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 2027

Ayla Barakat, MBBS
Ayla Barakat, MBBS

Hometown: Aleppo, Syria

Medical School: Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? During my time as a medical student, I had the opportunity to participate in a rotation at Corewell Health in West Michigan. It was an exceptional month where I collaborated closely with the neurology department's residents and attending physicians. The atmosphere at Corewell Health in West Michigan is truly unique, characterized by the friendly demeanor of the doctors and the abundance of knowledge I was able to acquire. I must emphasize the approachability of Dr. Abbas, who consistently made himself available to address any concerns or questions raised by the residents. Overall, my experience at Corewell Health in West Michigan was remarkable and immensely valuable to my medical education.

Clinical Interests: I am interested in pursuing a career that provides a combination of hospital-based and clinical-based as a neurologist. However, as an incoming intern, I am looking forward to exploring more of the field before deciding on a subspecialty.

Hobbies: I have a strong passion for exploring various countries and immersing myself in diverse cultures worldwide. When I have free time, I find great joy in engaging in physical activities such as running or going to the gym.

Ryan Bean, DO
Ryan Bean, DO

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am very excited to train in a program where I am able to interact with so many diverse patients. The faculty care about you and I know my education is valued here. Additionally, being in Grand Rapids there is so much to do in the city and surrounding areas.

Clinical Interests: I am currently interested in neurocritical care and vascular neurology.

Hobbies: I am an avid Michigan State and Detroit sports fan. I also enjoy going to the gym, golfing and traveling both throughout Michigan and internationally.

Naser Haj Aissa, MBBS
Naser Haj Aissa, MBBS

Hometown: Ma'arrat Misrin, Syria

Medical School: Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I got the opportunity to work with and learn from the majority of the staff while completing my neurology elective at Corewell Health in West Michigan as a medical student. In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, the family-like atmosphere and the faculty's tremendous support have truly piqued my interest. The final thing that made me incredibly happy was couples matching with my wife in lovely Grand Rapids!

Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are stroke and vascular neurology. Nevertheless, I would like to explore the different fields of neurology during my residency.

Hobbies: I like exploring new places, being outside and tasting new foods.

Shayan Marsia, MBBS
Shayan Marsia, MBBS

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Medical School: Dow Medical College

What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited because the city is beautiful, the faculty is supportive, the network is enormous, the facilities are multi-disciplinary, the residents and alumni are welcoming and the program director is energetic. .

Clinical Interests: I would like to pursue a career in neurocritical care, however, public health, data analysis and epidemiology excites me too.

Hobbies: I enjoy public speaking, water sports, history and world affairs, dancing, cricket and poetry.

Class of 2026

Hassan Khanzada, DO
Hassan Khanzada, DO

Hometown: Troy, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I rotated in Spectrum Health in my 4th year after hearing about the scope and patient population that Spectrum serves. I soon realized that the inclusive learning environment, benefits, and the Grand Rapids experience was unique and perfectly in match with what I hoped to accomplish as a physician. In addition, I learned that many of the graduating residents chose to stay at Spectrum as full time attendings which really spoke to me about the great environment.

What are your clinical interests? I would like to pursue a career that offers both in hospital and clinical experience as a Neurologist.

Hobbies: I love to travel short and long distances. I take trips around Grand Rapids and Michigan as well as out of state as my schedule allows. In addition, I love to play cricket, read, catch up on business news, including new and exciting technologies from electric vehicles to innovative gadgets.

Sweta Komanduru, DO
Sweta Komanduru, DO

Hometown: Okemos, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Spectrum Health sounded like a very supportive place to do my residency. I was impressed by how motivated and determined everyone was to make this the best possible training site. Everyone sounded really approachable during the interview and it was clear that they took resident education very seriously. Plus, Grand Rapids is a fun city to live in!

What are your clinical interests? I appreciate the variety that Neurology as a field has to offer. At this stage, I am open towards exploring the field more before deciding on a subspecialty.

Hobbies: I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family. I love exploring nature, with a special emphasis on national parks and state parks.

J. Fernando Ortiz Aguirre, MD
J. Fernando Ortiz Aguirre, MD

Hometown: Quito, Ecuador

Medical school: Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I choose Spectrum Health because Grand Rapids is a magnificent place to live. Inside the hospital is a very warming - teaching environment. Level 4 epilepsy center with huge volume of stroke cases. Beyond that, the leadership of Dr. Abbas is what impressed me the most about the program.

What are your clinical interests? My biggest interest is doing a fellowship is vascular or neurocritical care

Hobbies: As a good Latino, I play soccer and dance Salsa. In addition, I play golf if I have the time. I also have a podcast on Spotify, tune in and listen Neuro Talks Internation if you like neurology as much as I do.

Class of 2025

Katherine Dorsett
Katherine Dorsett, MD

Hometown: Federal Way, WA

Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because I wanted to train with a group of people who care about me as a person and will prepare me for my future career as a neurologist.

What are your clinical interests? My clinical interests include a broad range of neurological diseases and I am especially interested in neurocritical care.

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, watching tv with my two cats, cooking and catching up with family and friends.

Jordan Gates
Jordan Gates, DO

Hometown: Novi, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose to train at Spectrum Health because of their world class faculty and facilities. My wife, a PA at Spectrum Health, is from Grand Rapids and I love the tight knit community here.

What are your clinical interests? I have several clinical interests including behavioral neurology, movement disorder and dementia.

Hobbies: I love many outdoor activities including biking, hiking and boating. I also enjoy reading and video games.

Beenish Javaid
Beenish Javaid, MBBS

Hometown: Multan, Pakistan

Medical school: Nishtar Medical University Pakistan

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Spectrum Health is like a home to me. I was inspired by the professionalism and friendly environment to work in here. I will be able to learn and have diverse hands-on clinical experience here.

What are your clinical interests? I am interested in epilepsy.

Hobbies: I love Zumba. It keeps me motivated, fresh and active. I love cooking and try new dishes when I am free. It is like a canvass and you can add different colors according to your mood.

Ronak Patel
Ronak Patel, DO

Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI

Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? One of the ways I evaluated programs was on the basis of the people in the program. During the interview process, I found my attending and resident interviewers to be among the most personable and approachable. In addition, Spectrum Health being a large medical presence in West Michigan was a big draw. I believe it will lead to a greater variety and higher acuity of patients seen, which will only enhance my education.

What are your clinical interests? I am looking forward to exploring the vast variety of fields present within neurology during residency. My general interests include vascular neurology, critical care or a career as a neurohospitalist.

Hobbies: I am nearly obsessive about anything University of Michigan sports related. I am always looking for a new cuisine to try my hand at cooking as well, and I'll never say "no" to a new restaurant. I look forward to seeing what Grand Rapids has to offer!

Class of 2024

Dania Mallick
Dania Mallick

Hometown: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Medical School: Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan

Why did you choose Spectrum Health? Great facilities, wonderful faculty and the residents I had interacted with, and the opportunity to couples match with my husband!

What do you like most about your program? Looking forward to developing new relationships with faculty, peers, and seniors and learning from them! Also looking forward to expanding my skill sets and helping deliver the best care to patients!

Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are stroke/vascular neurology, Tele-Neurology, Global Health.

Living in West Michigan: This is my first time living in Michigan, and so far I am enjoying the lakes, trails, and the parks! I hope to be able to learn to fish, ski, and ice skate (at least!) during my time here in Michigan!

Hobbies: I enjoy travelling, hiking, exploring new coffee shops, outdoor activities, trying out new restaurants, and cooking!

Lauren Offerle
Lauren Offerle, MD

Hometown: Van Wert, OH

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I chose Spectrum Health because the people are sincere, the system is impressive, and the city is an awesome place to live.

What do you like most about your program? I am most looking forward to working with some incredible people to learn how best to improve our patients' lives.

Clinical Interests: I am interested in neurocritical care.

Living in West Michigan: I enjoy the outdoor/active lifestyle and West Michigan offers that!

Hobbies: My hobbies include hiking, biking, skiing, tennis, cooking, and sewing.

Darla Wheeler
Darla Wheeler, MD

Hometown: Detroit, MI

Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I chose to do my Neurology Residency at Spectrum Health because I was impressed with the tremendous impact that this program has had on neurological care in West Michigan. The attending have a clear passion for teaching, and the residents have great procedural, academic, and private practice experience. Coming to Grand Rapids was also a good way for me to be closer to home and still experience a new city.

What do you like most about your program? I am most looking forward to developing relationships with my patients, colleagues, and staff, and learning how to become a great neurologist!

Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are stroke, dementia, and movement disorders.

Living in West Michigan: I love the art and food seen here, the festivals, and its proximity to the Lake Michigan beaches.

Hobbies: My hobbies are playing the flute, speaking German, reading, eating good food, hanging out with friends and family, and spending time by the water.

Brian Wideman
Brian Wideman, DO

Hometown: Dearborn Heights, MI

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why did you choose Spectrum Health? The faculty have a passion for teaching and a clear desire to ensure that the program and it's residents excel. The residents seemed to have a great working relationship with one another, and seemed genuinely happy to be working and learning here.

What do you like most about your program? I'm excited to expand my knowledge and clinical skills, and can't wait to apply what I've learned to serve the community.

Clinical Interests: Neurology is a fascinating field with a lot of variety, and I feel that general neurology will suit me well. At this stage in my career I'm looking forward to further exploring the many subspecialties that neurology has to offer.

Living in West Michigan: I've never lived in West Michigan before, but I'm very excited to move there and get to know the area and it's communities.

Hobbies: I love the outdoors, especially hiking and kayaking. I love animals, and have two dogs that keep me on my toes.