health in West Michigan gives me the opportunity to stay close to my family in the Midwest! I'm so eager to train at such a beautiful hospital where the faculty bleed the spirit and values of the institution while creating a culture with a strong family feel!

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! There are aspects of taking care of patients in inpatient and outpatient settings that equally delight me, but there's no physiologic system that displeases me! I love it all and can't wait to dive in.

Hobbies: I love sports, both playing and watching (especially Liverpool FC and Cleveland Cavaliers! Otherwise I love to hang out with friends doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, or going for a hike!

Portrait of Catherine Bloch, MD
Catherine Bloch, MD

Hometown: St. Clair Shores, MI

Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about the close-knit environment of the internal medicine program and the clear passion that faculty have for teaching! The hospital system at Corewell Health in West Michigan provides many exciting opportunities to practice medicine and to treat a diverse patient population with access to top-notch resources.

Clinical interests: My main interests at this time are medical education and geriatrics! I am looking forward to more opportunities in residency to explore these passions.

Hobbies: I spend my free time running, singing and playing guitar, and cooking and baking. I also enjoy camping trips to the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota.

Portrait of Lara Hakim, MD
Lara Hakim, MD

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? During my clinical training at Corewell Health in West Michigan in medical school, I not only received excellent training but also felt very supported by the residents and staff. I look forward to continuing to evolve as a clinician in this positive environment! I am also excited to stay in Grand Rapids, as I love this city's vibe and being close to the lakes.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include pulmonary and critical care medicine, and medical education.

Hobbies: I love exploring new trails with my dog, international travel, cooking, kayaking, spending time with family/friends.

Portrait of Javeria Hayat, MBBS
Javeria Hayat, MBBS

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Medical school: Dow Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I feel honored to be able to train at Corewell Health in West Michigan given its prestigious reputation and years of excellence in promoting graduate medical education. I feel excited to be a part of a program which is led by exceptional leadership and top-notch faculty and hope to learn from their expertise to become a competent internist.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include critical care and cardiovascular medicine.

Hobbies: My hobbies include singing, playing chess, watching thrillers, traveling, and a new-found love for cooking.

Portrait of Megan Kempa, DO
Megan Kempa, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? As a long-time Grand Rapids resident, I can't wait to serve the community I grew up in! Also, there are so many great people in this program; I'm excited to learn from such supportive mentors & peers.

Clinical interests: I'm interested in inpatient medicine and cardiology, especially heart failure.

Hobbies: I love being in nature! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my pets, plant-based cooking, cycling, reading (especially fantasy & sci-fi), and creating art like drawing & painting.

Portrait of Ross Kendall, MD
Ross Kendall, MD

Hometown: Orinda, CA

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I chose Corewell Health-Grand Rapids/Michigan State University because of the learner-centered educational philosophy, the culturally diverse and medically complex patient population, and the high quality of life that comes with living and working in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing fellowship in pulmonology/critical care after residency.

Hobbies: I spend as much time as possible with my wonderful spouse and preschool-aged daughter. Together we enjoy cooking, swimming, mountain biking, and playing with our dog.

Portrait of Melanie Mrozek, MD
Melanie Mrozek, MD

Hometown: Sandusky, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am so excited to start my residency at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids. I can't wait to get to know all the faculty and other residents, and I am looking forward to exploring the city! This program has so many great opportunities and I'm so excited to be here!

Clinical interests: I am very interested in cardiology.

Hobbies: My hobbies include volleyball, yoga, roller skating, video games, and hanging out with my husband and cats!

Portrait of Robert Ocomen, MD
Robert Ocomen, MD

Hometown: Harbor Beach, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I can't wait to work with the amazing faculty and residents I met during my interview. I know the rigorous training I will receive will make me an excellent, well-rounded physician. I also can't wait to explore Grand Rapids, it is such a beautiful city with many walking trails, parks, and restaurants!

Clinical interests: I am interested in minimally invasive procedures, pathophysiology, and taking care of critically ill patients. That is why I am leaning towards pulmonary or nephrology critical care.

Hobbies: I love hanging out and watching movies with my wife and our two cats, Cowboy and Willow. I also like being outdoors, running marathons, lifting weights, playing video games, and fishing.

Portrait of Nicholas Parliament, MD
Nicholas Parliament, MD

Hometown: Wixom, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I trained at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student and was impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff, I am excited to work with them. I also look forward to caring for a diverse patient population, coming from a variety of backgrounds and experiencing a wide range of diseases.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing infectious disease, possibly with a critical care component, however, I am open to other career paths.

Hobbies: I value spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy playing soccer and riding my bike. Additionally, I like learning about history.

Portrait of Katarzyna Purzycka, DO
Katarzyna Purzycka, DO

Hometown: Wixom, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I trained at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student and was impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff, I am excited to work with them. I also look forward to caring for a diverse patient population, coming from a variety of backgrounds, and experiencing a wide range of diseases.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing infectious disease, possibly with a critical care component, however, I am open to other career paths.

Hobbies: I value spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy playing soccer and riding my bike. Additionally, I like learning about history.

Portrait of Nader Rayyan, MD
Nader Rayyan, MD

Hometown: Dearborn Heights, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The unique city of Grand Rapids with its fusion of big city and small town. I am also excited to dive into residency and learn as much as possible.

Clinical interests: I'm excited to become a well-rounded generalist and use my residency to refine my career goals. Right now, I'm especially interested in pulmonary critical care and gastroenterology. I love diving into the pathology and management of both systems.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love playing tennis, bowling, and volleyball. I would add golf, but the learning curve has been steep. Lately, I've also been honing my video and photo editing skills, which has been a lot of fun. I really enjoy getting together with friends for board games or a lively Jackbox session. Plus, I never miss an opportunity to attend community events or festivals, it's always a blast!

Portrait of Levi Snoeyink, DO
Levi Snoeyink, DO

Hometown: Zeeland, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to return to Corewell Health in West Michigan as it feels like a homecoming and for the many opportunities this residency provides. I grew up in West Michigan and had my first healthcare job in The Meijer Heart Center. I am excited to give back to the community and continue to learn in the place that was so formative in my life. The internal medicine program is very intentional in providing all the support, resources, and skills you need to become an excellent physician.

Clinical interests: I am interested in all aspects of internal medicine especially inpatient care and critical care.

Hobbies: I enjoy woodworking, carving, and any kind of home improvement projects. I also really enjoy baking and cooking. I like to use fresh ingredients from the garden whenever possible.

Portrait of Tyler Van Velsen, MD
Tyler Van Velsen, MD

Hometown: Shelbyville, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Practicing medicine in West Michigan and caring for the communities I grew up in has always been important to me. Attending college at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine allowed me to learn medicine in West Michigan, and being an internal medicine resident at Corewell Health in West Michigan will allow for me to practice and train in an excellent program in the community.

Clinical interests: I chose Internal Medicine because my interests are broad and many topics in medicine excite me. My biggest clinical interests currently are in hematology/oncology and cardiology.

Hobbies: I grew up riding horses and still occasionally find time to ride. I also spend time with family and friends and enjoy getting outside to golf, hike, and kayak.

Portrait of Zachary Yono, DO
Zachary Yono, DO

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The people and the culture at this program are second to none. As an auditioning student, everyone made me feel welcome and made a sincere effort to teach and uplift each other. I thrive in environments where I feel supported and I always felt that way here. In addition to this, Grand Rapids is an amazing place to live and work in. Residency is hard, so I'm glad to be doing it in a city I love.
Clinical interests: I'm interested in cardiology and academic medicine, and am hoping to one day teach medical students and residents as an attending physician.

Hobbies: I enjoy exercising through running, lifting, or yoga. During the summer I play volleyball or golf and I try to ski at least a few times a year. For less active hobbies, I like to play various board games, videogames, cook, and hang out with my friends.

Portrait of Benjamin Arnold, MD
Benjamin Arnold, MD

Hometown: Tiffin, OH

Medical school: Northeast Ohio Medical University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Corewell Health in West Michigan gives me the opportunity to stay close to my family in the Midwest! I'm so eager to train at such a beautiful hospital where the faculty bleed the spirit and values of the institution while creating a culture with a strong family feel!

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, everything! There are aspects of taking care of patients in inpatient and outpatient settings that equally delight me, but there's no physiologic system that displeases me! I love it all and can't wait to dive in.

Hobbies: I love sports, both playing and watching (especially Liverpool FC and Cleveland Cavaliers! Otherwise I love to hang out with friends doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, or going for a hike!

Portrait of Catherine Bloch, MD
Catherine Bloch, MD

Hometown: St. Clair Shores, MI

Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about the close-knit environment of the internal medicine program and the clear passion that faculty have for teaching! The hospital system at Corewell Health in West Michigan provides many exciting opportunities to practice medicine and to treat a diverse patient population with access to top-notch resources.

Clinical interests: My main interests at this time are medical education and geriatrics! I am looking forward to more opportunities in residency to explore these passions.

Hobbies: I spend my free time running, singing and playing guitar, and cooking and baking. I also enjoy camping trips to the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota.

Portrait of Lara Hakim, MD
Lara Hakim, MD

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? During my clinical training at Corewell Health in West Michigan in medical school, I not only received excellent training but also felt very supported by the residents and staff. I look forward to continuing to evolve as a clinician in this positive environment! I am also excited to stay in Grand Rapids, as I love this city's vibe and being close to the lakes.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include pulmonary and critical care medicine, and medical education.

Hobbies: I love exploring new trails with my dog, international travel, cooking, kayaking, spending time with family/friends.

Portrait of Javeria Hayat, MBBS
Javeria Hayat, MBBS

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Medical school: Dow Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I feel honored to be able to train at Corewell Health in West Michigan given its prestigious reputation and years of excellence in promoting graduate medical education. I feel excited to be a part of a program which is led by exceptional leadership and top-notch faculty and hope to learn from their expertise to become a competent internist.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include critical care and cardiovascular medicine.

Hobbies: My hobbies include singing, playing chess, watching thrillers, traveling, and a new-found love for cooking.

Portrait of Megan Kempa, DO
Megan Kempa, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? As a long-time Grand Rapids resident, I can't wait to serve the community I grew up in! Also, there are so many great people in this program; I'm excited to learn from such supportive mentors & peers.

Clinical interests: I'm interested in inpatient medicine and cardiology, especially heart failure.

Hobbies: I love being in nature! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my pets, plant-based cooking, cycling, reading (especially fantasy & sci-fi), and creating art like drawing & painting.

Portrait of Ross Kendall, MD
Ross Kendall, MD

Hometown: Orinda, CA

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I chose Corewell Health-Grand Rapids/Michigan State University because of the learner-centered educational philosophy, the culturally diverse and medically complex patient population, and the high quality of life that comes with living and working in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing fellowship in pulmonology/critical care after residency.

Hobbies: I spend as much time as possible with my wonderful spouse and preschool-aged daughter. Together we enjoy cooking, swimming, mountain biking, and playing with our dog.

Portrait of Melanie Mrozek, MD
Melanie Mrozek, MD

Hometown: Sandusky, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am so excited to start my residency at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids. I can't wait to get to know all the faculty and other residents, and I am looking forward to exploring the city! This program has so many great opportunities and I'm so excited to be here!

Clinical interests: I am very interested in cardiology.

Hobbies: My hobbies include volleyball, yoga, roller skating, video games, and hanging out with my husband and cats!

Portrait of Robert Ocomen, MD
Robert Ocomen, MD

Hometown: Harbor Beach, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I can't wait to work with the amazing faculty and residents I met during my interview. I know the rigorous training I will receive will make me an excellent, well-rounded physician. I also can't wait to explore Grand Rapids, it is such a beautiful city with many walking trails, parks, and restaurants!

Clinical interests: I am interested in minimally invasive procedures, pathophysiology, and taking care of critically ill patients. That is why I am leaning towards pulmonary or nephrology critical care.

Hobbies: I love hanging out and watching movies with my wife and our two cats, Cowboy and Willow. I also like being outdoors, running marathons, lifting weights, playing video games, and fishing.

Portrait of Nicholas Parliament, MD
Nicholas Parliament, MD

Hometown: Wixom, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I trained at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student and was impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff, I am excited to work with them. I also look forward to caring for a diverse patient population, coming from a variety of backgrounds and experiencing a wide range of diseases.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing infectious disease, possibly with a critical care component, however, I am open to other career paths.

Hobbies: I value spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy playing soccer and riding my bike. Additionally, I like learning about history.

Portrait of Katarzyna Purzycka, DO
Katarzyna Purzycka, DO

Hometown: Wixom, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I trained at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student and was impressed by the dedication and compassion of the staff, I am excited to work with them. I also look forward to caring for a diverse patient population, coming from a variety of backgrounds, and experiencing a wide range of diseases.

Clinical interests: I am interested in pursuing infectious disease, possibly with a critical care component, however, I am open to other career paths.

Hobbies: I value spending time with my friends and family. I also enjoy playing soccer and riding my bike. Additionally, I like learning about history.

Portrait of Nader Rayyan, MD
Nader Rayyan, MD

Hometown: Dearborn Heights, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The unique city of Grand Rapids with its fusion of big city and small town. I am also excited to dive into residency and learn as much as possible.

Clinical interests: I'm excited to become a well-rounded generalist and use my residency to refine my career goals. Right now, I'm especially interested in pulmonary critical care and gastroenterology. I love diving into the pathology and management of both systems.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love playing tennis, bowling, and volleyball. I would add golf, but the learning curve has been steep. Lately, I've also been honing my video and photo editing skills, which has been a lot of fun. I really enjoy getting together with friends for board games or a lively Jackbox session. Plus, I never miss an opportunity to attend community events or festivals, it's always a blast!

Portrait of Levi Snoeyink, DO
Levi Snoeyink, DO

Hometown: Zeeland, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to return to Corewell Health in West Michigan as it feels like a homecoming and for the many opportunities this residency provides. I grew up in West Michigan and had my first healthcare job in The Meijer Heart Center. I am excited to give back to the community and continue to learn in the place that was so formative in my life. The internal medicine program is very intentional in providing all the support, resources, and skills you need to become an excellent physician.

Clinical interests: I am interested in all aspects of internal medicine especially inpatient care and critical care.

Hobbies: I enjoy woodworking, carving, and any kind of home improvement projects. I also really enjoy baking and cooking. I like to use fresh ingredients from the garden whenever possible.

Portrait of Tyler Van Velsen, MD
Tyler Van Velsen, MD

Hometown: Shelbyville, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Practicing medicine in West Michigan and caring for the communities I grew up in has always been important to me. Attending college at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine allowed me to learn medicine in West Michigan, and being an internal medicine resident at Corewell Health in West Michigan will allow for me to practice and train in an excellent program in the community.

Clinical interests: I chose Internal Medicine because my interests are broad and many topics in medicine excite me. My biggest clinical interests currently are in hematology/oncology and cardiology.

Hobbies: I grew up riding horses and still occasionally find time to ride. I also spend time with family and friends and enjoy getting outside to golf, hike, and kayak.

Portrait of Zachary Yono, DO
Zachary Yono, DO

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? The people and the culture at this program are second to none. As an auditioning student, everyone made me feel welcome and made a sincere effort to teach and uplift each other. I thrive in environments where I feel supported and I always felt that way here. In addition to this, Grand Rapids is an amazing place to live and work in. Residency is hard, so I'm glad to be doing it in a city I love.
Clinical interests: I'm interested in cardiology and academic medicine, and am hoping to one day teach medical students and residents as an attending physician.

Hobbies: I enjoy exercising through running, lifting, or yoga. During the summer I play volleyball or golf and I try to ski at least a few times a year. For less active hobbies, I like to play various board games, videogames, cook, and hang out with my friends.

PGY 3

Portrait of Tajuldeen T. Al-Hasani, MD
Tajuldeen T. Al-Hasani, MD

Hometown: Bar Harbor, ME

Medical school: William Beaumont School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Corewell Health in West Michigan provides a rich educational experience with a culturally diverse population. Butterworth Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and a clinical leader in cardiovascular, cancer and neurosciences, among many others. The availability of higher level services provided at Corewell Health in West Michigan adds to the exposure of these complex specialized patient populations to resident physicians and truly enhance the educational experience offered. Since 1873, Butterworth Hospital has been growing and building a reputation of excellence in care, diagnostics, treatment, prevention and education. Corewell Health in West Michigan and Grand Rapids has more than 100 years of investing in graduate medical education, which makes me super excited to be a resident at Corewell Health in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests are hospital medicine, primary care and clinical research in endocrinology, rheumatology and hematology/oncology diseases.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, travel, photography, getting involved in diversity & inclusion activities to serve our community, getting to know new people, making new friends, and trying different delicious cuisines!

Portrait of Saleem Alameh, MD
Saleem Alameh, MD

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Having trained here throughout medical school, I have developed a deep appreciation for the Corewell Health in West Michigan and MSU faculty's commitment to medical education. As I look forward to my residency, I am excited about the prospect of remaining in such a supportive environment and exploring how this next chapter can contribute to the realization of my career goals.

Clinical interests: I enjoy all aspects of internal medicine, particularly inpatient care. Recently, my interest in infectious diseases and critical care has grown significantly. In addition to clinical practice, I find fulfillment in medical education and translational research. Moving forward, my aspiration is to pursue a career that integrates these various elements.

Hobbies: Beyond medicine, I take pleasure in spending my days snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors. During quieter moments, I consider myself an astronomy enthusiast, often embarking on tours of observatories or indulging in stargazing at dark sky parks. I hope to eventually pick up a hobby in astrophotography. For now, however, I have recently developed an interest in chess.

Portrait of Saria Nabil Alazmeh, MBBS
Saria Nabil Alazmeh, MBBS

Hometown: Damascus, Syria

Medical school: Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am really excited about the opportunity to work in health care that will support me in becoming a competent physician by learning from professionals and being part of a team that provides high-quality care to patients. In addition, the people at Corewell Health in West Michigan are very supportive, helpful, and cohesive. They made me feel like they would be my second family. Finally, couple matching with my husband made me super excited to start a new chapter at Corewell Health in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: Currently, I am interested in gastroenterology and hospitalist medicine; however, during my residency, I will keep an open mind to other specialties.

Hobbies: Cooking is my passion. Whenever I want to have time for myself or need positive energy, I go to my creative place (the kitchen).

Portrait of Rafael Bernal, DO
Rafael Bernal, DO

Hometown: Plymouth, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I'm very excited to live life on the west side of the state. Being so close to the most amazing beaches, while also being a resident of such a rapidly growing city is such a privilege. Aside from living in Grand Rapids, I'm looking forward to serving and learning from the patients of this community. This residency provides an amazing education, supplemented by complex and pathologically diverse patients.

Clinical interests: I am currently interested in pursuing a fellowship in pulmonary/critical care medicine, however, I am open to exploring all aspects of medicine throughout residency.

Hobbies: I'm an alumni of the Spartan Marching Band, so I enjoy tailgating for MSU football games and participating in the alumni band as a trombone player. Additionally, I enjoy trying new breweries, watching and reviewing films, playing pickleball, cycling and running.

Portrait of Phillip Brier, DO
Phillip Brier, DO

Hometown: Mishawaka, IN

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

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan excites me because I feel as if I have the very best resources available while training in a community that I see myself and my family living in long term.

Clinical interests: I am interested in inpatient medicine with a particular interest in procedures.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include cooking and finding new restaurants, walking my dog, cycling, hiking, camping, vinyl record collecting, and listening to music.

Portrait of Anastasia Bury, MD
Anastasia Bury, MD

Hometown: Marquette, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Completing my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn and train in a diverse and supportive community. I'm also excited to return to West Michigan after several years and look forward to getting to know Grand Rapids and enjoying the parks, trails, and the big lake. I can't wait to get to know my co-residents and build fellowship with the other folks I'll meet here.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, my clinical interests are unsurprisingly broad. I do particularly enjoy cardiology, critical care, and palliative care and I look forward to growing my skills in all fields.

Hobbies: I do my best to find happiness everywhere I can and to that end, I like to try a little of everything. I love staying active with things like ice hockey and SCUBA diving, reading and watching TV/movies, learning to cook and bake, and I've taken up gardening in the last few years. If I haven't tried it yet, chances are I'm just waiting for the right time!

Portrait of Ryan Crane, MD
Ryan Crane, MD

Hometown: Traverse City, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to join a program that prioritizes learner education and resident support and wellness. I look forward to spending more time with my co-residents, in and out of the hospital, and learning to care for complex medical patients.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include cardiovascular disease and pulmonary/critical care medicine. I am also interested in teaching and medical education.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I like exploring new breweries, restaurants and festivals in the Grand Rapids area, playing board games and puzzles with friends, or going for a walk with my wife and puppy. I also enjoy photography, golf, and rock climbing.

Portrait of Mohamad El Shami, MD, MSc
Mohamad El Shami, MD, MSc

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: Saint-Joseph University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I chose Corewell Health in West Michigan because of its outstanding reputation for clinical training, mentorship, and nurturing supportive teaching culture. The breadth of patients, state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated teaching attendings, and collaborative peer environment will help me grow tremendously as a physician. I feel fully supported by the program to reach my career goals.

Clinical interests: I have interests in cardiology and hematology/oncology.

Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and friends. I also engage in a range of sports activities including squash, skiing, swimming, and working out.

Portrait of Ali Ismail, MD
Ali Ismail, MD

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I'm thrilled to embark on my journey and begin taking care of patients. Additionally, I am eager to experience ongoing development and knowledge acquisition within this program.

Clinical interests: I'm interested in gastroenterology fellowship.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to workout, hike, and play soccer.

Portrait of Elizabeth Jakubowski, MD
Elizabeth Jakubowski, MD

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am looking forward to taking advantage of the excellent learning opportunities here at Corewell Health in West Michigan, and I knew this program would give me the tools to become the excellent physician I want to be. In addition, I am thrilled to join a residency program with a supportive and kind culture among the residents and faculty.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include medical education and narrative medicine. I am interested in pursuing primary care or palliative care, and I'll be excited to see the wide range of where my career in internal medicine can take me.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, reading, writing, and hiking in my spare time.

Portrait of Morgan Korn, DO
Morgan Korn, DO

Hometown: Sylvania, OH

Medical school: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? What excites me most about residency is the opportunity to positively impact the health of our surrounding community. I am eager to make connections and work one-on-one with patients and other medical staff in order to grow my knowledge and skills as a physician.

Clinical interests: I find the heart a fascinating organ of the human body. I would love to pursue a fellowship in cardiology following residency training.

Hobbies: Any outdoor activity, count me in! I love exploring new hiking trails with my two dogs, spending time on the water, and snowmobiling in the winter. I am also a huge sports fan- I'm always cheering on the Red Wings, Tigers and Cleveland Browns!

Portrait of Brian Kunkel, DO
Brian Kunkel, DO

Hometown: Milton, VT

Medical school: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am drawn to the deep roots Corewell Health in West Michigan has within the Grand Rapids community and its devotion to the diverse patient population it serves. Additionally, the warm and inclusive culture that Corewell Health in West Michigan fosters within the hospital assures me it is an excellent place to train.

Clinical interests: I plan on becoming a hospitalist as I have a wide range of medical interests and enjoy the hospital setting, though I am keeping all doors open to possible specialties.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing the guitar and spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking, camping, kayaking, or taking a leisurely walk. Lately, I've also been having fun learning to sharpen my cooking skills.

Portrait of Mitchell Sarkisov, DO
Mitchell Sarkisov, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Being a native of Grand Rapids, I saw the profound impact that Corewell Health in West Michigan has had on the city throughout the years. Grand Rapids has become a hub for healthcare innovation, and I knew this would be a place I could excel as a physician. As a medical student, I had the privilege of experiencing the exceptional medical training provided at Corewell Health in West Michigan. The culture of wellness and dedication to high-quality medical education that I experienced while rotating here solidified it as the right choice for me. Now, I couldn't be more excited to be returning to Corewell Health in West Michigan to complete my training and to serve the community I was raised in.

Clinical interests: I greatly enjoy hospital medicine due to the variety of patients and breadth of pathology. I am also considering pursuing a fellowship in cardiology or pulmonology/critical care. I plan to practice in the West Michigan area as an attending physician.

Hobbies: I love seeing live music at the great venues around the city. I also love being outdoors in general, whether it's relaxing at the beach on Lake Michigan or kayaking down one of Michigan's scenic rivers. Spending time with my family and friends is also very important to me and I enjoy exploring all the great places in Grand Rapids with them. Some of my other hobbies include fencing, cooking, birdwatching, learning about history, science fiction books, movies and video games.

Portrait of Ajith Thomas, MD
Ajith Thomas, MD

Hometown: Waltham, MA

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? It clicked for me during my interview with the program. The leadership and faculty were welcoming from day one and current residents spoke highly of the program and its learning environment. I fell in love with the Michigan area during medical school, and was excited to stay for residency in the great city of Grand Rapids!

Clinical interests: Currently, I am interested in hospitalist medicine, and I hope to teach future medical students and residents as an academic physician one day.

Hobbies: I am an avid runner and love exploring the area and surrounding trails. I also enjoy tabletop gaming and will beat anyone in a game of Catan!

Portrait of Tajuldeen T. Al-Hasani, MD
Tajuldeen T. Al-Hasani, MD

Hometown: Bar Harbor, ME

Medical school: William Beaumont School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Corewell Health in West Michigan provides a rich educational experience with a culturally diverse population. Butterworth Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and a clinical leader in cardiovascular, cancer and neurosciences, among many others. The availability of higher level services provided at Corewell Health in West Michigan adds to the exposure of these complex specialized patient populations to resident physicians and truly enhance the educational experience offered. Since 1873, Butterworth Hospital has been growing and building a reputation of excellence in care, diagnostics, treatment, prevention and education. Corewell Health in West Michigan and Grand Rapids has more than 100 years of investing in graduate medical education, which makes me super excited to be a resident at Corewell Health in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests are hospital medicine, primary care and clinical research in endocrinology, rheumatology and hematology/oncology diseases.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, travel, photography, getting involved in diversity & inclusion activities to serve our community, getting to know new people, making new friends, and trying different delicious cuisines!

Portrait of Saleem Alameh, MD
Saleem Alameh, MD

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Having trained here throughout medical school, I have developed a deep appreciation for the Corewell Health in West Michigan and MSU faculty's commitment to medical education. As I look forward to my residency, I am excited about the prospect of remaining in such a supportive environment and exploring how this next chapter can contribute to the realization of my career goals.

Clinical interests: I enjoy all aspects of internal medicine, particularly inpatient care. Recently, my interest in infectious diseases and critical care has grown significantly. In addition to clinical practice, I find fulfillment in medical education and translational research. Moving forward, my aspiration is to pursue a career that integrates these various elements.

Hobbies: Beyond medicine, I take pleasure in spending my days snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors. During quieter moments, I consider myself an astronomy enthusiast, often embarking on tours of observatories or indulging in stargazing at dark sky parks. I hope to eventually pick up a hobby in astrophotography. For now, however, I have recently developed an interest in chess.

Portrait of Saria Nabil Alazmeh, MBBS
Saria Nabil Alazmeh, MBBS

Hometown: Damascus, Syria

Medical school: Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am really excited about the opportunity to work in health care that will support me in becoming a competent physician by learning from professionals and being part of a team that provides high-quality care to patients. In addition, the people at Corewell Health in West Michigan are very supportive, helpful, and cohesive. They made me feel like they would be my second family. Finally, couple matching with my husband made me super excited to start a new chapter at Corewell Health in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: Currently, I am interested in gastroenterology and hospitalist medicine; however, during my residency, I will keep an open mind to other specialties.

Hobbies: Cooking is my passion. Whenever I want to have time for myself or need positive energy, I go to my creative place (the kitchen).

Portrait of Rafael Bernal, DO
Rafael Bernal, DO

Hometown: Plymouth, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I'm very excited to live life on the west side of the state. Being so close to the most amazing beaches, while also being a resident of such a rapidly growing city is such a privilege. Aside from living in Grand Rapids, I'm looking forward to serving and learning from the patients of this community. This residency provides an amazing education, supplemented by complex and pathologically diverse patients.

Clinical interests: I am currently interested in pursuing a fellowship in pulmonary/critical care medicine, however, I am open to exploring all aspects of medicine throughout residency.

Hobbies: I'm an alumni of the Spartan Marching Band, so I enjoy tailgating for MSU football games and participating in the alumni band as a trombone player. Additionally, I enjoy trying new breweries, watching and reviewing films, playing pickleball, cycling and running.

Portrait of Phillip Brier, DO
Phillip Brier, DO

Hometown: Mishawaka, IN

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

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan excites me because I feel as if I have the very best resources available while training in a community that I see myself and my family living in long term.

Clinical interests: I am interested in inpatient medicine with a particular interest in procedures.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include cooking and finding new restaurants, walking my dog, cycling, hiking, camping, vinyl record collecting, and listening to music.

Portrait of Anastasia Bury, MD
Anastasia Bury, MD

Hometown: Marquette, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Completing my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn and train in a diverse and supportive community. I'm also excited to return to West Michigan after several years and look forward to getting to know Grand Rapids and enjoying the parks, trails, and the big lake. I can't wait to get to know my co-residents and build fellowship with the other folks I'll meet here.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, my clinical interests are unsurprisingly broad. I do particularly enjoy cardiology, critical care, and palliative care and I look forward to growing my skills in all fields.

Hobbies: I do my best to find happiness everywhere I can and to that end, I like to try a little of everything. I love staying active with things like ice hockey and SCUBA diving, reading and watching TV/movies, learning to cook and bake, and I've taken up gardening in the last few years. If I haven't tried it yet, chances are I'm just waiting for the right time!

Portrait of Ryan Crane, MD
Ryan Crane, MD

Hometown: Traverse City, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to join a program that prioritizes learner education and resident support and wellness. I look forward to spending more time with my co-residents, in and out of the hospital, and learning to care for complex medical patients.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include cardiovascular disease and pulmonary/critical care medicine. I am also interested in teaching and medical education.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I like exploring new breweries, restaurants and festivals in the Grand Rapids area, playing board games and puzzles with friends, or going for a walk with my wife and puppy. I also enjoy photography, golf, and rock climbing.

Portrait of Mohamad El Shami, MD, MSc
Mohamad El Shami, MD, MSc

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: Saint-Joseph University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I chose Corewell Health in West Michigan because of its outstanding reputation for clinical training, mentorship, and nurturing supportive teaching culture. The breadth of patients, state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated teaching attendings, and collaborative peer environment will help me grow tremendously as a physician. I feel fully supported by the program to reach my career goals.

Clinical interests: I have interests in cardiology and hematology/oncology.

Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and friends. I also engage in a range of sports activities including squash, skiing, swimming, and working out.

Portrait of Ali Ismail, MD
Ali Ismail, MD

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I'm thrilled to embark on my journey and begin taking care of patients. Additionally, I am eager to experience ongoing development and knowledge acquisition within this program.

Clinical interests: I'm interested in gastroenterology fellowship.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to workout, hike, and play soccer.

Portrait of Elizabeth Jakubowski, MD
Elizabeth Jakubowski, MD

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am looking forward to taking advantage of the excellent learning opportunities here at Corewell Health in West Michigan, and I knew this program would give me the tools to become the excellent physician I want to be. In addition, I am thrilled to join a residency program with a supportive and kind culture among the residents and faculty.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include medical education and narrative medicine. I am interested in pursuing primary care or palliative care, and I'll be excited to see the wide range of where my career in internal medicine can take me.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, reading, writing, and hiking in my spare time.

Portrait of Morgan Korn, DO
Morgan Korn, DO

Hometown: Sylvania, OH

Medical school: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? What excites me most about residency is the opportunity to positively impact the health of our surrounding community. I am eager to make connections and work one-on-one with patients and other medical staff in order to grow my knowledge and skills as a physician.

Clinical interests: I find the heart a fascinating organ of the human body. I would love to pursue a fellowship in cardiology following residency training.

Hobbies: Any outdoor activity, count me in! I love exploring new hiking trails with my two dogs, spending time on the water, and snowmobiling in the winter. I am also a huge sports fan- I'm always cheering on the Red Wings, Tigers and Cleveland Browns!

Portrait of Brian Kunkel, DO
Brian Kunkel, DO

Hometown: Milton, VT

Medical school: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am drawn to the deep roots Corewell Health in West Michigan has within the Grand Rapids community and its devotion to the diverse patient population it serves. Additionally, the warm and inclusive culture that Corewell Health in West Michigan fosters within the hospital assures me it is an excellent place to train.

Clinical interests: I plan on becoming a hospitalist as I have a wide range of medical interests and enjoy the hospital setting, though I am keeping all doors open to possible specialties.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing the guitar and spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking, camping, kayaking, or taking a leisurely walk. Lately, I've also been having fun learning to sharpen my cooking skills.

Portrait of Mitchell Sarkisov, DO
Mitchell Sarkisov, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Being a native of Grand Rapids, I saw the profound impact that Corewell Health in West Michigan has had on the city throughout the years. Grand Rapids has become a hub for healthcare innovation, and I knew this would be a place I could excel as a physician. As a medical student, I had the privilege of experiencing the exceptional medical training provided at Corewell Health in West Michigan. The culture of wellness and dedication to high-quality medical education that I experienced while rotating here solidified it as the right choice for me. Now, I couldn't be more excited to be returning to Corewell Health in West Michigan to complete my training and to serve the community I was raised in.

Clinical interests: I greatly enjoy hospital medicine due to the variety of patients and breadth of pathology. I am also considering pursuing a fellowship in cardiology or pulmonology/critical care. I plan to practice in the West Michigan area as an attending physician.

Hobbies: I love seeing live music at the great venues around the city. I also love being outdoors in general, whether it's relaxing at the beach on Lake Michigan or kayaking down one of Michigan's scenic rivers. Spending time with my family and friends is also very important to me and I enjoy exploring all the great places in Grand Rapids with them. Some of my other hobbies include fencing, cooking, birdwatching, learning about history, science fiction books, movies and video games.

Portrait of Ajith Thomas, MD
Ajith Thomas, MD

Hometown: Waltham, MA

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? It clicked for me during my interview with the program. The leadership and faculty were welcoming from day one and current residents spoke highly of the program and its learning environment. I fell in love with the Michigan area during medical school, and was excited to stay for residency in the great city of Grand Rapids!

Clinical interests: Currently, I am interested in hospitalist medicine, and I hope to teach future medical students and residents as an academic physician one day.

Hobbies: I am an avid runner and love exploring the area and surrounding trails. I also enjoy tabletop gaming and will beat anyone in a game of Catan!

Portrait of Tajuldeen T. Al-Hasani, MD
Tajuldeen T. Al-Hasani, MD

Hometown: Bar Harbor, ME

Medical school: William Beaumont School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Corewell Health in West Michigan provides a rich educational experience with a culturally diverse population. Butterworth Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and a clinical leader in cardiovascular, cancer and neurosciences, among many others. The availability of higher level services provided at Corewell Health in West Michigan adds to the exposure of these complex specialized patient populations to resident physicians and truly enhance the educational experience offered. Since 1873, Butterworth Hospital has been growing and building a reputation of excellence in care, diagnostics, treatment, prevention and education. Corewell Health in West Michigan and Grand Rapids has more than 100 years of investing in graduate medical education, which makes me super excited to be a resident at Corewell Health in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests are hospital medicine, primary care and clinical research in endocrinology, rheumatology and hematology/oncology diseases.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, travel, photography, getting involved in diversity & inclusion activities to serve our community, getting to know new people, making new friends, and trying different delicious cuisines!

Portrait of Saleem Alameh, MD
Saleem Alameh, MD

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Having trained here throughout medical school, I have developed a deep appreciation for the Corewell Health in West Michigan and MSU faculty's commitment to medical education. As I look forward to my residency, I am excited about the prospect of remaining in such a supportive environment and exploring how this next chapter can contribute to the realization of my career goals.

Clinical interests: I enjoy all aspects of internal medicine, particularly inpatient care. Recently, my interest in infectious diseases and critical care has grown significantly. In addition to clinical practice, I find fulfillment in medical education and translational research. Moving forward, my aspiration is to pursue a career that integrates these various elements.

Hobbies: Beyond medicine, I take pleasure in spending my days snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors. During quieter moments, I consider myself an astronomy enthusiast, often embarking on tours of observatories or indulging in stargazing at dark sky parks. I hope to eventually pick up a hobby in astrophotography. For now, however, I have recently developed an interest in chess.

Portrait of Saria Nabil Alazmeh, MBBS
Saria Nabil Alazmeh, MBBS

Hometown: Damascus, Syria

Medical school: Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am really excited about the opportunity to work in health care that will support me in becoming a competent physician by learning from professionals and being part of a team that provides high-quality care to patients. In addition, the people at Corewell Health in West Michigan are very supportive, helpful, and cohesive. They made me feel like they would be my second family. Finally, couple matching with my husband made me super excited to start a new chapter at Corewell Health in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: Currently, I am interested in gastroenterology and hospitalist medicine; however, during my residency, I will keep an open mind to other specialties.

Hobbies: Cooking is my passion. Whenever I want to have time for myself or need positive energy, I go to my creative place (the kitchen).

Portrait of Rafael Bernal, DO
Rafael Bernal, DO

Hometown: Plymouth, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I'm very excited to live life on the west side of the state. Being so close to the most amazing beaches, while also being a resident of such a rapidly growing city is such a privilege. Aside from living in Grand Rapids, I'm looking forward to serving and learning from the patients of this community. This residency provides an amazing education, supplemented by complex and pathologically diverse patients.

Clinical interests: I am currently interested in pursuing a fellowship in pulmonary/critical care medicine, however, I am open to exploring all aspects of medicine throughout residency.

Hobbies: I'm an alumni of the Spartan Marching Band, so I enjoy tailgating for MSU football games and participating in the alumni band as a trombone player. Additionally, I enjoy trying new breweries, watching and reviewing films, playing pickleball, cycling and running.

Portrait of Phillip Brier, DO
Phillip Brier, DO

Hometown: Mishawaka, IN

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

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan excites me because I feel as if I have the very best resources available while training in a community that I see myself and my family living in long term.

Clinical interests: I am interested in inpatient medicine with a particular interest in procedures.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include cooking and finding new restaurants, walking my dog, cycling, hiking, camping, vinyl record collecting, and listening to music.

Portrait of Anastasia Bury, MD
Anastasia Bury, MD

Hometown: Marquette, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Completing my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn and train in a diverse and supportive community. I'm also excited to return to West Michigan after several years and look forward to getting to know Grand Rapids and enjoying the parks, trails, and the big lake. I can't wait to get to know my co-residents and build fellowship with the other folks I'll meet here.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, my clinical interests are unsurprisingly broad. I do particularly enjoy cardiology, critical care, and palliative care and I look forward to growing my skills in all fields.

Hobbies: I do my best to find happiness everywhere I can and to that end, I like to try a little of everything. I love staying active with things like ice hockey and SCUBA diving, reading and watching TV/movies, learning to cook and bake, and I've taken up gardening in the last few years. If I haven't tried it yet, chances are I'm just waiting for the right time!

Portrait of Ryan Crane, MD
Ryan Crane, MD

Hometown: Traverse City, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to join a program that prioritizes learner education and resident support and wellness. I look forward to spending more time with my co-residents, in and out of the hospital, and learning to care for complex medical patients.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include cardiovascular disease and pulmonary/critical care medicine. I am also interested in teaching and medical education.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I like exploring new breweries, restaurants and festivals in the Grand Rapids area, playing board games and puzzles with friends, or going for a walk with my wife and puppy. I also enjoy photography, golf, and rock climbing.

Portrait of Mohamad El Shami, MD, MSc
Mohamad El Shami, MD, MSc

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: Saint-Joseph University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I chose Corewell Health in West Michigan because of its outstanding reputation for clinical training, mentorship, and nurturing supportive teaching culture. The breadth of patients, state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated teaching attendings, and collaborative peer environment will help me grow tremendously as a physician. I feel fully supported by the program to reach my career goals.

Clinical interests: I have interests in cardiology and hematology/oncology.

Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and friends. I also engage in a range of sports activities including squash, skiing, swimming, and working out.

Portrait of Ali Ismail, MD
Ali Ismail, MD

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I'm thrilled to embark on my journey and begin taking care of patients. Additionally, I am eager to experience ongoing development and knowledge acquisition within this program.

Clinical interests: I'm interested in gastroenterology fellowship.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to workout, hike, and play soccer.

Portrait of Elizabeth Jakubowski, MD
Elizabeth Jakubowski, MD

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am looking forward to taking advantage of the excellent learning opportunities here at Corewell Health in West Michigan, and I knew this program would give me the tools to become the excellent physician I want to be. In addition, I am thrilled to join a residency program with a supportive and kind culture among the residents and faculty.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include medical education and narrative medicine. I am interested in pursuing primary care or palliative care, and I'll be excited to see the wide range of where my career in internal medicine can take me.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, reading, writing, and hiking in my spare time.

Portrait of Morgan Korn, DO
Morgan Korn, DO

Hometown: Sylvania, OH

Medical school: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? What excites me most about residency is the opportunity to positively impact the health of our surrounding community. I am eager to make connections and work one-on-one with patients and other medical staff in order to grow my knowledge and skills as a physician.

Clinical interests: I find the heart a fascinating organ of the human body. I would love to pursue a fellowship in cardiology following residency training.

Hobbies: Any outdoor activity, count me in! I love exploring new hiking trails with my two dogs, spending time on the water, and snowmobiling in the winter. I am also a huge sports fan- I'm always cheering on the Red Wings, Tigers and Cleveland Browns!

Portrait of Brian Kunkel, DO
Brian Kunkel, DO

Hometown: Milton, VT

Medical school: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am drawn to the deep roots Corewell Health in West Michigan has within the Grand Rapids community and its devotion to the diverse patient population it serves. Additionally, the warm and inclusive culture that Corewell Health in West Michigan fosters within the hospital assures me it is an excellent place to train.

Clinical interests: I plan on becoming a hospitalist as I have a wide range of medical interests and enjoy the hospital setting, though I am keeping all doors open to possible specialties.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing the guitar and spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking, camping, kayaking, or taking a leisurely walk. Lately, I've also been having fun learning to sharpen my cooking skills.

Portrait of Mitchell Sarkisov, DO
Mitchell Sarkisov, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Being a native of Grand Rapids, I saw the profound impact that Corewell Health in West Michigan has had on the city throughout the years. Grand Rapids has become a hub for healthcare innovation, and I knew this would be a place I could excel as a physician. As a medical student, I had the privilege of experiencing the exceptional medical training provided at Corewell Health in West Michigan. The culture of wellness and dedication to high-quality medical education that I experienced while rotating here solidified it as the right choice for me. Now, I couldn't be more excited to be returning to Corewell Health in West Michigan to complete my training and to serve the community I was raised in.

Clinical interests: I greatly enjoy hospital medicine due to the variety of patients and breadth of pathology. I am also considering pursuing a fellowship in cardiology or pulmonology/critical care. I plan to practice in the West Michigan area as an attending physician.

Hobbies: I love seeing live music at the great venues around the city. I also love being outdoors in general, whether it's relaxing at the beach on Lake Michigan or kayaking down one of Michigan's scenic rivers. Spending time with my family and friends is also very important to me and I enjoy exploring all the great places in Grand Rapids with them. Some of my other hobbies include fencing, cooking, birdwatching, learning about history, science fiction books, movies and video games.

Portrait of Ajith Thomas, MD
Ajith Thomas, MD

Hometown: Waltham, MA

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? It clicked for me during my interview with the program. The leadership and faculty were welcoming from day one and current residents spoke highly of the program and its learning environment. I fell in love with the Michigan area during medical school, and was excited to stay for residency in the great city of Grand Rapids!

Clinical interests: Currently, I am interested in hospitalist medicine, and I hope to teach future medical students and residents as an academic physician one day.

Hobbies: I am an avid runner and love exploring the area and surrounding trails. I also enjoy tabletop gaming and will beat anyone in a game of Catan!

Portrait of Tajuldeen T. Al-Hasani, MD
Tajuldeen T. Al-Hasani, MD

Hometown: Bar Harbor, ME

Medical school: William Beaumont School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Corewell Health in West Michigan provides a rich educational experience with a culturally diverse population. Butterworth Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and a clinical leader in cardiovascular, cancer and neurosciences, among many others. The availability of higher level services provided at Corewell Health in West Michigan adds to the exposure of these complex specialized patient populations to resident physicians and truly enhance the educational experience offered. Since 1873, Butterworth Hospital has been growing and building a reputation of excellence in care, diagnostics, treatment, prevention and education. Corewell Health in West Michigan and Grand Rapids has more than 100 years of investing in graduate medical education, which makes me super excited to be a resident at Corewell Health in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests are hospital medicine, primary care and clinical research in endocrinology, rheumatology and hematology/oncology diseases.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, travel, photography, getting involved in diversity & inclusion activities to serve our community, getting to know new people, making new friends, and trying different delicious cuisines!

Portrait of Saleem Alameh, MD
Saleem Alameh, MD

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Having trained here throughout medical school, I have developed a deep appreciation for the Corewell Health in West Michigan and MSU faculty's commitment to medical education. As I look forward to my residency, I am excited about the prospect of remaining in such a supportive environment and exploring how this next chapter can contribute to the realization of my career goals.

Clinical interests: I enjoy all aspects of internal medicine, particularly inpatient care. Recently, my interest in infectious diseases and critical care has grown significantly. In addition to clinical practice, I find fulfillment in medical education and translational research. Moving forward, my aspiration is to pursue a career that integrates these various elements.

Hobbies: Beyond medicine, I take pleasure in spending my days snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors. During quieter moments, I consider myself an astronomy enthusiast, often embarking on tours of observatories or indulging in stargazing at dark sky parks. I hope to eventually pick up a hobby in astrophotography. For now, however, I have recently developed an interest in chess.

Portrait of Saria Nabil Alazmeh, MBBS
Saria Nabil Alazmeh, MBBS

Hometown: Damascus, Syria

Medical school: Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am really excited about the opportunity to work in health care that will support me in becoming a competent physician by learning from professionals and being part of a team that provides high-quality care to patients. In addition, the people at Corewell Health in West Michigan are very supportive, helpful, and cohesive. They made me feel like they would be my second family. Finally, couple matching with my husband made me super excited to start a new chapter at Corewell Health in West Michigan.

Clinical interests: Currently, I am interested in gastroenterology and hospitalist medicine; however, during my residency, I will keep an open mind to other specialties.

Hobbies: Cooking is my passion. Whenever I want to have time for myself or need positive energy, I go to my creative place (the kitchen).

Portrait of Rafael Bernal, DO
Rafael Bernal, DO

Hometown: Plymouth, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I'm very excited to live life on the west side of the state. Being so close to the most amazing beaches, while also being a resident of such a rapidly growing city is such a privilege. Aside from living in Grand Rapids, I'm looking forward to serving and learning from the patients of this community. This residency provides an amazing education, supplemented by complex and pathologically diverse patients.

Clinical interests: I am currently interested in pursuing a fellowship in pulmonary/critical care medicine, however, I am open to exploring all aspects of medicine throughout residency.

Hobbies: I'm an alumni of the Spartan Marching Band, so I enjoy tailgating for MSU football games and participating in the alumni band as a trombone player. Additionally, I enjoy trying new breweries, watching and reviewing films, playing pickleball, cycling and running.

Portrait of Phillip Brier, DO
Phillip Brier, DO

Hometown: Mishawaka, IN

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

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan excites me because I feel as if I have the very best resources available while training in a community that I see myself and my family living in long term.

Clinical interests: I am interested in inpatient medicine with a particular interest in procedures.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include cooking and finding new restaurants, walking my dog, cycling, hiking, camping, vinyl record collecting, and listening to music.

Portrait of Anastasia Bury, MD
Anastasia Bury, MD

Hometown: Marquette, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Completing my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan will be an excellent opportunity for me to learn and train in a diverse and supportive community. I'm also excited to return to West Michigan after several years and look forward to getting to know Grand Rapids and enjoying the parks, trails, and the big lake. I can't wait to get to know my co-residents and build fellowship with the other folks I'll meet here.

Clinical interests: As an internal medicine resident, my clinical interests are unsurprisingly broad. I do particularly enjoy cardiology, critical care, and palliative care and I look forward to growing my skills in all fields.

Hobbies: I do my best to find happiness everywhere I can and to that end, I like to try a little of everything. I love staying active with things like ice hockey and SCUBA diving, reading and watching TV/movies, learning to cook and bake, and I've taken up gardening in the last few years. If I haven't tried it yet, chances are I'm just waiting for the right time!

Portrait of Ryan Crane, MD
Ryan Crane, MD

Hometown: Traverse City, MI

Medical school: Central Michigan University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to join a program that prioritizes learner education and resident support and wellness. I look forward to spending more time with my co-residents, in and out of the hospital, and learning to care for complex medical patients.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include cardiovascular disease and pulmonary/critical care medicine. I am also interested in teaching and medical education.

Hobbies: In my spare time, I like exploring new breweries, restaurants and festivals in the Grand Rapids area, playing board games and puzzles with friends, or going for a walk with my wife and puppy. I also enjoy photography, golf, and rock climbing.

Portrait of Mohamad El Shami, MD, MSc
Mohamad El Shami, MD, MSc

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: Saint-Joseph University

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I chose Corewell Health in West Michigan because of its outstanding reputation for clinical training, mentorship, and nurturing supportive teaching culture. The breadth of patients, state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated teaching attendings, and collaborative peer environment will help me grow tremendously as a physician. I feel fully supported by the program to reach my career goals.

Clinical interests: I have interests in cardiology and hematology/oncology.

Hobbies: I love spending time with my family and friends. I also engage in a range of sports activities including squash, skiing, swimming, and working out.

Portrait of Ali Ismail, MD
Ali Ismail, MD

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I'm thrilled to embark on my journey and begin taking care of patients. Additionally, I am eager to experience ongoing development and knowledge acquisition within this program.

Clinical interests: I'm interested in gastroenterology fellowship.

Hobbies: In my free time, I love to workout, hike, and play soccer.

Portrait of Elizabeth Jakubowski, MD
Elizabeth Jakubowski, MD

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am looking forward to taking advantage of the excellent learning opportunities here at Corewell Health in West Michigan, and I knew this program would give me the tools to become the excellent physician I want to be. In addition, I am thrilled to join a residency program with a supportive and kind culture among the residents and faculty.

Clinical interests: My clinical interests include medical education and narrative medicine. I am interested in pursuing primary care or palliative care, and I'll be excited to see the wide range of where my career in internal medicine can take me.

Hobbies: I enjoy running, reading, writing, and hiking in my spare time.

Portrait of Morgan Korn, DO
Morgan Korn, DO

Hometown: Sylvania, OH

Medical school: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? What excites me most about residency is the opportunity to positively impact the health of our surrounding community. I am eager to make connections and work one-on-one with patients and other medical staff in order to grow my knowledge and skills as a physician.

Clinical interests: I find the heart a fascinating organ of the human body. I would love to pursue a fellowship in cardiology following residency training.

Hobbies: Any outdoor activity, count me in! I love exploring new hiking trails with my two dogs, spending time on the water, and snowmobiling in the winter. I am also a huge sports fan- I'm always cheering on the Red Wings, Tigers and Cleveland Browns!

Portrait of Brian Kunkel, DO
Brian Kunkel, DO

Hometown: Milton, VT

Medical school: University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am drawn to the deep roots Corewell Health in West Michigan has within the Grand Rapids community and its devotion to the diverse patient population it serves. Additionally, the warm and inclusive culture that Corewell Health in West Michigan fosters within the hospital assures me it is an excellent place to train.

Clinical interests: I plan on becoming a hospitalist as I have a wide range of medical interests and enjoy the hospital setting, though I am keeping all doors open to possible specialties.

Hobbies: I enjoy playing the guitar and spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking, camping, kayaking, or taking a leisurely walk. Lately, I've also been having fun learning to sharpen my cooking skills.

Portrait of Mitchell Sarkisov, DO
Mitchell Sarkisov, DO

Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Being a native of Grand Rapids, I saw the profound impact that Corewell Health in West Michigan has had on the city throughout the years. Grand Rapids has become a hub for healthcare innovation, and I knew this would be a place I could excel as a physician. As a medical student, I had the privilege of experiencing the exceptional medical training provided at Corewell Health in West Michigan. The culture of wellness and dedication to high-quality medical education that I experienced while rotating here solidified it as the right choice for me. Now, I couldn't be more excited to be returning to Corewell Health in West Michigan to complete my training and to serve the community I was raised in.

Clinical interests: I greatly enjoy hospital medicine due to the variety of patients and breadth of pathology. I am also considering pursuing a fellowship in cardiology or pulmonology/critical care. I plan to practice in the West Michigan area as an attending physician.

Hobbies: I love seeing live music at the great venues around the city. I also love being outdoors in general, whether it's relaxing at the beach on Lake Michigan or kayaking down one of Michigan's scenic rivers. Spending time with my family and friends is also very important to me and I enjoy exploring all the great places in Grand Rapids with them. Some of my other hobbies include fencing, cooking, birdwatching, learning about history, science fiction books, movies and video games.

Portrait of Ajith Thomas, MD
Ajith Thomas, MD

Hometown: Waltham, MA

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? It clicked for me during my interview with the program. The leadership and faculty were welcoming from day one and current residents spoke highly of the program and its learning environment. I fell in love with the Michigan area during medical school, and was excited to stay for residency in the great city of Grand Rapids!

Clinical interests: Currently, I am interested in hospitalist medicine, and I hope to teach future medical students and residents as an academic physician one day.

Hobbies: I am an avid runner and love exploring the area and surrounding trails. I also enjoy tabletop gaming and will beat anyone in a game of Catan!