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Get to know our residents
Our residents are a diverse group that come from a variety of backgrounds and have unique experiences and interests. We look forward to getting to know you as well!
Class of 2026
Tishanna Ferguson, MD
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I choose Spectrum Health OB/GYN program because of its high volume and acuity, location (I wanted to return home), and resources (research support, education stipend and mentorship).
What are your clinical interests? I'm interested in maternal fetal medicine. I would love the ability to pursue this fellowship. I'm grateful that Spectrum Health has this subspecialty, a fellowship in the making, and research resources available to make me a great fellowship candidate.
Hobbies: I love to cook, I try to make dinner 3-4 times a week. I love to travel and experience different cultures, traditions and foods. I love to be around water.
Haley Wild, DO
Hometown: Rochester, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health OBGYN for my residency because of the high volume and high acuity of patients that this program has the privilege to learn from and treat and the opportunities given to residents. I also got along very well with all the current residents and was excited to work with them.
What are your clinical interests? My interests include general OBGYN, robotic GYN surgery, infertility medicine, general labor management and women's health and wellness.
Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, golfing and taking my dogs on hikes while exploring west Michigan.
Class of 2025
Merry Berhe, MD
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because of the amazing training, high risk and high volume patient population, and the many opportunities to grow into the well rounded OBGYN I want to be. I had the opportunity to visit Grand Rapids several times and really enjoyed it!
What are your clinical interests? My clinical interests are preventive medicine, global health and providing quality care to marginalized and underrepresented patients in communities. I hope to combine clinical medicine and public health/ social determinants of health to take care of the
Hobbies: During my free time I love to travel, cook, explore new restaurants, hike and play volleyball!
Vyvian Borse-Hatchett, MD
Hometown: Denver, IN
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health for its hybrid academic/community program, the emphasis on becoming an excellent teacher and for the opportunities to learn more about rural women's healthcare.
What are your clinical interests? Growing up in a rural area, I saw the need for physicians in these small towns. I loved the community camaraderie and I aspire to practice as an OBGYN in a rural area.
Hobbies: I love spending time outdoors hiking and doing nature photography (LOVE visiting national and state parks) and running (I've completed two half marathons and hope to run a full someday). I also enjoy being on the water boating, waterskiing, kayaking and fishing! I like baking, reading and watching shows/movies as well.
Mary Brinkman, MD
Hometown: Grayslake, IL
Medical school: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I was interested in Spectrum Health OBGYN program for several reasons. First, both Butterworth Hospital and Mercy Health Saint Mary's Hospital are referral centers for the region, I was confident that I would receive strong training in both obstetrics and gynecology. Second, the closeness and camaraderie of the residents stood out to me during the interview process.
What are your clinical interests? I am particularly interested in exploring the role of nutrition through a woman's life, especially the impact on pregnancy.
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, cooking, running and biking.
Kasandra Hoeksema, MD
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
Medical school: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I knew I wanted to be exposed to high clinical volumes in a tertiary referral center so that I could be certain I would complete residency feeling confident in my knowledge and skills. Spectrum Health clearly checked those boxes while the faculty and residents demonstrated a culture of collaboration and education that was also incredibly important to me.
What are your clinical interests? I am particularly interested in high risk pregnancy and social determinants of health.
Hobbies: I studied english literature in college so I love to read (or listen to audiobooks and podcasts). I'm a novice cook, but I love to eat and explore new restaurants! My "quarantine puppy" Daisy keeps me and my husband busy and active!
Katherine Hoopes, MD
Hometown: Muskegon, MI
Medical school: Wayne State School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health for my residency as being from West Michigan, I knew it was the hub and center for innovation and care for all of West Michigan.
What are your clinical interests? I am interested in urogynocology, but this could easily change!
Hobbies: My hobbies include weight lifting, cooking and singing in the local Greek Orthodox church choir.
Courtney Makris, DO
Hometown: Wellington, FL
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because of the vast array of pathology, volume and learning opportunities available to me here. I feel like I will be well prepared to practice independently as a general OBGYN after my training at Spectrum Health.
What are your clinical interests? I am passionate about reproductive health and education, and I plan to pursue a career as a generalist after residency.
Hobbies: I enjoy cycling, playing the piano and spending time with my husband and dog!
Bindi Patel, MD
Hometown: Schaumburg, IL
Medical school: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health for its high clinical volume and outstanding teaching facilities and faculty.
What are your clinical interests? I am interested in general women's health and minimally invasive surgeries, as well as medical education.
Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, trying new restaurants and all kinds of outdoor activities!
Lauren Pavlik, MD
Hometown: Green Bay, WI
Medical school: Medical College of Wisconsin
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I am eager to train in a high volume labor and delivery unit and be exposed to as many different situations as possible during residency. A mentor at my medical school once told me, "Don't be afraid; be prepared". I feel strongly that I that the training here will prepare me to become the best physician I can be.
What are your clinical interests? I am especially interested in reproductive endocrinology and infertility medicine. I also enjoy adolescent medicine. Additionally, as a certified lactation counselor, I am excited to help my patients make informed decisions, as well as guide women through.
Hobbies: As a yoga instructor, I enjoy teaching and practicing yoga. After a long day, I love to read a fiction novel with a cup of tea. I also enjoy the excuse to put together a good cheese board and spend an evening with friends. Finally, I love going to the beach with friends and can't wait to take advantage of the gorgeous beaches of Lake Michigan!
Class of 2024
Joana Barth, MD
Hometown: Harlingen, TX
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine - Houston, TX
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? It has the ideal blend of academic and community programs for me. I was drawn to the rural track of the OB/GYN program because of my interest in Global Health and desire to serve an under-served patient population. The faculty and residents here at Spectrum have been so kind, warm, and helpful.
What do you like most about your program? I'm looking forward to getting to know my co-residents and gaining a lot of valuable experience!
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests include women's health, global/international health, patient education and counseling.
Living in West Michigan: In the brief time that I have been here, I have enjoyed living in Grand Rapids. It has the best parts of both big cities and small towns.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing piano and guitar, spending time with friends and family, and interior design.
Michele Bautista, MD
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Medical School: University of Queensland School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I chose Spectrum Health for residency because of its community health focus and exceptional rural OB/GYN training.
What do you like most about your program? I am most looking forward to further expanding my knowledge base in women's health and improving my surgical skills. I am also looking forward to working with my fellow residents and contributing to the Spectrum Health family as well as the Grand Rapids community.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests lie in general OB/GYN, sexual health, rural health and primary care.
Living in West Michigan: I enjoy all of the outdoor activities available as well as the diverse culture and food scene. I am also ready to take on my first Michigan winter!
Hobbies: I love reading, hiking, knitting, boxing and doing Pilates. I also love to travel and see live shows such as concerts and musicals.
Katrina Buyze, MD
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical School: Central Michigan University
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I wanted to come to Spectrum for residency because of the high patient volume and the excellent training environment. I also love all the places to go and things to do in Grand Rapids.
What do you like most about your program? I am looking forward to getting to know all of my fellow residents and delivering lots of babies!
Clinical Interests: I am interested in many parts of obstetrics/gynecology, but I am especially interested in family planning.
Living in West Michigan: West Michigan has everything I'm looking for, from amazing restaurants in the city to hiking the sand dunes along the shore of Lake Michigan. I love that there is always something to do and so many opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature.
Hobbies: In the winter I love to snowboard and in the summer I enjoy going on bike rides and relaxing by the lake. I love to listen to music and going to see a concert is one of my favorite things to do. When I'm at home I love to read and bake.
Eniola R. Ibirogba, MD
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Medical School: Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I was specifically drawn to the busy OB/GYN practice here and the many learning opportunities this presents.
What do you like most about your program? I think my co-residents are awesome and I'm looking forward to working with and learning more about everyone single one of them.
Clinical Interests: Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine are currently my areas of interest but I expect this might change as I rotate through the other sub-specialties in OB/GYN.
Living in West Michigan: I moved here very recently but I'm looking forward to discovering the hidden gems of West Michigan. There's a handful of my co-interns who are from the area so I think I'm in good hands.
Hobbies: I love to dance for fun and as a form of aerobic exercise. I also enjoy reading, writing and I dabble a little in videography.
Laxmi Kotha, MD
Hometown: Troy, MI
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? Spectrum has a high OB/GYN volume with a lot of opportunities for hands on training.
What do you like most about your program? I'm looking forward to meeting all my fellow residents.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are family planning, and general OB/GYN
Living in West Michigan: The best part is being close to nature.
Hobbies: Hanging out with my friends, listening to music and watching international cinema.
Colleen Stobinski MD, MS
Hometown: Temperance, MI
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I was looking for a high volume Obstetrics & Gynecology program that serves a large and diverse patient population, and offers exposure to all subspecialties. I am so happy to be living/working back in Michigan!
What do you like most about your program? I am most looking forward to bonding with my coresidents, working the labor and delivery service, developing my surgical skills and exploring Grand Rapids.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, as well as working with underprivileged patients and medical students.
Living in West Michigan: All of the trails, beaches, and areas to explore. Also looking for Petoskey stones.
Hobbies: I love running, practicing yoga, and other things fitness. On my downtime I enjoy playing with my newly adopted cat, reading and writing poetry, listening to music and going to concerts.
Class of 2023
Alexa Armstrong, DO
Hometown: Jensen Beach, FL
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? During my interview process, I felt very welcomed and at home. I truly enjoyed talking with the core faculty and residents. I also wanted to train at a tertiary care center with a higher volume to gain extensive training in high risk obstetrics so I would be comfortable practicing as a hospitalist one day.
What do you like most about your program? I love the people in my program. We are a bigger program which just means a bigger support system. I am not from Michigan so it has been great to have co residents that are like family to me.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests include obstetrics, labor and delivery, benign gynecology, and contraceptive counseling.
Living in West Michigan: West Michigan is filled with beautiful beaches, trails, and parks to explore. Grand Rapids also has endless restaurants and breweries to visit on your days off. There are fun events throughout the year too.
Hobbies: I enjoy any outdoor activity like biking, hiking, and relaxing on a beach. I enjoy visiting all the restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries Grand Rapids has to offer. My favorite hobby of all is watching an endless amount of Hulu after a busy week at work with a nice glass of wine. Oh, I also have a super cute scottish fold cat named Bean.
Anne Barron, MD
Hometown: Pinckney, MI
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I chose Spectrum Health because I was impressed by their support for graduate medical education , the volume and breadth of clinical exposure and because Grand Rapids is a great place to live!
What do you like most about your program? My favorite thing about my program is the people I get to work with. Having such wonderful colleagues and attendings makes the hard work of residency more bearable and fun.
Clinical Interests: I am interested in family planning.
Living in West Michigan: I love the sense of community and the wide variety of things to do - outdoor activities, theater, music, ballet, cultural festivals. The breweries are fun too!
Hobbies: In my free time I like to read, do hot yoga, knit, watch British TV and kayak with my friends.
Jessica Garcia de Paredes, MD
Hometown: Panama city, Panama
Medical School: Universidad Latina de Panama
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? It was always my dream to complete residency training in the United States. When researching programs, Spectrum Health stood out for all the right reasons. The patient volume, the learning opportunities, the city, as well as the affiliation to MSU made it a non brainer in my mind. I am grateful that Spectrum open its doors to me as an IMG, and for the opportunity to be part of their work-force.
What do you like most about your program? I like that I love to come to work everyday. From entering the hospital, to my co-workers, interacting with the nurses and getting to take care of patients. Even when I am super tired, I still look around and I am grateful to be part of my program and this is priceless during residency.
Clinical Interests: I would like to pursue a fellowship in Reproductive, Endocrinology and Infertility after my general Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training.
Living in West Michigan: THE SNOW! I come from a tropical, humid and warm country, so the snow its fascinating to me. I love skiing and now I get to do that every winter!
Hobbies: I enjoy going to the movies, reading, wine, brunch, skiing, and dancing, to name a few. I also enjoy traveling around the world, getting to be in touch with different cultures and learning new languages. I am bilingual and looking forward to learning more.
Robin Piper, DO
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I chose Spectrum Health after joining our team for a visiting student rotation and seeing the incredible teamwork and comradery amongst the residents, faculty and staff. As a high volume tertiary care obstetric referral center with a level IV NICU and pediatric hospital with amazing facilities, I had no doubt I would have access to a top notch education and training experience. In addition, I fell in love with the city of Grand Rapids and West Michigan which has so much to offer.
What do you like most about your program? My favorite part of our program is the people! A large number of our faculty members trained here and decided to stay and practice and that has created an environment with a lot of pride and comradery. We have bustling OB and GYN services with incredible numbers for training and exposure to all facets of minimally invasive surgery. Our PD is very caring and our entire support team works constantly to take good care of us which I really appreciate.
Clinical Interests: I have a strong passion for health disparities and increasing healthcare access for vulnerable populations, particularly at risk women. My interest in this has led me to medical volunteer work in Ghana, Jamaica, India and Ecuador. I hope to use my career to be a voice for the voiceless both close to home and abroad.
Living in West Michigan: West Michigan is the perfect place for people who love the outdoors! There is so much to explore from hiking and kayaking in our state parks to lake lounging and winter sports and we never had trouble making plans for the weekend. Northern Michigan also has tons of fabulous wineries and Grand Rapids is known as "Beer City USA" with dozens of local craft breweries. My fiancé and I are both foodies and we are very happy with our local food scene and entertainment options here in Grand Rapids which is a fantastic city for young professionals.
Hobbies: Good food and wine, traveling, exploring Pure Michigan, spending time with my fiancé and our cat in our beautiful downtown apartment.
Chantip Tharanon, MD
Hometown: Thailand
Medical School: Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? This program has high volume of deliveries and friendly people in the program
What do you like most about your program? I enjoy the Spectrum Health teaching, learning environment.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are maternal-fetal medicine.
Living in West Michigan: I enjoy food, culture and our great community in Grand Rapids.
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, watching movies and cooking.
Jenna Zimmerman, MD
Hometown: Panama City, Florida
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I wanted to train at a high volume hospital that supported its residents. Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital is a very busy labor and delivery unit with referrals from all over West Michigan. I could see the support the residents had for each other as well as the support from faculty, Spectrum, and Michigan State University.
What do you like most about your program? The high volume of this hospital allows you to see so much. I have worked hard this year, but I would not trade it for the amazing training experiences. I also love the community I have found in my co-residents! I could not have survived intern year without my residency family.
Clinical Interests: I am excited to continue to explore the subspecialties of OB/GYN. I am particularly interested in complex gynecologic surgery.
Living in West Michigan: I love the summer weather in Michigan! Grand Rapids is a medium-sized city that has a lot to offer and is very accessible. The food and drink scene is great. Grand Rapids is also close to the beach in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Hobbies: I love cooking and trying new restaurants with friends. I also enjoy yoga, hiking, concerts, Parks and Recreation, reading, and the beach. I went skiing twice last winter which was a new experience as a Floridian. I was not great, but I look forward to trying again next year!