Faculty

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

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Medical Education

Meet the faculty members of the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Medical Education Family Medicine Residency program.

Program Administration

Michael Bishop, MD, FAAFP

Residency

Ball Memorial Family Medicine, Muncie, Ind.

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Academic Family Medicine - Grand Rapids

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

I am married to a wonderful ER physician and we have four amazing children (from high school to diapers). We put down roots in East Grand Rapids in 2013 and live there with our Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix Charlie.

When not transporting kids to drumline, piano lessons or Irish dance, I enjoy running - mainly short distance 5k & 10k's. I collect Starbucks mugs and have a passion for Lego sets. My parents saved my original sets from childhood and I have enjoyed re-building them with my own children!

Teaching or other awards

Chuck Morrill Teacher of the Year (2006-07), Outstanding Graduate Medical Educator - Core Faculty (2008-09)

Medical School

Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Ind.

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

My current activities and interests center on Practice Management and leveraging the Electronic Health Record to optimize patient and provider experience. Our program has been transforming into a High Performing Primary Care Clinic through the Team Based Model of Care. This has allowed for multiple Clinical Quality Improvement projects and Process Improvements to occur simultaneously over the years.

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

Grand Rapids is the ideal mix of big city amenities and small town relationships. My wife and I discovered Grand Rapids as she was searching for a Level 1 trauma center for her Emergency Medicine Residency training and I was seeking a to continue practicing full scope Family Medicine - inpatient, ambulatory and obstetrics.We found both of these opportunities with the Medical Square Mile of downtown Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids offers a medically diverse experience with the benefits of university affiliation and the comforts of community-based education.

I joined the faculty in 2006, shortly after moving to Michigan. I am unabashedly a transplanted Hoosier, graduating from Hanover College in 1998, Indiana University School of Medicine in 2002 and completing my Family Medicine Residency at Ball Memorial Hospital in 2005. I was drawn to FM as a specialty because I enjoyed interacting with all ages of patients, teaching them about their diseases and partnering with them in their health care. In a similar way, I have been drawn into residency education, striving to help residents grow in their knowledge and passion for family medicine.

Alicia Crispin, C-TAGME

Senior Program Manager

Alicia Crispin, C-TAGME

I have lived in Grand Rapids for over 30 years and have been with Family Medicine for just as long. It has been fun to watch the residency and city grow over that course of time. During this time I have been able to meet and work with many amazing family physicians and watch some of them grow from being a scared intern at orientation to a strong, caring, teaching, core faculty member.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy watching sports. I’m a huge Detroit Tigers fan and even though I’m surrounded by some pretty serious “Sparties”, I typically cheer for the Maize and Blue. I enjoy travelling and spending time with friends and family and we are never at a loss for things to do for fun in West Michigan!

Associate Program Directors

Mario Cesario, MD, PhD

Associate Program Director

Mario Cesario, MD, PhD

Residency

St. Anthony Family Medicine Residency Program, Denver, Col.

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

I enjoy spending time with my family, whether it be nature walks, biking, cooking, or watching a movie. I also enjoy fishing, kayaking, kayak-fishing, and playing competitive (-ish) softball.

Medical School

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Oversight of Program didactics and the Adult Medicine didactics curriculum. Chairperson of the Program's Clinical Competency and Program Evaluation Committees. Areas of clinical interest include adult medicine, screening, immunizations, patient education, point-of-care evidence-based medical resources.

The things I most enjoy about my faculty work are the camaraderie among my fellow faculty and residents and teaching and connecting with our residents.

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

The expansive infrastructure in place for clinical care and medical education here in Grand Rapids, coupled with a tradition of cooperation among the participating entities, creates a rich educational environment. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach and to learn something every day.

On a family level, we moved to Grand Rapids for many reasons. The size of the town is perfect for us – small enough to be efficient to get around, yet large enough to have great amenities like the Civic Theater, Meijer Gardens, various indoor and outdoor performance venues, good restaurants (we are Beer City, after all), and the hockey and baseball teams.

It is a great setting in which to raise a family, excellent schools are available, and it is a short trip to beautiful surrounding environs.

Karri MacMillan, DO

Associate Program Director

Karri MacMillan, DO

Residency

West Suburban Family Medicine Residency Program

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Academic Family Medicine - Grand Rapids

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

I enjoy reading, being outside, riding bikes with my kids.

Medical School

Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Women's Health including OB/GYN procedures

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

Grand Rapids has a lot to offer including restaurants, outdoor activities, museums and gardens, all while still having a small town feel that is easy to access.

Faculty

William Ahrens, MD

Key Faculty

William Ahrens, MD

Residency

Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Medical Group - East Beltline

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

More than anything, I love to spend time with my wife and three children. We enjoy traveling, biking, and going to the movies. I am a runner who recently finished my first marathon at 40 years-old! I also play softball on a team with several other faculty members and am a die-hard fan of the Detroit Tigers.

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

It is one of my greatest joys to be involved in the education of the next generation of physicians. In addition to my role with the residency, I currently assist in the development and delivery of the clinical skills curriculum to first and second-year students at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. As the pediatrics coordinator for the residency, I have a particular interest in the care of children and adolescents.

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

I was born and raised in Michigan, but had never spent any considerable time in Grand Rapids prior to arriving here for residency. Needless to say, I fell in love with the city during my time here and simply can't imagine being anywhere else. It is not only a great place to practice medicine, but also a great place to raise a family. The people are friendly, and there are plenty of opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Grand Rapids has it all!

Maha Ayashi, MD

Core Faculty

Maha Ayashi, MD

Residency

York Hospital – York, Pennsylvania

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Academic Family Medicine - Grand Rapids

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

Strong obstetric curriculum in Family medicine, great town with many activities all year round.

Medical School

Aleppo university college of medicine, Aleppo Syria

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Obstetric and gynecology curriculum. interest in womens health.

Kyle Barry, PsyD

Regional Director of Behavioral Health Medicine Education

Kyle Barry, PsyD

Residency

Internship with Riverbend Community Mental Health and NH Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency Program. Postdoctoral work with Options for S. OR and Grants Pass Clinic.

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

Outside of work, I enjoy outdoor games, hiking and being in nature. I also like spending time with my partner and our two daughters, playing video, card, and board games, as well as small scale home improvement projects.

Teaching or other awards

STFM BFEF Fellow '23-'24

Medical School

Wright State University School of Professional Psychology

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Behavioral Health and Wellness

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

After living in NH and OR my partner and I moved back to the Midwest to start our own family and to be closer to our families. I chose Trinity Health Grand Rapids for the people who created a culture of support where we strive to work towards excellence while also having fun. Grand Rapids is a great size city for me with a good mix of city related benefits with easy access to the outdoors.

Julie Blossom-Hartley, MD

Core Faculty

Julie Blossom-Hartley, MD

Residency

Brown University Family Medicine Residency

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Medical Group, Academic Family Medicine – Grand Rapids

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, biking, baking, painting and chasing my toddler and dog around the yard.

Medical School

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Care of whole families, immigrant health, reproductive health, gender affirming care, medication assisted treatment for substance use disorder

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

I enjoy the team approach to patient care and the culture of evidence-based medicine found within a residency clinic. Coupled with the appeal of a vibrant midsize city close to my family made the residency center in Grand Rapids an easy choice for the next chapter of my medical practice.

Jeffrey Chamberlain, MD

Core Faculty

Jeffrey Chamberlain, MD

Residency

Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Academic Family Medicine – Grand Rapids

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

My wife and I met in a Bible study during undergrad at the University of Illinois. After graduating medical school from Southern Illinois University in 2005, I came to the Family Medicine Residency here in Grand Rapids. We liked the program and living in Grand Rapids so much that we decided to stay. We had our two children while I was in residency. My kids are now in school. Our family is very active in sports and outdoor activities.

Medical School

Southern Illinois University School Of Medicine

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

As a faculty member, I coordinate the ER, Urgent Care, Surgery, Procedure and Ultrasound curriculums. One of my major focuses is using technology to improve resident and patient education. I blog under the name "Dr. Jeff MD" and make YouTube patient education videos at TheDoctorDoodle on YouTube.

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

Grand Rapids is a decent size city, that also gives me the opportunity to practice a wide scope of family medicine. One of the things that I like best about this program is the camaraderie between residents and the faculty.

Jessica Eisma, MD

Core Faculty

Jessica Eisma, MD

2026

No information found.

David Henderson, MD

Key Faculty, FMS Hospitalist

David Henderson, MD

Residency

Family Medicine

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

However I can spend time with my amazing family (5 busy kids and an amazing wife), Camping/Hiking, Boating, Fishing/Hunting, Bagpiping, Biking, and Woodworking

Teaching or other awards

Resident Teaching Award (2016), Residency Class Teaching Award (2022, 2020, 2018)

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Hospital Medicine, Ultrasound, Procedures, Medical History, Wilderness Medicine

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

I can honestly say that I love my job. I get to work with the best partners and residents I can imagine. We challenge each other daily to be at our best for our patients and for our own personal growth and development. I chose to be a resident here because the faculty were interested in me as a person as well as my personal evolution as a doctor. I stayed here as faculty because I felt I wanted to do the exact same thing. I wanted to do my part to help create a nurturing, safe and healthy place to learn medicine.

Our patients are amazing, basically representing as close to a full spectrum of humanity as you can imagine, so that we need to have a lot of tools and approaches to be successful and we also have a great opportunity for continuity of care for these individuals on their own growth journeys which is not common enough in our world.

Ultimately, what I love about this program is that upon graduating I felt well prepared to practice medicine in any environment I thought I would be placed, and I continue to see this carried through to our most recent graduates.

Thomas Hilts, DO

Key Faculty

Thomas Hilts, DO

Residency

Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Academic Family Medicine - Grand Rapids

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

I enjoy coaching youth baseball and soccer, mountain biking, running 5K's, going to the movies and other fun stuff with my now 4 children, still 1 wife and 2 dogs. My family is actively involved in our church where my wife and I teach in the youth program.

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

I began teaching with the GRMEP Family Med residency in 2008, when I was enlisted as the Evidence-Based Medicine Curriculum Coordinator. Over the last 7 years, my interest in EBM has morphed into a full-time position as deputy editor for an online evidence-based clinical resource. I now teach part-time and see patients when I can cram them into my schedule. Global health is another interest of mine. I have been to the Dominican Republic on a medical mission trip, loved it and hope to return in the future.

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

After completing my training at the Grand Rapids FMR in 1997, I drove the Alaska Highway to Ft. Wainwright in Fairbanks, AK, for 4 years of active duty in the U.S. Army to pay back a medical school scholarship. My wife, 2 sons and 2 dogs then returned to Grand Rapids, whereupon I joined a large physician practice. We loved the city and medical community here in Grand Rapids during my training and wanted to return after my stint in the military ended in 2001; we've been here ever since. GR is a very family-friendly place and offers wonderful activities for all your free-time!

Camille Ryan, MD

Key Faculty

Camille Ryan, MD

Residency

Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners (GRMEP)

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Medical Group - Rockford

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

In addition to my community practice, I have loved being a part of the residency program where I trained. I am one of the faculty advisors for Residency Recruitment. Medical education and resident wellness are very important to me, and I enjoy rounding in the hospital and precepting at the residency clinic. I precept medical students in my office as well and hope to become more involved with MSU CHM in the future.

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

I love spending time at inland lakes or the beaches of Lake Michigan, hiking (especially in the UP), traveling, trying new restaurants, playing and watching sports, practicing yoga and spending time with my husband, baby girl and our families and friends.

Medical School

University of Michigan

Why did you choose to practice in Grand Rapids?

I am from the Grand Rapids area originally, so I've always known what a wonderful place it is to live, work and raise a family. It has the perks, activities and medical resources of a bigger city. However, you don't have to go very far to find lakes, beaches, parks and trails, and enjoy the recreational gems of West Michigan.

As a former resident who trained under most of the current faculty, I saw firsthand their commitment to excellent patient care, passion for medical education and the "family" within family medicine that they cultivated. I am fortunate to work in this place, with these people.

Christopher Shoemaker, MD

Key Faculty

Christopher Shoemaker, MD

Current Practice Location

Exalta Health

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, golf and relaxing activities of fishing, cooking and gardening.

Medical School

Wayne State Univeristy School of Medicine

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Underserved Health, Global Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

My wife and I were born and raised in Grand Rapids. I attended the University of Michigan undergraduate and following this I attended the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. I graduated from the Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners Family Medicine in 2014. My wife and I love Grand Rapids and being near family, so we decided to make it our home. We have three elementary aged children with the oldest being on the autism spectrum.

I work with a Mercy Health outpatient clinic site as well as at an independent faith based underserved clinic downtown, Exalta Health. At Exalta, about 85% of our patients do not have insurance with a large portion being of Hispanic descent or refugees. My responsibilities for the residency include the underserved health curriculum, precepting in the residency center and assisting in the global health curriculum. I enjoy playing soccer, basketball, golf and relaxing activities of fishing, cooking and gardening. I believe some of the strengths of this residency are quality full spectrum family medicine training and our friendly, encouraging atmosphere.

Barbara Stanford, MD

Core Faculty

Barbara Stanford, MD

Residency

Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Academic Family Medicine - Grand Rapids

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Women's Health, Obstetric Care, Pediatrics, Practice Improvement

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

I enjoy gardening, reading, hiking, kayaking and following my two young adult children on Instagram. I also like wine and dinner gatherings with my spouse and friends.

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Why did you choose to practice in Grand Rapids?

The collaborative nature of the Trinity Health medical system in Grand Rapids creates an environment conducive to quality, coordinated patient care. Consultants are willing to discuss patients and offer evaluation guidance prior to seeing patients, and are prompt with recommendations. The unified Epic record system makes outside medical records far more accessible.

Trinity Health has always had a commitment to excellent patient care regardless of ability to pay. The organization has also always had a commitment to the care of minorities and service to diverse patient populations. Our residency clinic has a diverse patient population of new immigrants, new urbanites and patients who have been with our practice for more than forty years.

Grand Rapids offers cultural events in all areas of the arts, and the growing craft beer industry and restaurant options make leisure time easy. Proximity to Lake Michigan sunsets is also a plus.

Eugene Tay, MD

Core Faculty

Eugene Tay, MD

No information found.

Jean Thomas, MD

Core Faculty

Jean Thomas, MD

I attended the Wayne State University undergraduate spending my junior year abroad in Munich, Germany. Following this I attended the University of Michigan medical school. I graduated from the Grand Rapids Family Practice Residency in 1993. My wife and I loved Grand Rapids so we decided to make it our home. Soon after finishing residency I joined the core faculty and have loved playing a role helping residents grow into excellent family doctors for the past 20 years. My wife and I have three children (just sent the oldest to college in August 2013). My responsibilities include the dermatology curriculum, substance abuse curriculum and inpatient rounding. Also I am the lead physician in the Wege 4200 faculty practice. I enjoy music, movies, reading, theater and travel. I believe our strength in this residency is a commitment to excellent patient care, quality resident education, and healthy relationships between all members of the healthcare team.

Marc Travis, MD

Key Faculty

Marc Travis, MD

Residency

Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Medical Group - East Beltline

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

-Travel -abroad and hiking in national parks -Sports -playing basketball/softball, watching football/basketball and playing fantasy football -Family Time

Medical School

Michigan State University - CHM

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Teaching -Curriculum Director for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for the Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency Program -Core Faculty MSU-CHM Family Medicine Clerkship Professional Interests -Sports Medicine -Diabetes -Cardiovascular Care -Pediatrics

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

-Excellent medical community (very primary care friendly) -Great place to raise a family (including excellent school districts) -Close to Chicago, Detroit, and Lake Michigan (without the traffic)

John vanSchagen, MD, FAAFP

Emeritus Faculty

John vanSchagen, MD, FAAFP

Residency

Naval Hospital, Jacksonville, Florida

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Muskegon - Regional Chief Academic Officer and DIO

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

Golf, boating, downhill skiing, college sports, historical fiction

Medical School

Michigan State University-College of Human Medicine

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Working to improve the Family Medicine experience for students and residents in Grand Rapids. Research in educational processes, quality improvement. Professional interests include musculoskeletal medicine, pharmacology, geriatrics

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

Born and raised in the area, Grand Rapids is where I call home and where I am committed to the health of the population. Grand Rapids is a great place to live, learn, work, and play!

Amanda Wood, MD

Core Faculty

Amanda Wood, MD

Residency

Trinity Health Grand Rapids Family Medicine Residency Program

Current Practice Location

Trinity Health Academic Family Medicine - Grand Rapids

Hobbies, Personal Interests, etc.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, taking walks with my dog, home projects, reading for pleasure, and exploring new restaurants, wineries and breweries.

Medical School

Central Michigan University

Current Activities, Research, Subspecialty or Professional Interests

Obstetrics & Women's Health, Mental Health, Pediatrics, Procedures, Inpatient Medicine

Why I chose to practice in Grand Rapids...

I trained at Trinity Health Grand Rapids and loved it! Simply put, I found my home and family here. The faculty are supportive while challenging residents to reach their full potentials. The patient population is diverse - culturally, medically and socioeconomically. The hospital is beautiful and committed to service; the compassion and dedication to excellence of everyone here creates an inspiring place to work, learn and grow. Residents are provided true full-scope training, from the clinic, to labor and delivery, to hospital medicine and beyond.

During residency, I knew I wanted to practice full-scope family medicine, while teaching residents and medical students. I could not imagine a better teaching environment to join and place to practice. I'm honored to be part of the amazing faculty I had the privilege of training under. I hope to cultivate passion and excellence in family medicine for FM residents, as well as to continue learning and growing myself while partnering alongside them.

My husband and I recently welcomed our first child, and we felt Grand Rapids was the perfect place for us to settle down. We love West Michigan and are close to most of our family here. Outside of work, we enjoy exploring new restaurants, breweries, parks, lakes, and spending occasional weekends up north at Sleeping Bear Dunes or Traverse City. Grand Rapids has the perfect mix of the things we love and we are so excited to watch our son grow up here.