Residents

Emergency Medicine Residency Program

Meet the residents of the Emergency Medicine Residency program at Trinity Health Muskegon, Graduate Medical Education. Select a resident's bio to learn more.

2029

Ethan Bachert, MD

University of Virginia School of Medicine

Ethan Bachert, MD

2029

Medical School

University of Virginia School of Medicine

Hometown

Niskayuna, N.Y.

Professional Interests

Rural Medicine

Undergraduate

Cornell University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose Trinity Health Muskegon because I was very impressed with the acuity of the emergency department and hands-on training the residents receive, the diversity of patients there, and the program's emphasis on community medicine. I really appreciated hearing about the different tracks offered to residents and having a 4th year of residency to explore those interests and prepare myself for practice in a rural or low-resource setting in the future.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of medicine, I love the outdoors, archery, cooking, reading and spending time with friends and family!

Tyler Blatt, DO

LMU-DCOM

Tyler Blatt, DO

2029

Medical School

LMU-DCOM

Hometown

Brighton, Mich.

Professional Interests

Critical Care

Undergraduate

Central Michigan University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I rotated here during my 3rd and 4th year of medical school, and the relationship between the residents and attendings really stood out to me. It felt like a big family where everyone is so supportive of each other. Another reason I chose Muskegon is that it’s an unopposed program which means that the ER gets to do many procedures that would otherwise be given to surgery residents. I loved the community setting and the EM residents seemed well prepared after seeing such a wide variety of patients and pathology. Also, West Michigan is beautiful and being so close to Lake Michigan is definitely a plus!

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I love being on the water, whether it's on a boat or at the beach. I spend a lot of time outside with my dog and 2 horses. Other things I enjoy are baking, photography, and traveling.

Trayton Christiansen, DO

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Trayton Christiansen, DO

2029

Medical School

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Janesville, Mich.

Professional Interests

Rural and Wilderness Medicine

Undergraduate

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose Trinity Health Muskegon because of the people and the location. During my rotation here as a medical student, I felt welcomed and supported by the entire ED team. I appreciated how collaborative the environment was and how involved I was in patient care. That experience made it clear this was the kind of place I wanted to train.

I’m confident this program will give me the training and mentorship I need to become a well-rounded emergency physician.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I enjoy hiking, hunting, boating, and spending time at the cabin - especially ending the day around a campfire with family and friends. Most of all, I enjoy being with my dog, Kona, a high-energy German Shorthair Pointer. She’s my sidekick, and we do just about everything together. If she’s happy, I’m happy.

Zachary Marsman, DO

LECOM Bradenton

Zachary Marsman, DO

2029

Medical School

LECOM Bradenton

Hometown

Spring Lake, Mich.

Professional Interests

Emergency Medicine

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose Trinity Health Muskegon for residency because of the elite level of training, excellent teaching faculty, diverse patient population, and beautiful location.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I enjoy spending quality time with my family, camping, hiking, traveling, tennis, pickleball, onewheel riding, watching sports, Bible study, attending church, and essentially any outdoor sports and activities.

Eleri Miller, DO

Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Eleri Miller, DO

2029

Medical School

Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Chicago, Ill.

Professional Interests

Addiction Medicine, Medical Education

Undergraduate

The College of Wooster

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I was first drawn for the beach and proximity to my family, but I quickly realized how amazing Michigan is and why so many people never want to leave this state. Trinity Health Muskegon's Emergency Medicine program, in particular, offers exposure to such a wide variety of cases, since it serves much of the west side of the state. It also has outstanding and brilliant faculty and current residents who foster a very welcoming environment.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I love playing in recreational volleyball leagues both indoor and beach. I also travel as frequently as possible most recently in the past year to Portugal, Greece, Germany and Switzerland.

Britney Spack, DO

Des Moines University

Britney Spack, DO

2029

Medical School

Des Moines University

Hometown

Rockford, Ill.

Professional Interests

Global Health, Policy, Sports Medicine

Undergraduate

University of Iowa

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose West Michigan based on my audition and elective rotations. I was constantly exposed to a high level of acuity and a variety in patient demographics which provided such valuable learning experiences. The attendings and senior residents also created a collaborative teaching environment where I was pushed everyday but supported and encouraged along the way.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, CrossFit, walking my dogs, spending time on the lake, waterskiing and wakeboarding.

Caleb Topp, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Caleb Topp, DO

2029

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Holland, Mich.

Professional Interests

Critical Care

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

West Michigan is home for me. After rotating at the local EM programs, it became clear that Muskegon was where I belonged. I found the program to be superior in terms of resident knowledge, exposure to high acuity patients and procedures. Rather than being "integrated" into the trauma cases, I saw residents take the leading role which translated not only into confidence in the protocols but also an ability to think critically and work beyond basic ATLS.

I think a program's senior residents are one of the best measures of their quality and these are residents I aspire to be like. Above all else, the teaching faculty were some of the most genuine, down-to-earth physicians I have worked with. Above all else, the teaching faculty were some of the most genuine, down-to-earth physicians I have worked with.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I love enjoying the outdoors with my wife. In addition to mountain biking and hunting, we've recently picked up mountaineering.

Carolyn Zichichi, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Carolyn Zichichi, MD

2029

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Hometown

Romeo, MI

Professional Interests

EMS, Event Medicine

Undergraduate

Oakland University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I did an audition rotation here and absolutely loved it! The residents felt like a little family—super welcoming and really connected beyond work. The faculty and residents were so kind, loved teaching, and made sure we got hands-on experience! You get the best of both worlds between the two campuses: unopposed procedure experience, high acuity, and diverse patient populations. Plus, West MI summers on the lake are top tier.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy rock climbing, gymnastics, and playing pickleball. I also attend a lot of live music / concerts and love to travel when I can.

2028

Samuel Biddle, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Samuel Biddle, DO

2028

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Frankenmuth, Mich.

Professional Interests

Emergency Medicine

Undergraduate

Michigan State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Trinity Health Muskegon was my first audition of 4th year. I did not know much about the program at the time but my wife grew up around the area and having family close is always a good thing. After the first few shifts I was blown away by the acuity of patients coming into the ED. The residents and attending were amazing teachers and truly cared not only about the patients but also my learning.

Another reason I chose West Michigan EM Residency is that it is unopposed, meaning there are no ortho or surgery residents at this hospital, which means the ER does many of the procedures that would normally be relegated to ortho or surgery residents. Trinity Health Muskegon is a level 2 trauma center which leads to many traumas being brought to our door.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy hunting, fishing, weight lifting, basketball and wrangling my children.

Ben Black, DO

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ben Black, DO

2028

Medical School

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Boise, Idaho

Professional Interests

Emergency Medicine

Undergraduate

Brigham Young University Provo

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose this program because the people were very welcoming, the hospital has high acuity and variety, and West Michigan is an incredible place to live (big city training with small town living)! A 4-year program offers a lot of time to gain exposure to things like ophthalmology, ultrasound, trauma, hand surgery, etc.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy audio books, board games, Magic the Gathering, fishing, and traveling to and learning about Japan.

Dakota Busch, DO

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Dakota Busch, DO

2028

Medical School

Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

West Harrison, Ind.

Professional Interests

Wilderness Medicine

Undergraduate

Franklin College

Why I chose this program/location for my training

The engaged faculty, patient volume and relative acuity make for an excellent place to train in emergency medicine.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy Rinzai Zen, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Rebecca Jacobs, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Rebecca Jacobs, DO

2028

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Middleville, Mich.

Professional Interests

Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, Critical Care

Undergraduate

New York University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

It is close to family and offers a diverse patient population with a good mix of pediatrics and trauma, on top of general medicine conditions.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, travel, watercolors, knitting and golf.

Aji Yagou Jeng, MD

School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia

Aji Yagou Jeng, MD

2028

Medical School

School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia

Hometown

Wellingara, The Gambia

Professional Interests

Emergency Medicine

Undergraduate

University of The Gambia

Why I chose this program/location for my training

There are so many things I love about this program. First, the fact that it’s a four-year program means I’ll have the time to truly master my skills. I also appreciate the lack of competition for procedures and the opportunity to work closely with attendings.

I wanted to train in a place that genuinely values unity and kindness, and during my interviews with the faculty and residents, I quickly realized how warm and supportive everyone is. I knew I wanted to be a part of that. Choosing this program was easy; it checked all my boxes.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, trying different food, exploring beaches and long drives.

Matthew Shield, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Matthew Shield, DO

2028

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Mattawan, Mich.

Professional Interests

EMS, Global Health, EM Ultrasound

Undergraduate

Michigan State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose Trinity Health Michigan because of the core faculty, fellow residents and the quality of training. I also liked the 4-year program, as well as the hospital/area.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, camping, target shooting, snowboarding, motorcycles, and action/superhero movies and TV shows.

Nicholas Whalen, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nicholas Whalen, DO

2028

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Grand Haven, Mich.

Professional Interests

Emergency Medical Services, Ultrasound

Undergraduate

Central Michigan University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose Trinity Health Michigan because of the extended training, faculty and proximity to the Lakeshore.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, backpacking, running, playing video games and rock climbing.

2027

Sarah Baribeau, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Sarah Baribeau, DO

2027

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Grand Ledge, Mich.

Professional Interests

Community EM, Global Health

Undergraduate

Michigan State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

West Michigan Emergency Medicine Residency was the program that stuck out to me as the one with the best combination of high acuity, patient volume, and a supportive environment. I also love West Michigan for the year round outdoor activities, proximity to the lake and relaxed attitude.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Travel. I have a goal to visit all the continents, making niche playlists, pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.

Matthew Barylski, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Matthew Barylski, DO

2027

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Canton, Mich.

Professional Interests

Pre-Hospital Medicine and EMS

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

West Michigan has been home to me for the last decade. When I was looking at emergency medicine residency programs, geographic location was really important for me to stay in West Michigan. Doing an audition rotation at Trinity Health Muskegon during my fourth year was the greatest influence on me for choosing this program. High-volume, sick population, and unopposed procedures were certainly high points, however, one of the greatest draws for me was seeing the mutual support and comradery amongst the residents.

As a medical student, I felt so welcome and included as part of the team, that I knew that this program would be a great fit for me to train at for the next four years.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I spend most of my time with my family and church. I greatly enjoy most all outdoor activities.

Garrett Clement, DO

Rocky Vista University

Garrett Clement, DO

2027

Medical School

Rocky Vista University

Hometown

Bountiful, Utah

Professional Interests

Ultrasound and Pain Management

Undergraduate

University of Utah

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Walking away from my interview with this program, I knew it was “the one.” My decision was largely based on how I felt after that experience, but the program also had everything I was looking for: passionate educators, strong resident culture and camaraderie, a family-friendly attitude, procedural opportunities unopposed by anesthesia or surgical residents, an excellent EMR, exposure to a physician-owned EM group, and opportunities for moonlighting later on in training.

The Michigan outdoors and the opportunity to live in a lake town were also great motivators—and affordable housing (an extremely pleasant surprise in this location) made it all the more attractive. Choosing West Michigan as my #1 choice for emergency medicine has been the best decision I've made so far in medical training.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, hiking, 3D printing/modeling and spending time with my wife and daughter.

Matthew Luce, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Matthew Luce, DO

2027

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Wayland, Mich.

Professional Interests

Sports Medicine

Undergraduate

Cornerstone University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose Emergency Medicine because of the variety of patients and pathologies that I have the opportunity to take care of. It also allows me to have a direct role in life saving procedures and treatments every day. I chose Muskegon because of the high acuity of patients we see, unopposed procedures from other residency programs, and the family-like bond the residents have with each other, and our faculty.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I love to run, swim, and play soccer on my free time.

Nathaniel Naud, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Nathaniel Naud, DO

2027

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Cincinnati, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Mich.

Professional Interests

Ultrasound and Critical Care

Undergraduate

Michigan State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Muskegon and the surrounding areas have a lot to offer. The seasons are beautiful and there are many outdoor activities. The teaching staff at our residency is genuinely personable and focused on our needs as individual learners. We are more hands on with procedures as we are unimpeded by other residences in house.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I'm a big MSU sports fan, and I enjoy working out, building models and the fantasy genre.

Madison Shindorf, MD

American University of the Caribbean

Madison Shindorf, MD

2027

Medical School

American University of the Caribbean

Hometown

Wauseon, Ohio

Professional Interests

Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Wilderness Medicine

Undergraduate

Kent State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Emergency Medicine (EM) has been my goal since high school! Never knowing what/who is coming in the ED next, seeing all age ranges and a wide range of disease processes was why I fell in love with EM. I chose Trinity Health Muskegon because I wanted to maximize my learning with unopposed procedures, in a sick population, with a high volume ED. For that reason, the 4 years was a plus in my book.

I would rather be over-prepared than under!

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Anything outdoors! I love hiking, running, kayaking, rock climbing, etc. I also have an artistic side; I love painting, sketching and photography.

Cody Stewart, MD

Indiana University School of Medicine

Cody Stewart, MD

2027

Medical School

Indiana University School of Medicine

Hometown

Merrillville, Ind.

Professional Interests

Emergency Medical Services, Outreach and Training, Critical Care, Emergency POCUS

Undergraduate

Purdue University Calamet

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Early exposure and opportunity to become proficient in a wide variety of procedures without residents from other specialties competing. Amazing, caring group of faculty and residents. Also, can't beat West Michigan summers!

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, exploring nature and spending time with my kids.

2026

Taylor Barthels, DO

A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Taylor Barthels, DO

2026

Medical School

A.T. Still University - Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

St. Louis, Mo.

Professional Interests

Emergency Medicine, Point of Care Ultrasound, Sports Medicine, Toxicology, Event Medicine

Undergraduate

Missouri State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I was looking for a program where I could really dive into my patient care. I didn’t want to simply train as someone that sits behind a computer and calls others to do my bidding. Trinity Health Muskegon, as it is an unopposed program, gives the opportunity to do all the procedures that you otherwise might have to hand off. I also felt right at home when I came for my audition rotation.

I made plans on making West Michigan my new home shortly after moving up here so from a life standpoint I am thrilled. Finally, the fact that this is a four year program makes me confident that I will leave here feeling confident that I will have the tools to tackle anything coming my way once I am on my own.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I absolutely love to golf, which is both a blessing and a curse. I enjoy hiking and biking with my fiancee as well as exploring new areas in Michigan and checking more and more national parks off the list! Computer games are also a hobby of mine when I get some free time. I enjoy watching golf on television, Formula 1, and just going out for a drive on a nice windy road.

Terryce Blanchard, DO

Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

Terryce Blanchard, DO

2026

Medical School

Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Wayland, Mich.

Professional Interests

Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Global Medicine

Undergraduate

Calvin College

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose emergency medicine because I love the fast paced, ever-changing environment. I also love the ability to be able to perform procedures and the acuity of patient care.

Muskegon was my base hospital during my last two years of medical school, and I really enjoyed being there. I am from West Michigan and wanted to stay near family and friends. I also thought the patient population, interesting pathology and high volumes would provide me ample learning opportunities. The residents and physicians also made me feel welcome and a part of the team, which was really important to me.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I enjoy traveling with my husband to new places, trying new recipes, new restaurants and craft beer. I also enjoy watching sports with friends and family.

Jack Brodeur, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jack Brodeur, DO

2026

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Traverse City, Mich.

Professional Interests

Pre-Hospital/Wilderness & Rural Medicine, Human Factors and Process Optimization, Simulation, Critical Care

Undergraduate

Michigan State University Honors College

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose emergency medicine because I enjoy treating patients of all ages with a wide range of clinical presentations, from patients seeking urgent or primary care to the critically ill. Not knowing what challenges the next shift will bring keeps things interesting and motivates me to keep learning and refining my skills.

While on an EM Ultrasound rotation in Muskegon, I was impressed by the quality of education/experience the program provides and the comradery between the residents and attendings. I’m excited for the opportunity to train at an unopposed program with multiple clinical sites.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends. I am an avid runner, snowboarder, surfer and ice climber. I’m excited to take advantage of the running and biking trails in West Michigan over the next few years and hope to get a few post-shift surf sessions in Lake Michigan as well.

Adam Gwizdala, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Adam Gwizdala, DO

2026

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Bay City, Mich.

Professional Interests

Critical Care Medicine, Toxicology, Health Care Administration

Undergraduate

Ferris State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I grew up in Michigan and absolutely love the west side of the state. Grand Rapids is a short drive away and I’m close to some of the best beaches in the United States. I love Muskegon’s hospital environment, the interactions I have had with the physicians and staff, and I appreciate that the faculty is driven to create excellent emergency physicians.

At Trinity Health Muskegon, I get to work as an emergency medicine physician handling all manner of cases, performing procedures, and get to act as the team lead when running resuscitations. Most of all, I felt like it was the best fit for me. I chose emergency medicine because I love the variety of patients and disease states, the procedures, learning to predict the unpredictable and being able to learn from the different cases.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy fishing, camping, flight simulation, leatherworking, woodworking, kiteboarding, snowboarding and piano.

Keenan Hacker, DO

Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Keenan Hacker, DO

2026

Medical School

Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Frenchburg, Ky.

Professional Interests

Practice emergency medicine at a community hospital, or perhaps a rural critical access emergency room.

Undergraduate

University of Kentucky

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Trinity Health Muskegon was my first choice because I did an audition here and Dr. Offman, the faculty, and the residents were incredible teachers and relatable people. Muskegon is also a perfect-sized beach town, with big city fun nearby in Grand Rapids.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy playing basketball, soccer, golf, skiing, kayaking, hiking, video games, and cooking.

Austin Poulson, DO

Rocky Vista University

Austin Poulson, DO

2026

Medical School

Rocky Vista University

Hometown

Duchesne, Utah

Professional Interests

Point of Care Ultrasound, Critical Access and Rural Medicine

Undergraduate

Southern Utah University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

After I complete my training, I want to practice at a critical access hospital. The variety and patient volume at this program gives me the confidence that I will be able to comfortably practice on my own with limited resources when the time comes. Muskegon has the right balance of autonomy and supervision that I feel best fits my learning style.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters, hunting, fishing and making fishing lures. I also like building houses and other construction projects.

Oliver Snyder, MD

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Oliver Snyder, MD

2026

Medical School

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Hometown

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Professional Interests

I am interested in medical device innovation to solve unmet needs in emergency medicine.

Undergraduate

University of Pittsburgh

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I have always loved outdoor activities in the snow and on the water. When I visited Muskegon, I immediately fell in love with the area. Despite having no connection to the area prior to residency, I am excited to make my home here!

Hobbies/interests outside of work

I enjoy hiking, skiing and kayaking. I am also a big fan of video games and cooking!