Get to know our residents
Our residents are a diverse group from a variety of backgrounds with unique experiences and interests. We look forward to getting to know you as well!
Class of 2026
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!
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.
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).
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 and movies and video games.
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!
Class of 2025
Sandeep Buddharaju, MD
Hometown: Park Ridge, IL
Medical school: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I first learned about Spectrum during 2020 when I was a third year medical student researching different programs. I was immediately drawn to the warmth and genuine nature that was exhibited from just the introductory video on the residency page. I knew being close to Chicago, and being able to take care of a wide range of diverse patients was key to what I wanted in my training. Spectrum offered that and more.
What are your clinical interests? I have interests in infectious disease, primary care medicine and hospitalist medicine.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my co-residents, friends and family. I like hiking, being outdoors when I can and exploring new restaurants and local food spots in Grand Rapids.
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Sarah Cerda, MD
Hometown: South Lyon, MI
Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because it is a large hospital system that offers a variety of specialized treatments to care for complex patients. Also, the residents and faculty at Spectrum have created a welcoming and supportive environment.
What are your clinical interests? In the future, I look forward to working as a hospitalist. I also have an interest in socially equitable medicine.
Hobbies: I enjoy horseback riding and reading.
Kyle Rau, DO
Hometown: Flushing, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? One of the main reasons I chose Spectrum Health for residency was the extremely diverse patient population. Each day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. I also feel that teaching is a top priority for residents and the educational structure of the program reflects this.
What are your clinical interests? I am interested in hospitalist medicine and hope to stay in West Michigan once I complete my training.
Hobbies: One of my hobbies is gardening. I really enjoy working outside in the garden and also tending to houseplants. I am also excited to be living closer to Frederik Meijer Gardens, right here in Grand Rapids!
Jeremy Santamaria, MD
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Medical school: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because the residents during my interview demonstrated great camaraderie and felt supported by their mentors and attending physicians, which I whole heartedly agree now as an intern. I was also attracted to the breathe of food, Art, diversity and nature of Grand Rapids. My experience with the IM residency program and the area has been a great balance between a very supportive work environment and a beautiful area to find just about any activity to spend quality time with my significant other and co-interns.
What are your clinical interests? My clinical interests currently are Pulmonary/Critical Care and Hospital Medicine. I am also interested in improving the EPIC EMR system and hopefully incorporate learning to apply Artificial Intelligence as useful and efficient guide into the healthcare field.
Hobbies: Food is my weakness, and I am usually down to try new restaurants, fast food chains or food trucks around the area. I enjoy playing video games or playing board games/puzzles/escape rooms whenever I have the free time. There are great trails and hiking spots around the area and are breathe taking during the fall season. Most of all, I love to spend quality time with my significant other, our dog and/or our two cats when I can.
Jordan Walker, DO
Hometown: Grapevine, TX
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Grand Rapids is hands down the best city and area in Michigan. The program is very supportive of you. It is solid to where you can go succeed in any desired future goal.
What are your clinical interests? Hematology oncology Medical education and informatics.
Hobbies: I enjoy working out, including yoga and long distance running. I love to explore and go out with friends or classmates. Music is great. When I do stay in I cook, play video games and learn about philosophy and religion.
Class of 2024
Alex Albrecht, DO
Hometown: Midland, MI
Medical school: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Spectrum is a large health system that covers a broad area of Michigan. Because of this I knew it would provide diverse populations and high acuity patients. Their reputation in healthcare is well known and although I was unable to complete a rotation here, my interview provided all the justification I needed in their attitudes, openness and personality. Growing up in Michigan, I traveled to Grand Rapids often and spent many weekends visiting friends and family. There is always lot to do here and the city continues to grow.
What are your clinical interests? At this time I plan on being a hospitalist, as I enjoy treating every body system and cannot narrow it down to one specialty.
Hobbies: I enjoy doing anything outdoors including hiking, climbing, golf and photography. I also am an avid reader and like Stephen King books.
Camille Callow, MD
Hometown: Hudsonville, MI
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Before medical school, I worked at Spectrum Health as a nurse tech. I enjoyed the teamwork approach to patient care and the comradery between staff. Because of this experience, I wanted to return to Spectrum Health for my residency.
What are your clinical interests? I am interested in medical education, healthcare equity and hospital medicine.
Hobbies: In my free time you can find me golfing, playing tennis, knitting or enjoying time "up north" with friends and family.
Jared Bishop, DO
Hometown: Rogersville, MO
Medical school: A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health after completing a sub-internship in my fourth year of medical school and realizing the quality of education provided to residents. Spectrum Health has a diverse patient population which offers for a wide range of pathophysiology and complex patient cases. I knew it would be a welcoming and supportive environment for me to complete residency. Living in Grand Rapids is also a huge added bonus with all the city has to offer in terms of hiking, restaurants/breweries and being close to Lake Michigan.
What are your clinical interests? My current clinical interests are hospital medicine or pursuing a fellowship in pulmonary/critical care.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing and watching sports, hiking, spending time at the lake, trying new restaurants/breweries and hanging out with friends and family.
Hannah Bray, MD
Hometown: Frankenmuth, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I rotated at Spectrum Health as a medical student and really enjoyed my two years there and did not want to leave. I think Spectrum Health will provide me a great education and allow me to become the best doctor I can be! I also really love the Grand Rapids and West Michigan area.
What are your clinical interests? I am interested in pulmonary/critical care. I am also looking forward to getting experience and learning more about all the different specialties as a resident.
Hobbies: I live close to Lake Michigan, so I love taking long walks/hiking, hanging out on the beach and kayaking. When not outside I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, watching TV shows and movies with my husband and hanging out with family, friends and my cat.
Kevin FitzGerald, DO
Hometown: New Hudson, MI
Medical school: Kansas City University
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? After rotating at Spectrum Health as a medical student, I knew the program was the right choice for me. The faculty and residents were friendly, passionate and knowledgeable. I knew that Spectrum Health would give me the best possible training for my future career.
What are your clinical interests? I am most interested in gastroenterology and nephrology.
Hobbies: My hobbies include hiking, camping, kayaking, working on computers and video games.
Antonio Lopez Castaneda, MD
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose this program to explore Grand Rapids and get to know western Michigan better.
What are your clinical interests? I am interested internal medicine.
Hobbies: I enjoy learning new vegan recipes.
Sheetal Maragiri, MD
Hometown: Bay City, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I fell in love with the program while on rotations as a medical student and knew I wanted to stay. I made great connections here through academic medicine and research that I wanted to keep strong and met some of the best teachers in the hospital - I knew I would get a great education here for residency!
What are your clinical interests? I think I would like to either practice as a hospitalist or consider a fellowship on the procedural side of internal medicine. I love that there are so many sub-specialities of internal medicine have a great balance of hands-on work while staying in touch
Hobbies: My hobbies are golf, tennis, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dance, cooking and watching documentaries.
Connor McCalmon, MD
Hometown: Port Huron, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? After rotating through Spectrum Health during medical school, I chose this residency for the great resources offered and the wonderful people in the program.
What are your clinical interests? Although not completely decided on a specific clinical interest, I am interested in providing care in the West Michigan area after finishing residency.
Hobbies: In my free time I like to explore Grand Rapids and the surrounding West Michigan area, including trying new breweries and scenic walks. I also enjoy playing music and tennis.
Colin McMahon, MD
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Medical school: University of Michigan Medical School
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because it was a smaller sized residency where I believed I would be able to form strong relationships with co-residents and faculty. Additionally, the high acuity of patients at Spectrum Health as the large catchment system for the entire west side of the state coupled with close teaching with excellent faculty, I believed I would receive excellent training. Grand Rapids is also a fantastic place to live and is a very vibrant town.
What are your clinical interests? My clinical interests include critical care and hospital-based medicine as well as outcomes-based research.
Hobbies: I enjoy being outside, golfing, attending various sporting events as well as enjoy the wide array of night life activities and dining options Grand Rapids has to offer. Also, finding time to travel to Lake Michigan and hanging out with my co-residents.
Sherilyn Munoz, DO
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical school: Kansas City University
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because during my elective rotation here, I felt so welcomed by the residents and the attendings. Then during my interview, I had that "gut feeling" that this was the place for me. Dr. Bragg and the faculty that interviewed me made me feel celebrated and proud of my journey which was different from the rest of my interviews. I also knew that I would get a great education here while still having time to have a personal life.
What are your clinical interests? Right now, I am interested in specializing, preferably in cardiology. I am going into residency with an open mind and will see where my interests take me!
Hobbies: I enjoy eating, baking, traveling, playing piano, and of course, watching TV and movies. I also look forward to the day I can get a dog!
Neelay Purohit, MD
Hometown: Terre Haute, IN
Medical school: American University of the Caribbean
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I was immediately drawn to Spectrum Health during the interviewing process. The residents and attendings I spoke to were very friendly and welcoming. The learning and working environment they described seemed the best fit for me to train in and after rotating here those notions were definitely reaffirmed.
What are your clinical interests? I have not decided on what I want to do, but I have interest in rheumatology and hematology/oncology.
Hobbies: I am an avid sports fan (playing and watching) with a particular passion for tennis. I love reading and watching/talking about movies and television. I love food and am always up for trying new types of cuisine.
Gursher Rathore, MD
Hometown: Shelby Township, MI
Medical school: St. George's University
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? During my time in medical school I had the opportunity to complete an elective rotation at Spectrum Health. I witnessed firsthand the teamwork, compassion and dedication to teaching that make for exceptional resident physicians here at Spectrum Health.
What are your clinical interests? I would like to pursue a gastroenterology fellowship after completing my residency training.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family, watching football and traveling when possible.
John Sinkovich, DO
Hometown: Novi, MI
Medical school: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health for my residency because of the amazing environment and support it has for its resident physicians, especially for couples. I was drawn to the program for its class size, in-house fellowships, the X+Y schedule and being from Michigan, I am excited about coming home for residency.
What are your clinical interests? My clinical interests lie with medical education. I love to teach and am excited about being a part of Michigan State's College of Human Medicine. I am excited to explore the breadth of internal medicine during residency to see if any specialties catch my eye.
Hobbies: I am an avid mediocre golfer who also dabbles in slow-pitch softball, board games and sitcoms.
Subhan Toor, MD
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Medical school: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I choose Spectrum Health for internal medicine residency because it was the only program that I interviewed at that had a smaller residency class along with fellowships associated with the program
What are your clinical interests? My clinical interests include pulmonology, critical care, nephrology, cardiology and infectious diseases.
Hobbies: I enjoy jogging, lifting weights and playing basketball. I am also currently learning to cook.
Danielle Wildrick, MD
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Spectrum Health has a great reputation as a healthcare system and I was impressed by the welcoming environment and support network for residents. Even with a virtual interview, I left with a great impression of the program and city.
What are your clinical interests? I'm interested in hospitalist medicine or palliative care. I enjoy seeing a variety of patients and diseases and I'm excited to learn more.
Hobbies: I love writing in my spare time, mostly fantasy and science fiction stories. I also dabble in hiking and various crafting projects.