Residents

Coty Buchwalter, DO

Hometown: Valparaiso, IN
Undergraduate Education: Purdue Northwest
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with the wife and baby, beach, sports, board games
Why I Chose Lakeland: Two main reasons I chose Lakeland: the people and the location. I quickly learned during my rotation at Lakeland that the residents and attendings had a very close relationship and were committed to teaching. I was confident I was going to receive exceptional training at this program. Factoring in the beautiful area of Southwest Michigan, choosing Lakeland was simple.

Mark Chesebro, DO

Hometown: Wayland, MI
Undergraduate Education: Spring Arbor University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hobbies/Interests: Play guitar, Collecting Bonsai trees, Spending time with my wife Ashley, daughter Ava, and dog Colby Jack.

Why I Chose Lakeland: "As a base student, I spent most of my clerkship rotations here at Lakeland. It quickly became clear that the culture here was one that supported learning and pushed me to develop the skills I would one day need as a resident. When the time came for me to start comparing programs for residency, I could not find another place that matched that same sense of investment in my learning. I look forward to staying and continuing to grow professionally and academically for the next three years."

Paul Delle, MD

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Undergraduate Education: Columbia University
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: vegetable gardening, hiking, wine tasting (new), traveling 
Why I Chose Lakeland: When selecting residencies to rank I was searching for a program that would allow me to train in Michigan where my family resides. I wanted a program that would expose me to a wide variety of illnesses while serving a diverse patient population. Additionally, I wanted to train at a hospital that is team oriented and has a family-like feel to it. I was fortunate to receive an interview invite from every program that interested me, however, Corewell Lakeland stood out for several reasons. I have a passion and interest in pre-hospital emergency care. Repeatedly throughout my interactions with Lakeland residents and faculty I heard of many positive experiences that residents had with the ems exposure Lakeland offers. I learned in both the military and medical school that I do my best when I’m thrown into challenging and intense situations. During my discussions with Lakeland staff it seems that there is no shortage of such situations in the ED at Lakeland. Although I did very well at the urban ERs in Detroit, Lakeland offers the experience of treating both the urban population and rural population. I want to leave residency confident in my ability to care for every patient who comes through the door at any ER in the US or abroad: I’m eager to learn about caring for a rural population. The sense of family at Lakeland is obvious. During the second look the didactics were enjoyable. The lecture was extremely engaging and exactly the type of classroom environment I learn best in. During my visit of the hospital a security guard cheerfully greeted us and described how he had been at Lakeland for over 20 years. All employees I met, as well as the hospital itself presented a clean and professional appearance. The professionalism and pride that the staff have at Lakeland have was very appealing to me, that is exactly the type of organization I want to be part of. During the ER tour of the second look visit Dr. Mancini said that the ER does not ever go on diversion. That is exactly the type of ER that I want to train in: Lakeland is not one of many ERs in the area, it is the ER. Most importantly, Lakeland seemed to understand me as a person. My wife has been my support, partner, and a person I look up to since we began dating in medical school. Dr. Mancini as well as other staff knew my wife’s name after the interview and offered to help with any concerns she has. No other institution made any such consideration. On match day after we opened our letters my cell phone rang with a St. Joseph area code and it was Dr. Mancini calling to congratulate me. No other student that I’m aware of received such a call at that moment. Its above and beyond what is expected. Throughout the interview process Spectrum Lakeland has distinguished itself as a program that will train me to be both an educator and ER physician that will be prepared for anything. Importantly there is a unique and strong sense of family and community both in the hospital and in St. joseph. My sense of the leadership in the program is strong, it is essential to me to be mentored by strong leaders so that I can become one. I am extremely grateful and excited to start my emergency career at Lakeland Hospital.

Almasa Duheric, DO

Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Why I Chose Lakeland: I originally decided to rotate at Lakeland because I had heard great things regarding the strength and rigor of the program. I had also heard that St. Joe’s was a little Lake Michigan paradise. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and truthfully, my husband and I never saw ourselves leaving the city. But between the the faculty, GME, Dr. Mancini and the beautiful town, St. Joe’s immediately became a place I could envision myself thriving as both a resident and as a person. I love beaches, paddle boarding, being near the lake, breweries, food, and trails to walk with my dog and this hit every mark. I felt like I found my people here and I’m so excited for this journey!

Kristine Graham, DO

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Lakeland: "I knew that Lakeland would give me the skillset I was looking for to become a well-rounded emergency medicine physician. As a base student the great educational environment at Lakeland Hospital stood out to me. I always felt challenged to push my learning further and also supported by the attendings and staff! I am really happy to be a part of the Lakeland team."

Keaboka Nyumbu, MD

Hometown: Boston, MA
Undergraduate Education: Northeastern University
Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: reading, Art (sketching, oil pastels), YouTube watcher, Star gazing, and Sleeping 
Why I Chose Lakeland: After my residency interviews, I reviewed all my pros and cons for each program. Under Lakeland, I had “perfect program.” This program had all the things I was looking for. I was looking for an unopposed program, so I could get as many procedures done as possible. The program also felt small and intimate, meaning I could foster a strong relationship with the residency cohort and faculty. Lastly, Lookout Point is an affordable and safe place to live for the duration of my residency. Not to mention, the scenery by the lake is absolutely beautiful!!

Taylor Read, DO

Hometown: Naperville, IL
Undergraduate Education: Loyola University Chicago
Medical School: University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Baking, crafts, anything with my dogs
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland for so many reasons! I learned I really wanted a community-based program without surgical residents since that allowed more hands-on training as an EM resident. My family is in the Chicago area, and I am excited to be closer to them but in a community setting while watching sunsets on the lake. I also quickly connected with the residents and felt the faculty were down to earth and truly cared about the residents. 

Hannah Taylor, DO

Hometown: Lexington, OH
Undergraduate Education: Miami University
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, coffee, reading, visiting local wineries, and playing with my family's dogs
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland because the people are great, and the program feels like a family. It was clear during my interview and visit that I would get an excellent education while surrounded by supportive people I’ll truly enjoy spending time with. I felt that Lakeland would be the perfect combination of kind people, a great training experience, and a beautiful location, and I’m excited to join the team!

Phillip Whitman, DO

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Why I Chose Lakeland: " Honesty, transparency, and community are what drew me to Lakeland. Right away I knew that the care each member had for each other was genuine. I immediately felt welcomed and part of their family. As I talked with residents and staff, it was evident the care and respect everyone had for this program. Plus, I am close to my family and Lakeland offers learning experiences I could not find elsewhere. "

Monica Dholakia, MD

Hometown: Fullerton, CA
Undergraduate Education: Tulane University
Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, camping, hiking, traveling, reading, and playing with dogs. 
Why I Chose Lakeland: The people I met during my interview felt like people that I would want to spend time with. They had a kind and genuine atmosphere. I know that residency can be difficult, so I wanted to set myself up for success by being in a supportive environment.

Graham Federico, DO

Hometown: Valparaiso, IN
Undergraduate Education: Calumet College of St. Joseph
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Spending most of my time with my wife and 3 children. We also have two dogs. I like to be outside. Love Kentucky basketball!! Go Wildcats!!
Why I Chose Lakeland: Spectrum allows me to be near family and practice emergency medicine. While doing rotations at Spectrum, I was able to work with multiple attendings. Every one of them made sure that during the shift I learned something new. This let me know that this program will give me the tools needed to be the best EM physician possible. Also, as a former firefighter/paramedic I am interested in the EMS track as part of my career goals will be giving back to the EMS community. Lastly, the group of people here seem like a great family, and I’m excited to join the fam!!

David Funk, DO

Hometown: Fraser, MI
Undergraduate Education: Oakland University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Sports (college football, NFL, NHL), weightlifting, snowboarding, golf, intramural sports (football, soccer, softball)
Why I Chose Lakeland: Despite living on the east side of Michigan for the entirety of my life, I knew after my interview with Lakeland that this program was something special. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by its EM faculty, residents, and fellow staff were virtually unmatched. Their dedication to high-quality resident education and patient-centered care made Spectrum Health an easy choice for residency! (Plus, it gives me an excuse to FINALLY leave the east side and check out the west coast of Michigan!)

Erin Heath, DO

Hometown: Tekonsha, MI
Undergraduate Education: Western Michigan University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Running, hiking, cooking, eating, gardening/plants, and really any outdoor activity.
Why I Chose Lakeland: Proximity to family and friends along with comfort in familiarity. I have been at this hospital for two years as a student and have grown to love and appreciate the community as well as those who work here.

Erin Leach, MD

Hometown: Middleville, MI
Undergraduate Education: Grand Valley University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy working on craft projects, downhill skiing, learning about bonsai trees, exploring new breweries with friends, watching Netflix, reading, hiking the lakeshore, and hanging out with my cat, James. In medicine I have special interests in mindfulness, research, toxicology, and ethics.
Why I Chose Lakeland: There are so many great reasons to choose Lakeland, but first and foremost is the culture of the program.  As a visiting student, it was incredible the amount of respect I saw in interactions between patients, staff, students, residents, and attendings. That respect fosters a safe and encouraging learning environment that I thrived in as a student and will continue to thrive in as a resident. Other big reasons for me were the location (on Lake Michigan!), the diverse pathology, the opportunity to train in both Saint Joseph and Niles, and that the program is unopposed.

Matthew Merchant, MD

Hometown: Southwick, MA
Undergraduate Education: Providence College
Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center
Hobbies/Interests: Backpacking, hiking, golf, brewing beer, cooking, and watching all Boston sports.
Why I Chose Lakeland: During my away rotation I was able to appreciate how amazing the environment at Lakeland truly is. Whether that's the welcoming arms of the residency program, the clinical staff checking in after a difficult case, or the encouraging words of the local community members, I continue to be impressed through each of the experiences I have encountered.

Zachary Taylor, DO

Hometown: Wausau, WI
Undergraduate Education: Brigham Young University
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Fishing and aviation.
Why I Chose Lakeland: Close-knit family vibes

Bijan Arab, DO

Hometown: Michigan City, IN
Undergraduate Education: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, crossword puzzles, video games, and traveling
Why I Chose Lakeland: I chose Lakeland, because of the people. The residents that I met and the faculty that I interviewed with were all great people to spend time with and I felt that I would fit in well. I grew up close by and being near my hometown is a big plus.

Thomas Barker, DO

Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Undergraduate Education: University of Utah
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University
Hobbies/Interests: Climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding, backpacking, camping, fishing, photography, and begrudgingly running.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I was immediately attracted to Spectrum by the passion of the faculty and residents. It was easy to tell that they were committed to developing or becoming skilled physicians. Beyond that, I grew up visiting family in Southwest Michigan and appreciate the chance to stay close to them in a wonderful community.

Abigayle Gama-Sosa, MD

Hometown: Woodstock, IL
Undergraduate Education: University of Chicago 
Medical School: Rush Medical College of Rush University
Hobbies/Interests: Baking, crafts, gardening, traveling, and playing with my 15-month-old son
Why I Chose Lakeland: I got such a great feeling of community and family from the SHL community during my interview! Plus, the location is perfect for my lake-loving family, and the small-town feel is just what I wanted my son to grow up with. 

Ashley Kowalkowski, DO

Hometown: Lowell, IN
Undergraduate Education: Purdue University Northwest
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy biking, hiking, beaching, and water sports! I’m also an avid thrift shopper and love to be creative with furniture flipping and interior design. 
Why I Chose Lakeland: I knew Lakeland was the perfect program for me after spending a month auditioning with incredibly supportive and intelligent residents, faculty, and staff. From the first day of my rotation I could truly picture myself fitting in with the team and the rest is history! Plus, you can’t beat living near the beach! 

Danielle Lorenz, DO

Hometown: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Education: Concordia University Wisconsin
Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine 
Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, kayaking, weight lifting, horseback riding, traveling, hiking national parks, watching Wisconsin sports, and visiting breweries.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I learned early on during my audition rotation at Lakeland that I wanted to be here for residency. The faculty are very dedicated to education, the residents were welcoming and fun to work with, and I loved working in different hospitals (Niles and St. Joe). Everyone had the Midwest personalities that I’ve missed. My husband and I loved the town and instantly felt at home. We grew up on Lake Michigan, so this is a dream come true! 

Daniel Mattox, DO

Hometown: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Education: University of Denver
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, cooking, beer and wine, and camping.
Why I Chose Lakeland: I rotated at Lakeland as a medical student, and could very quickly tell how engaged the faculty were in teaching the residents and students. The whole program had a welcoming, family atmosphere and the residents made me feel at home. I was impressed by the abilities of the senior residents and knew that I would obtain excellent training in a beautiful location.

Erin Pattison, DO

Hometown: Apple Valley, MN
Undergraduate Education: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hobbies/Interests: Rescue dogs, biking, hiking, rock climbing, exploring local breweries, and Minnesota hockey
Why I Chose Lakeland: The people are incredible here! Some of the most welcoming, down-to-earth, passionate and dedicated faculty and residents that I have ever met. I knew that I wanted to train at a program that feels like family and I found that with Lakeland!

Jon Tiemann, DO

Hometown: Valencia, CA
Undergraduate Education: Valparaiso University
Medical School: Midwestern University
Hobbies/Interests: Golf, paddle boarding, reading, and cooking.
Why I Chose Lakeland: Excellent staff community and team culture.

Jack Wesley, MD

Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI
Undergraduate Education: Grand Valley State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine 
Hobbies/Interests: Camping, homebrewing beer, and board games.
Why I Chose Lakeland: After my interview with Spectrum Health Lakeland, I really felt like this was a place I could truly develop as an emergency medicine physician. The faculty seemed genuine in their care and interest in my education and the current residents were easy to get along with. The diverse patient population and being unopposed in the hospital were major benefits in choosing Lakeland for my residency program.