Get to know our fellows
Our fellows are a diverse group that come from a variety of backgrounds with unique experiences and interests. We look forward to getting to know you as well!
PGY 5
Marlene Garcia, MD
Hometown: Miami, FL
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? As far back as I can remember Infectious Disease has always been a passion of mine. I find the complexity of tiny microorganisms and the havoc they can cause intriguing. I am always learning and kept on my toes in Infectious Disease.
Clinical interests: I am interested in Antimicrobial Stewardship, HIV/AIDS, Infection Prevention and Epidemiology
Hobbies: I love playing softball and often play in coed leagues. I recently picked up boxing as well and this has also become part of my weekly routine. I enjoy listening to classic 80s music and binge watching TV series from the early 2000s.
Jacob Stremers, DO
Hometown: Port Huron, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I enjoy being in the community hospital setting and coming to Corewell Health I get to continue that, but also get all of the acuity and complexity that I will need to be a well trained ID physician. Corewell Health in West Michigan has excellent solid organ and bone marrow transplant services as well as advanced cardiac services with which, as a fellow, I will get all the experience that I need. The second year has a more flexible schedule and the faculty are helpful in tailoring your experience to your future practice as an attending. Lastly, the partnership with the HIV clinic is a unique learning experience that other programs do not have. The faculty are all passionate about teaching and want you to succeed!
Clinical interests: I am interested in general inpatient ID, bacteremia, bone and joint infections and histoplasmosis. As a hospitalist previously for 5 years, I am interested in being part of the patient's care throughout the hospitalization and am excited to help take care of them after discharge and beyond. I also enjoy the inpatient healthcare delivery process and touching the lives of patient's without ever seeing them through antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my wife, Lauren, and two daughters, Imogen and Matilda, camping, gravel bike riding, Peloton, card and board games, video games and golfing.
PGY 4
Felix Bratosin, MBBS, PhD
Hometown: Timisoara, Romania
Medical school: Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to learn and work with transplanted patients and enhance infection control practices among immunocompromised and immunosuppressed populations.
Clinical interests: I am particularly interested in antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention, and nosocomial infections.
Hobbies: My hobbies include swimming, aviation, and board games.
Combined Adult & Pediatric Infectious Disease - Fellowship Year 3
James Polega, MD
Hometown: Port Austin, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health for my fellowship for several reasons, including our strong clinical training and diverse patient population, but what really made Spectrum Health standout was the level of dedication and involvement that our faculty have for the fellows. It truly is the type of program where the faculty care not only about the fellow's education, but about the fellows as individuals.
What are your clinical interests? Adult and Pediatric General Infectious Diseases, Molecular Diagnostics and Continuity/Transitions of Care in Chronically Ill Pediatric Patients.
Hobbies: Reading, cooking and spending time with my family.