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Graduates

A group of residents stand together in a hospital, smiling at the camera

Transitional Year Residency

Meet the graduates of the Transitional Year program at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Medical Education. Select a graduate's bio to learn more.

2024

Jessica Buttinger, MD 

Jessica Buttinger, MD

Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Jessica Buttinger, MD

Jessica Buttinger, MD

2024

Medical School

Central Michigan University College of Medicine

Future Residency Program

Mayo Clinic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program

Hometown

Waterloo, Ontario

Professional Interests

Sports Medicine, Research in Regenerative Medicine and Orthobiologics, Ultrasound

Undergraduate

Duke University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

This program was a standout during my interview season for many reasons, including the well-rounded training I would get in my first year as a physician, which I highly valued. In addition to this, it offers a supportive and collaborative faculty leadership group that truly care for our well being, with planned journal clubs and wellness days throughout the year. The fact that this program is located in Grand Rapids is such a bonus.

Going to medical school in Michigan allowed me to fall in love with the state, especially the west side and Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids is a thriving metropolitan area, that I feel is just the right size to both offer all the big city amenities including incredible cuisine, while also allowing easy access to Lake Michigan.

I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to train at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and I look forward to taking advantage of the numerous opportunities that this program offers, as well as working with the outstanding faculty.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I love trying new restaurants and types of food, spending time with my dog and husband, watching hockey (Go Carolina Hurricanes!), being active through hiking and playing recreational sports like kickball and ice hockey.

Camilla Cascardo, MD 

Camilla Cascardo, MD

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Camilla Cascardo, MD

Camilla Cascardo, MD

2024

Medical School

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Future Residency Program

Dermatology, University of Michigan

Hometown

Dearborn, Mich.

Professional Interests

Complex Medical Dermatology, Medical Education, Global Health

Undergraduate

Wayne State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Trinity Health Grand Rapids had some of the kindest and most supportive faculty members that I met throughout my interview trail. Furthermore, the curriculum offered a great balance of rotations with lots of flexibility. Grand Rapids is such a fun city and is the perfect place for a foodie like me. I am very excited to make this place my home for the next year!

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy finding hole in the wall restaurants and pastry shops, grabbing tea at a local coffee shop, exploring Northern Michigan, visiting Ann Arbor, and playing board games.

Christine Knight, MD 

Christine Knight, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Christine Knight, MD

Christine Knight, MD

2024

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Future Residency Program

Diagnostic Radiology at UC Davis

Hometown

Saginaw, Mich.

Professional Interests

Bioinformatics and image-related computational research

Undergraduate

Central Michigan University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I completed many of my medical school clinical rotations here at Trinity Health Grand Rapids. Every team I worked with was kind, supportive and interested in my learning. I chose to complete my transitional year here in hopes of reciprocating these sentiments to the teams and paying it forward by teaching the next year of medical students.

I also had a great interview day, and thoroughly enjoyed the additional time I've spent with Dr. Sadowski and Amelie, and the previous year transitional residents!

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy video gaming, sketching, creative writing, hiking and kayaking. Doing the latter of these with our two dogs is even better!

Justin McCarthy, MD 

Justin McCarthy, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Justin McCarthy, MD

Justin McCarthy, MD

2024

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Future Residency Program

PM&R at Mary Free Bed

Hometown

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Professional Interests

Sports medicine and Academia

Undergraduate

Michigan State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

The friendly, homey feeling of the hospital and dedication of the program to fostering a healthy environment for patients and staff alike.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy family time and trips, construction/reconstruction projects, MMA, golf and chess.

Spencer Nehls, DO 

Spencer Nehls, DO

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Spencer Nehls, DO

Spencer Nehls, DO

2024

Medical School

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

 
Hometown

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Professional Interests

Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Critical Care, Pain Management, Emergency Medicine

Undergraduate

Hillsdale College

Why I chose this program/location for my training

After growing up in Grand Rapids, I am very grateful for the opportunity to return home and continue my medical training surrounded by close family and friends. At every turn, Dr. Sadowski and his faculty have been warm, welcoming, and supportive of the goals I have for my career. I felt like this was a program with a great culture, great learning opportunities, and simply great people. I am looking forward to meeting and working with all of my new colleagues.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

My hobbies include sports, exercising, hiking, fishing and boating in northern Michigan.

Francisco Padron, MD 

Francisco Padron, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Francisco Padron, MD

Francisco Padron, MD

2024

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Future Residency Program

University of Illinois at Chicago

Hometown

Chicago, Ill.

Professional Interests

Complex medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology and Mohs microsurgery

Undergraduate

University of Illinois at Chicago

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose to pursue my transitional year residency at Trinity Health Grand Rapids for several reasons. First and foremost, the hospital offers a comprehensive and rigorous training program that encompasses all facets of medicine, providing residents with a strong foundation to excel in their future specialties.

Additionally, the presence of a highly skilled teaching faculty further enhances the learning experience, ensuring guidance and mentorship throughout the program. Having rotated at Trinity Health Grand Rapids as a 3rd-year medical student, I experienced firsthand the warm and welcoming environment fostered by the staff and residents, making it an ideal place to continue my medical training.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

During my free time, I enjoy staying active and pursuing various hobbies. Weight lifting and running keep me fit and focused, while hiking allows me to connect with nature and seek new adventures. I also find joy in reading and listening to podcasts, constantly expanding my knowledge and gaining fresh insights.

2023

Ethan Austhof, MD 

Ethan Austhof, MD

Case Western Reserve University

Ethan Austhof, MD

Ethan Austhof, MD

2023

Medical School

Case Western Reserve University

Future Residency Program

Radiology, University of Chicago

Hometown

Hudsonville, MI

Professional Interests

Prostate MRI research

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

With its multiple opportunities for unique and interesting electives, robust inpatient experience and friendly, supportive staff, this program felt like a perfect fit

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

My hobbies outside of work include reading, watching movies and playing videogames.

Theodore Hagens 

Theodore Hagens, MD

Eastern Virginia Medical School
Theodore Hagens

Theodore Hagens, MD

2023

Medical School

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Future Residency Program

Radiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Hometown

Boulder, CO

Professional Interests

Neuroradiology, musculoskeletal imaging, interventional radiology and global health

Undergraduate

Tulane University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

During my interview with Mercy Health Grand Rapids, I was immediately drawn to the warm and supportive personalities of the faculty and staff. Furthermore, the Transitional Year program offers a very flexible and versatile training curriculum. My family has a lake house near Ludington and I have fond memories of the area from my childhood, so I am very excited to return to this part of Michigan!

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Walking my Labrador retriever, repairing and modifying cars, reading, and video games.

Jared Mazurek 

Jared Mazurek, MD

University of Kansas, School of Medicine
Jared Mazurek

Jared Mazurek, MD

2023

Medical School

University of Kansas, School of Medicine

Future Residency Program

Radiology, Cleveland Clinic

Hometown

Pittsburg, KS

Professional Interests

Radiology, Education

Undergraduate

Friends University

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

I loved my interview day experience. I was impressed by the variety of learning and teaching opportunities at the program and the supportive nature of the faculty. Plus, I am excited to explore Grand Rapids for a year!

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, board games, video games, baking, and cooking.

Alexander Mishkin, MD 

Alexander Mishkin, MD

St. George's University SOM
Alexander Mishkin, MD

Alexander Mishkin, MD

2023

Future Residency Program

Anesthesiology, Allegheny Health Network

Erika Ysabelle Mojica, MD 

Erika Ysabelle Mojica, MD

University of North Dakota
Erika Ysabelle Mojica, MD

Erika Ysabelle Mojica, MD

2023

Future Residency Program

Radiology, University of Michigan

Dirk Tanis, DO 

Dirk Tanis, DO

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Dirk Tanis, DO

Dirk Tanis, DO

2023

Medical School

Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Future Residency Program

Anesthesiology, Indiana University

Hometown

Holland, MI

Professional Interests

Anesthesia and perioperative medicine, pain management

Undergraduate

Calvin College

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

After growing up in West Michigan, I am very excited for the opportunity to return for a year of training in my medical career. I had the opportunity to work at Mercy Health Grand Rapids prior to starting medical school. Given my past experiences working at Mercy Health, I am excited to train at a place with a great culture of collaboration and teaching. This transitional year program will set me up to be very successful in my Anesthesia residency.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Golfing, traveling, exercising, and spending time at Lake Michigan. My wife and I also enjoy trying new restaurants and playing board games.

2022

Logan George, MD 

Logan George, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Logan George, MD

Logan George, MD

2022

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Future Residency Program

Anesthesiology, University of Colorado

Hometown

Muskegon, Mich.

Professional Interests

Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Throughout my medical school clerkship rotations as well as my interview experience, I was continually impressed by the kindness of the residents and faculty as well as the supportive learning environment with an emphasis on teaching.

This program also provided the added bonus of having the opportunity to stay in Grand Rapids for another year to be closer to family and friends before heading out West!

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work I enjoy hiking, cycling, board games, jigsaw puzzles, karaoke and gardening.

Amanda Hirsch, MD 

Amanda Hirsch, MD

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Amanda Hirsch, MD

Amanda Hirsch, MD

2022

Medical School

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Future Residency Program

Diagnostic Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin

Hometown

Barrington, Ill.

Professional Interests

Radiology, Medical Education

Undergraduate

Vanderbilt University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

During the interview day, I was impressed with the emphasis on resident education and the wide range of clinical opportunities available for TY residents.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I enjoy running, hiking, reading and doing puzzles.

Matthew Lommen, MD 

Matthew Lommen, MD

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
Matthew Lommen, MD

Matthew Lommen, MD

2022

Medical School

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine

Future Residency Program

Interventional Radiology – Integrated, Washington University – St. Louis

Hometown

St. Charles, Minn.

Professional Interests

Interventional/Diagnostic Radiology, Education, Mentorship

Undergraduate

University of St. Thomas

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

I had great interactions with faculty and residents during my interview and felt I would get great education for my intern year here. Getting to live in Grand Rapids for a year is a bonus as well.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, traveling, craft beer and am an avid Minnesota sports fan.

Stefan Menchinger, MD 

Stefan Menchinger, MD

Michigan State University – College of Human Medicine
Stefan Menchinger, MD

Stefan Menchinger, MD

2022

Medical School

Michigan State University – College of Human Medicine

Future Residency Program

Diagnostic Radiology, University of New Mexico

Hometown

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Professional Interests

Diagnostic Radiology

Undergraduate

University of Michigan

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

My experiences at Mercy Health during medical school were outstanding. The program's emphasis on education and teaching was a real draw. Plus, I get to continue training in my hometown.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I enjoy hiking, playing tennis, video games, reading fiction, and board games.

Caleb VanDyke, MD 

Caleb VanDyke, MD

Central Michigan University
Caleb VanDyke, MD

Caleb VanDyke, MD

2022

Medical School

Central Michigan University College of Medicine

Hometown

Hudsonville, Mich.

Professional Interests

Neuroradiology, Stroke, Neurointervention

Undergraduate

Kalamazoo College

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

It was easy to decide to come to Mercy Health for my transitional year training. I grew up outside Grand Rapids and thought this would be a great opportunity to return home for a year and work in the same hospital where my friends and family receive their healthcare. My interview experience was very positive and reinforced the idea that this program is very nurturing to learners and a fun place to work.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, eating spicy foods, video games, cars and motorcycles.

Elizabeth Witte, MD 

Elizabeth Witte, MD

Michigan State University - College of Human Medicine
Elizabeth Witte, MD

Elizabeth Witte, MD

2022

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Hometown

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Professional Interests

Radiology, Women's Health and Education

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

I rotated through Mercy Health as a medical student and was impressed with the educational opportunities available for residents. The staff is passionate about teaching and the atmosphere is very welcoming.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy soccer, gardening, reading and adventures with my two dogs.

2021

Patrick Gidley, MD 

Patrick Gidley, MD

Diagnostic Radiology, Loyola University
Patrick Gidley, MD

Patrick Gidley, MD

2021

Future Residency Program

Diagnostic Radiology, Loyola University

Zeeshan Haque, MD 

Zeeshan Haque, MD

West Florida Hospital, PMR
Zeeshan Haque, MD

Zeeshan Haque, MD

2021

Future Residency Program

West Florida Hospital, PMR

Albert Jiao, MD 

Albert Jiao, MD

Brigham & Women's Hospital, Diagnostic Radiology
Albert Jiao, MD

Albert Jiao, MD

2021

Future Residency Program

Brigham & Women's Hospital, Diagnostic Radiology

Jason King, MD 

Jason King, MD

University of Chicago Medical Center, Anesthesiology
Jason King, MD

Jason King, MD

2021

Future Residency Program

University of Chicago Medical Center, Anesthesiology

Yoad Porat, MD 

Yoad Porat, MD

University of Colorado SOM, Anesthesiology
Yoad Porat, MD

Yoad Porat, MD

2021

Future Residency Program

University of Colorado SOM, Anesthesiology

Danuka Ubayasena, MD 

Danuka Ubayasena, MD

Northwestern University, Anesthesiology
Danuka Ubayasena, MD

Danuka Ubayasena, MD

2021

Future Residency Program

Northwestern University, Anesthesiology

2020

Michael Chavarria, MD 

Michael Chavarria, MD

Anesthesiology, Stanford University
Michael Chavarria, MD

Michael Chavarria, MD

2020

Future Residency Program

Anesthesiology, Stanford University

Emily Hillaker, DO 

Emily Hillaker, DO

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Virginia
Emily Hillaker, DO

Emily Hillaker, DO

2020

Future Residency Program

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Virginia

Andrew Kilgore, MD 

Andrew Kilgore, MD

Diagnostic Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University
Andrew Kilgore, MD

Andrew Kilgore, MD

2020

Future Residency Program

Diagnostic Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University

Jina Libby, DO 

Jina Libby, DO

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mary Free Bed Hospital
Jina Libby, DO

Jina Libby, DO

2020

Future Residency Program

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Mary Free Bed Hospital

Jon Matsuo, MD 

Jon Matsuo, MD

Anesthesiology, Case Western/MetroHealth
Jon Matsuo, MD

Jon Matsuo, MD

2020

Future Residency Program

Anesthesiology, Case Western/MetroHealth

Paige Norwick, MD 

Paige Norwick, MD

Dermatology, Case Western/MetroHealth
Paige Norwick, MD

Paige Norwick, MD

2020

Future Residency Program

Dermatology, Case Western/MetroHealth

2019

Nicholas Gut, MD 

Nicholas Gut, MD

Mary Free Bed PM&R Residency
Nicholas Gut, MD

Nicholas Gut, MD

2019

Future Residency Program

Mary Free Bed PM&R Residency

Fareea Khaliq, MD 

Fareea Khaliq, MD

Wayne State University PM&R Residency
Fareea Khaliq, MD

Fareea Khaliq, MD

2019

Future Residency Program

Wayne State University PM&R Residency

Dallin Lindahl, MD 

Dallin Lindahl, MD

SUNY Upstate University PM&R Residency
Dallin Lindahl, MD

Dallin Lindahl, MD

2019

Future Residency Program

SUNY Upstate University PM&R Residency

Charlene Ofosu, MD 

Charlene Ofosu, MD

Texas Tech University Interventional Radiology Residency
Charlene Ofosu, MD

Charlene Ofosu, MD

2019

Future Residency Program

Texas Tech University Interventional Radiology Residency

Adam Schwark, MD 

Adam Schwark, MD

University of Toledo PM&R Residency
Adam Schwark, MD

Adam Schwark, MD

2019

Future Residency Program

University of Toledo PM&R Residency 

Eric Swy, MD 

Eric Swy, MD

University of Cincinnati Diagnostic Radiology Residency
Eric Swy, MD

Eric Swy, MD

2019

Future Residency Program

University of Cincinnati Diagnostic Radiology Residency