/ Transitional Year Bios

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 2023

Sanchin Gangele, MD

Hometown: Vienna, VA

Medical school: Wayne State University School of Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Spectrum Health has a very warm, friendly culture and I find that to have a significant impact on my residency experience. In addition, being a large tertiary center, I felt comfortable knowing that I will have diverse, complex patient care. Not to mention, those awesome West Michigan beaches are pretty awesome too!

What are your clinical interests? I am interested in diagnostic radiology, in particular imaging associated with the musculoskeletal system.

Hobbies: In my free time, I like to watch TV with my fiancé, go to the gym, play video games or just hang out with friends.

Adam Holmes, MD

Hometown: Centerville, OH

Medical school: University of Michigan Medical School

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose to do my transitional year residency training at Spectrum Health because of the program’s supportive culture, flexible curriculum and commitment to resident education.

What are your clinical interests? I’m interested in the development and integration of novel imaging modalities and artificial intelligence applications within the field of diagnostic radiology.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, cooking, playing (poorly at) golf, fishing, traveling and exploring new places in and around the city.

J. Alex Sanford, DO

Hometown: East Lansing, MI

Medical school: Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because I rotated here as a medical student and appreciated the robust transitional year and radiology training experience provided and the collegial atmosphere of the residents and staff. Grand Rapids is also a wonderful city to live in with plenty of fun things to do in your free time.

What are your clinical interests? I am interested in body imaging because it covers a wide breadth of pathology and requires a very expansive knowledge of radiology. I hope to make a difference in patient lives by making efficient and accurate diagnoses for early treatment and intervention.

Hobbies: I enjoy being active including running, cycling, weightlifting and golf, as well as spending time with my family in Michigan.

Sonia Samant, MD

Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI

Medical school: George Washington University School of Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because of its strong clinical training in a broad range of specialties, collegial atmosphere and supportive faculty. As a transitional year intern, I feel that I have exposure to complex pathologies in a variety of specialties. The residents and attendings are always eager to teach.

What are your clinical interests? I am in the transitional year/diagnostic radiology program. I am interested in breast radiology.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and making jewelry.

Andrea Westman, MD

Hometown: Lake Orion, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? As a MSUCHM graduate, I was familiar with the Spectrum Health system and knew that they were dedicated to creating a positive teaching environment. I was confident that the variety of clinical rotations this program offers would provide me with the tools to take care of my future patients with a more well-rounded approach. I was also looking forward to rotating through Helen DeVos Children's Hospital to enhance my ability to take care of pediatric patients.

What are your clinical interests? My clinical interests include physical medicine and rehabilitation, specifically spasticity management, neuromuscular disorders and pediatric rehabilitation. I hope to be an advocate for people with disabilities in the clinics and in the community. I also look forward to getting involved with the adaptive sports program at Mary Free Bed.

Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy playing tennis and pickle ball, doing yoga, going for walks, cooking vegetarian meals and reading.