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!
PGY 2
Zain Alajjouri, MD
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical School: Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited about my residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan because of the strong family atmosphere, the diverse pathology and patient population in Grand Rapids and the friendly and supportive culture fostered by the faculty, staff and senior residents.
Clinical Interests: I am interested in trauma and critical care.
Hobbies: I enjoy weightlifting, sports and day trading.
Brode Breuker, MD
Hometown: Fremont, MI
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to provide high-level care to the surrounding communities. I am looking forward to community outreach opportunities.
Clinical Interests: I am interested in rural emergency medicine and wilderness medicine.
Hobbies: My hobbies include fishing, hunting, cooking, cooking and farming.
Bradley Buska, MD
Hometown: Saginaw, MI
Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? The high acuity and high volume of patients at Corewell Health in West Michigan makes it a great place to receive exceptional training. I am excited to hit the ground running and learn as much as I can.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests within emergency medicine are medical education, ultrasound and toxicology.
Hobbies: I enjoy biking, hiking, camping, video games and spending time with my family and friends.
Lyanette Irizarry, MD
Hometown: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am eager to work alongside a program that believes in creating a culture where trainees are valued and reminded they are fully adequate and supported. This program offers a high-acuity patient population to learn from and an outstanding teaching faculty who genuinely want to see you succeed. I am excited to practice in an area such as this geographic location where I can connect with many Hispanic patients. As a Spanish speaker, I can relate to and help the Hispanic population in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are ultrasound and toxicology.
Hobbies: I like to go to the beach, search for places to rent kayaks and do indoor rock climbing. I love to bake desserts and go shopping and I enjoy going out for Salsa dancing and spending quality time with friends playing board games.
Emma Lindemann, MD
Hometown: Holland, MI
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? There are so many aspects of residency at Corewell Health in West Michigan that excite me! I am thrilled to be at a level 1 trauma center with high patient volumes, diverse pathologies, and a longitudinal pediatric experience! Additionally, being able to serve the community I grew up in is a major bonus!
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are in international and disaster medicine.
Hobbies: My hobbies are traveling, riding my peloton, going to the beach as often as possible, binging the latest true crime documentary or podcast and exploring Grand Rapids with my husband and our perfect Golden Retriever, Chandler Bing!
Kyle Lipa, DO
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Medical School: Kansas City University
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am looking forward to working at a level 1 trauma center with an extremely busy emergency department. Training here will also allow me to have longitudinal exposure to pediatric patients through their pediatric emergency department. Being here also allows me to be close to home and able to see my family much more.
Clinical Interests: I am interested in pediatric emergency medicine. It was one aspect of the program that drew me here. With the pediatric emergency department being directly connected it allows me to have longitudinal exposure to pediatric patients throughout my three years here.
Hobbies: I love being out on the water, hiking and exploring new trails and golfing. My fiancé and I also enjoy trying new restaurants and Grand Rapids is a great place to do all of these.
Nina Lund, MD PhD
Hometown: Calgary, Canada
Medical School: Northwestern University
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I feel fortunate to join the program in emergency medicine at Corewell Health in West Michigan, particularly given the thoughtful program leadership and large catchment area served by Butterworth and HDVCH, promising depth and breadth of training experience.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests include emergency department-based public health interventions for infection control and immune dysregulation in the setting of shock.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends at home, outdoors and traveling to locales both near and far.
Darian Mills, MD
Hometown: Lansing, MI
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? Between the patient volume, the exposure to high-acuity cases and the opportunity to take care of pediatric patients, the training here is top-notch. Not only that, but I'm also excited to practice emergency medicine in a city that I call home. It's an enormous privilege to care for the members of the community, here in Grand Rapids.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests include ultrasound, public health and health policy.
Hobbies: As a husband and father of two boys, I enjoy spending time with my family as much as I can. Trips to the park, zoo or beach are abundant in the summer. Outside of time with family, I like sports, watching movies and playing video games.
Raydeer Piromari, DO
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited about my emergency medicine residency not only because of the phenomenal training experience, but also because I have the chance to serve the community in which I was raised. Being from the area, I recognize that Corewell Health in West Michigan offers a vast array of opportunities that will fully prepare me as an aspiring emergency medicine physician. Through the interview process, it was clear that this program emphasizes a strong culture prioritizing their residents' overall wellness. I am looking forward to spending the next 3 years at a welcoming program that will help me become a well-rounded emergency medicine physician.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are in critical care, ultrasound and toxicology.
Hobbies: My hobbies include playing and watching basketball (Go Green!), exercising, exploring nature through hikes and traveling. I also deem myself an amateur food critic and am looking forward to trying the cuisines Grand Rapids has to offer!
G. David Porter, MD
Hometown: Flatwoods, KY
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to train at a program with both adult and pediatric level I trauma centers, a high patient volume and exposure to a wide variety of medical conditions. I am thrilled to be part of an organization which emphasizes the success and well-being of its residents. Additionally, I am excited to be living in Grand Rapids. The city is beautiful, the people are friendly and there is so much to do!
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests include ultrasonography, emergency medical services and medical education.
Hobbies: As a husband and father of two, my favorite hobbies are things I can enjoy doing with my family. I love camping, hiking, fishing and cars! I also love spending time at the John Ball Zoo, exploring the various parks around Grand Rapids and relaxing on the beach by Lake Michigan!
Emma Syrek, DO
Hometown: Williamston, MI
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am looking forward to the large diversity of pathology and patients seen at Corewell Health West and how much time is spent with the pediatric population through the emergency department at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital throughout all three years. I am also very excited about the culture of the Emergency Medicine program; it's very welcoming, encouraging, friendly, and loud!
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests are medical resuscitation, critical care, and pediatric emergency medicine.
Hobbies: My hobbies include reading, painting, quoting The Office and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, playing with my crazy dogs and spending time with family. My husband and I love renovating our home, trying new food and spending time outdoors, whether that's swimming, kayaking, hiking or downhill skiing, we love to do it all!
PGY 3
Alexander Clegg, MD
Hometown: Ada, MI
Medical school: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because of the general family feel the residency program had. From the virtual social hour, through the first 4 months of residency, this program clearly has authentic faculty and residents. It's an excellent 3-year program in my hometown and close to Lake Michigan - one of my favorite spots!
What are your clinical interests? I mostly enjoy the day-to-day work, but I also enjoy Clinical Informatics.
Hobbies: I enjoy getting outside, hiking, skiing, sports, sailing, exploring different restaurants and coffee shops, and enjoy all the four seasons that Michigan has to offer!
Andrew Coleman, DO
Hometown: Spokane, WA
Medical school: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I rotated at Spectrum as a medical student which reaffirmed that I wanted to train at Spectrum for residency. It is the perfect blend of high volume and acuity with very strong pediatric exposure, given the tertiary pediatric hospital that we rotate through every EM block. Every program says their residents and faculty are the best; that holds true here, but more than that, even the non-core faculty are engaged in teaching and developing you to be the best EM physician possible.
What are your clinical interests? Medical education, medical resuscitation and critical care medicine.
Hobbies: All things outdoors. You can find me running, biking and exploring the beautiful trails and scenery that Grand Rapids has to offer.
A. Mandy Dean, DO
Hometown: Clinton Township, MI
Medical school: Oklahoma State University
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I knew I would be challenged and see a lot of critical patients. After training here for three years, I knew I would be very well prepared to handle anything I may see as an attending. It was an added bonus to be closer to my family too.
What are your clinical interests? Emergency medicine.
Hobbies: Cooking, volleyball, hiking and spending time with my husband and dog.
Nathan DeBruine, MD
Hometown: Greenville, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I worked here as a medical scribe during undergrad and really enjoyed working with all the providers. I also loved my rotations here during medical school because all the residents and attendings were super friendly and invested in teaching. It really felt like home and just happened to have everything I was looking for in a program, being community-based, but university-affiliated with a level 1 trauma center, plenty of high acuity patients, and a culture that supports work-life balance. Plus, I get the bonus of living in an awesome city close to friends and family!
What are your clinical interests? I am particularly interested in international medicine, ultrasound and medical education.
Hobbies: I love running, biking, playing soccer and volleyball and even heading down under for some scuba diving! You'll always find me with my camera too. If I'm not outside, I'm playing piano, organ or trying to learn my guitar.
M. Jared Foster, DO
Hometown: Mesa, AZ
Medical school: Des Moines University
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I was lucky enough to rotate at Spectrum Health for a month. While I was here, I was welcomed as one of their own and immediately felt at home. In addition to that, being able to work in both a Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center as much as we do is a great way to get tons of exposure to a variety of patients.
What are your clinical interests? Currently, I am most interested in Emergency Medical Services. Other fellowships that I am interested in learning about are Toxicology and Sports Medicine.
Hobbies: I have two kids, so my hobbies definitely revolve around spending time with them and finding fun activities to do. Once my kids go to bed however, I enjoy playing video games, basketball, pickleball, and spending time with my wife.
Mason Gay, MD
Hometown: Vincennes, IN
Medical school: Indiana University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health for a number of reasons including high patient volume, strong clinical exposure to both adults and pediatrics, established program with a great reputation and good vibes from all the faculty and residents I interacted with on interview day.
What are your clinical interests? I'm interested in practicing in rural or community emergency medicine.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending my free time running, lifting, playing basketball, following my favorite sports teams, watching movies/tv and going to coffee shops.
Jessica Jawahir, MD
Hometown: Holland, MI
Medical school: Michigan State College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health because it is important to me to be able to continue to learn and care for the community I was raised in. The program here made it clear it is a priority to support their residents wellness during such a demanding time in our training. I knew the high volume, diverse pathology and longitudinal pediatric exposure would facilitate significant learning opportunities and prepare me for my future career. The program supports exploration of niche interests in emergency medicine and is excited to help connect you to opportunities within those interests.
What are your clinical interests? I am interested in public health and advocacy as well as medical education. I am excited to explore my opportunities to increase my exposure to these topics during residency.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending my free time playing with my dog, Pizza (and yes, Pizza loves to eat pizza). My husband and I enjoy traveling, hiking and cooking together. When not cooking together, we enjoy eating out and exploring Grand Rapids - there is always new spots to discover!
Michael Melbardis, DO
Hometown: Fishers, IN
Medical school: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I had great interactions with faculty and residents during my interview day and it was evident the residents worked well together. The program has lots to offer, including working in a busy level 1 trauma center, a longitudinal approach to pediatrics and a supportive faculty dedicated to resident education and well-being.
What are your clinical interests? My clinical interests include community medicine and critical care.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing and listening to music. I was actually a music major in college with a focus on jazz piano. I am also trying to improve my golf game.
PGY 1
Ahmad Ayyad, MD
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited to be part of an amazing team/family at Corewell Health in West Michigan. Based on the high acuity and high volume of patients offered at Corewell Health in West Michigan, I have no doubt that I will be prepared for any situation the arises during my journey.
Clinical interests: I am interested in the behavioral health and ultrasound fellowships offered.
Hobbies: I love watching movies/shows and being around friends and family. I have also traveled to about 15 countries and am always ready for the next adventure!
Amanda Bahamonde, MD
Hometown: Weston, FL
Medical school: University of Michigan
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? During my interview, I could tell that the residents and faculty truly enjoyed being a part of the Corewell Health in West Michigan team. Everyone I interacted with was genuine, enthusiastic, and considerate. I am excited to be a new part of this team and to train at a hospital that sees high volumes of patients with diverse pathologies.
Clinical interests: My clinical interests include critical care, international emergency medicine and rural emergency medicine.
Hobbies: My hobbies include cooking and exploring new places with my husband, doing jigsaw puzzles and crosswords, singing and hanging out with our cat.
Bradley Burns, DO
Hometown: Mason City, IA
Medical school: Des Moines University
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am excited about joining a well established program for many reasons. These include continual exposure to high volume and high acuity patients in both the adult and pediatric populations. Having faculty and seniors that are supportive of the incoming residents. As well as exploring a mix of academic and community emergency medicine.
Clinical interests: My clinical interests in emergency medicine include medication education, ultrasound, and critical care.
Hobbies: I spend most of my time with my fiance and our dog, Leo. Outside of time with them I enjoy staying active by working out, hiking, and bike riding. I also enjoy discovering new restaurants and unique distilleries.
Christine Chalhoub, DO
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Carolinas Campus
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? I am from the Grand Rapids area and I'm very excited to return home to serve and positively impact the community I grew up in.
Clinical interests: I am interested in pediatric emergency medicine and critical care medicine. Also, I am interested in nutritional education and utilizing nutrition as a form of preventive medicine.
Hobbies: I enjoy being active, playing soccer, hiking, exercising and love cooking and baking in my free time.
Patrick Fewins, MD
Hometown: Okemos, MI
Medical school: Central Michigan University
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Grand Rapids is home for my wife and was my stomping grounds for many years when I was in EMS. I am excited to be coming back to a highly effective emergency system where we function as an integral safety net for the community we serve. While doing so, Corewell in West Michigan will provide me with resources, environments, and patients in need that will broaden my understanding and make me a more effective clinician.
Clinical interests: I believe emergency is exciting in part because it is full of opportunities to make snap decisions, and sometimes a little extra information can help with that. One of the tools we are uniquely poised to use in the emergency department is point of care ultrasound. I want to push the use of ultrasound modalities for myself and others as far as I can in the emergency department not only for diagnosis, but for procedures as well. One avenue that has me excited and is ripe for expansion is in ultrasound guided blocks in the emergency department.
Hobbies: I love playing sports with others. You name it, I will play it even if I am mediocre at it. Yard games are a blast as well. I picked up biking in med school, it has been great for getting me away from stress and now I live right next to the White Pine Trail. When I am not outside, you will find my free time is spent cooking or playing video games. Lastly, my wife and I like to play board games with others and are always looking for recommendations.
Michael Mazur, DO
Hometown: Murrieta, CA
Medical school: Kansas City University
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? There were many different things that excited me about Corewell Health in West Michigan. Throughout the interview process I could tell that the curriculum would prepare me for any patient. Having a Level I pediatric hospital for dedicated pediatric training was a unique opportunity. The program director also showed an emphasis on resident well being and the importance of family. Overall, I got a great sense of the faculty and knew the training was pure quality.
Clinical interests: I am interested in community emergency medicine, becoming proficient in a variety of skills and educating the next generation of emergency room doctors.
Hobbies: I love spending time with my wife and our Jack Russel puppy. We enjoy relaxing at home, but do like to get outside and hike, go to the beach, play tennis, go on cruises and workout. Also, my wife will beat anyone at fantasy football!
Elizabeth Nisper, MD
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? My first exposure to the Corewell Health in West Michigan emergency department was as a medical scribe while in college. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant atmosphere, the dedicated staff, and the high-quality care provided to patients. When I had the opportunity to return to the department for a medical school rotation, it reaffirmed that this is where I wanted to train. Corewell Health in West Michigan offers a supportive, autonomous environment with strong clinical education and diverse learning experiences. I feel extremely grateful to have Matched here and am excited to learn emergency medicine in the same place where I first fell in love with the specialty.
Clinical interests: My clinical interests include obstetric and behavioral health emergencies. I am also interested in medical education, administration and managing health disparities.
Hobbies: In my free time, I love to run, read, play with my cat (Pippin), travel and try new restaurants. I am excited to be back in my hometown where I can spend more time with my husband and family and enjoy all that Grand Rapids has to offer!
Hunter Pham, MD
Hometown: Lowell, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Beyond being excited to stay in the geographical area I know and love, I am especially excited to work alongside world-class colleagues in West Michigan's most prestigious hospital system.
Clinical interests: I have a specific passion for rural medicine, having lived rurally my entire life. I look forward to the comprehensive education that this residency can provide for a potential future in "one-doc shop" emergency departments.
Hobbies: With my brother's name as "Fisher," it's pretty clear where my family's passions lie. My hobbies include my namesake (with a special love for bird hunting where I can involve my dog) as well as fishing, hiking, wildlife conservationism, videogames with my wife and operating our hobby farm "Pham Fowl Farm."
Jessica Ziccarello, MD
Hometown: Middleville, MI
Medical school: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health in West Michigan? Corewell Health in West Michigan has everything that I was looking for in a residency program. I'm really excited about gaining exposure to the high patient volume and acuity that come with training at adult and pediatric level I trauma centers. However, since I'm from the Grand Rapids area, I think I'm most excited to train in and serve the community that made me who I am today!
Clinical interests: My clinical interests include ultrasound, wilderness medicine and sports medicine.
Hobbies: In my spare time, I enjoy staying active by playing volleyball, golfing, skiing and hiking. I also love spending time on Lake Michigan with my husband, family and friends!