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Fellows

Hospice and Palliative Medicine

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

 Meet the fellows of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Program at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Medical Education.

2028

A silhouette of a person 

Craig Thomas, MD

Central Michigan University College of Medicine
A silhouette of a person

Craig Thomas, MD

2028

Medical School

Central Michigan University College of Medicine

Hometown

Clarkston, Mich.

Professional Interests

Integrative models of HPM in the ED and utilizing technologies to help expand access to HPM.

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

I saw great leadership and had a positive experience with the whole team during a visit. Grand Rapids also holds a special place in my heart having been here for undergrad, and it felt like a good time to move my family to the area with a young one growing up.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy family, Detroit sports and Liverpool Football Club.

2027

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Dana Hop, DO

A.T. Still University- KCOM
A silhouette of a person

Dana Hop, DO

2027

Medical School

A.T. Still University- KCOM

Hometown

Groton, S.D.

Professional Interests

Emergency Medicine,  Compassionate Care, Quality Improvement, Sepsis, Palliative Medicine and Hospice

Undergraduate

South Dakota State University

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

I really enjoy the greater Grand Rapids area and the variety of things to do here. The program offers multiple facilities for training to gain a broad experience.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, reading, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

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Joshua Rathod, MD

Washington University of Health and Sciences
A silhouette of a person

Joshua Rathod, MD

2027

Medical School

Washington University of Health and Sciences

Hometown

Niles

Professional Interests

Family Medicine (Primary Care), Hospice and Palliative Care and Interventional Pain Management

Undergraduate

Augustana College

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

I chose the Trinity Health Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine Program because it just felt like the right fit for me. I really value the way they approach patient care – focusing not just on the medical side, but also on the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families, which is something that's important to me personally. Being in Grand Rapids is another big plus since I wanted to closer to Midwest and be closer to family.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and focusing on fitness and nutrition. I also spend time growing in my Christian faith, learning about investing and long-term financial planning, and making time for my relationship with my wife and family.

2026

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Amy Bishop, MD

Indiana University School of Medicine
A silhouette of a person

Amy Bishop, MD

2026

Medical School

Indiana University School of Medicine

Hometown

Indianapolis, Ind.

Professional Interests

Ethics and Palliative Pharmacology

Undergraduate

Indiana University – Bloomington

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Dr. John Mulder was instrumental in selecting this program. His legacy of relational medicine rather than transactional medicine continues. The faculty are knowledgeable and personable. Grand Rapids is a great city for families.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy managing my four kids and a dog. I also like sewing and interior design.

Nasir Abdullah, MD 

Abdullah Nasir, MD

Rawalpindi Medical College
Nasir Abdullah, MD

Abdullah Nasir, MD

2026

Medical School

Rawalpindi Medical College

Hometown

Ypsilanti, Mich.

Professional Interests

Narrative medicine, palliative care in critical care settings

Undergraduate

Rawalpindi Medical College

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose this program because of its supportive faculty and wide range of rotations and educational opportunities.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Reading, traveling, hiking, cycling

David Raffo, MD 

David Raffo, MD

Indiana University School of Medicine
David Raffo, MD

David Raffo, MD

2026

Medical School

Indiana University School of Medicine

Hometown

Okemos, Mich.

Professional Interests

Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Geriatrics, Home Health Care, Medical Education

Undergraduate

University of Notre Dame

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I have lived in the Grand Rapids area for the last 25 years. I did my Family Medicine Residency with Trinity Health here. I met my wife, Jennifer, here during residency. I had two kids here, Ella and Sydney. The rest is history! My roots are here in West Michigan.

The Hospice & Palliative Medicine program is meaningful to me, because two of my closest mentors are part of this fellowship – Dr. John Mulder and Dr. Patrick Fitzgibbon. Dr. Mulder slowly encouraged me to enter this field over decades. Although this is an immense time of grieving and transition, I hope to make Dr. Mulder proud. The doctors that carry the legacy forward are excellent and I know I will learn much.

Hobbies/interests outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy walking our dog Max (labradoodle), running, spending time with family and being in nature. I also like encouraging family in their pursuits – Jennifer and Ella with horse riding, Ella with playing horse polo, Sydney playing basketball, etc.

If I had more time, I enjoy golf and playing chess

2025

Kara Archambault, DO 

Kara Archambault, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Kara Archambault, DO

Kara Archambault, DO

2025

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Marine City, Mich.

Professional Interests

Neuropalliative Care, Cancer Rehabilitation

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose the Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) program for my fellowship training as I felt I would get excellent foundational training in HPM, while also having the availability to have some more Neuro-focused exposure as well.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I love spending time with my husband and our two dogs and two cats. We enjoy spending time outside together and do lots of gardening (vegetables, ornamental and cut flowers.) My houseplant collection is continuously growing. I also love to bake, read (lots of audiobooks!) and have many artistic and crafty hobbies like watercolor, crochet and embroidery.

Purvi Desai, DO 

Purvi Desai, DO

Kansas City University
Purvi Desai, DO

Purvi Desai, DO

2025

Medical School

Kansas City University

Hometown

Chicago, Ill.

Professional Interests

Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Emergency Medicine

Undergraduate

University of Illinois at Chicago

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I really enjoyed the interview and speaking with the leadership in the program. The program has a good legacy and I felt confident that I would receive great training here.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

In my free time I love to travel, bike, bake, read, explore new restaurants and spend time with friends and family.

David King, MD 

David King, MD

Georgetown University School of Medicine
David King, MD

David King, MD

2025

Medical School

Georgetown University School of Medicine

Hometown

Marlboro, New Jersey

Professional Interests

I am interested in how Palliative Medicine can be better integrated into the practice of Emergency Medicine.

Undergraduate

Georgetown University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I have loved living and working in Southwest Michigan over the past 8 years. When I interviewed at the Grand Rapids Trinity program, I felt welcomed, and I knew this would be an excellent place to continue to learn and grow.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I enjoy traveling whenever I have the time. I am learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu for fitness and self-defense. In (what feels like) a past life, I enjoyed playing tennis and rock climbing avidly. I like reading and learning about religions. I would like to learn how to sail one day!

Matt Misner, DO 

Matt Misner, DO

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matt Misner, DO

Matt Misner, DO

2025

Medical School

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Spring, TX

Professional Interests

Bioethics, Training IU medical students and residents

Undergraduate

Loyola University of Chicago

 
Graduate School

University of Mary (MS: Bioethics), Catholic Theological Union (MAPS: Pastoral Studies)

Why I chose this program/location for my training

The MD who chairs the department is one of the amazing leaders of this specialty. Furthermore, I will receive an opportunity to do some pediatric training at DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, reading, spending time with my wife, Karissa, and playing with my 3 wonderful children (Lydia, Violet, and Ty) and pets.

2024

Melissa Duimstra, DO 

Melissa Duimstra, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Melissa Duimstra, DO

Melissa Duimstra, DO

2024

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Grand Rapids, Mich.

Professional Interests

Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Family Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Geriatrics

Undergraduate

Western Michigan University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I completed my family medicine residency through Trinity Health Muskegon and it was a great experience. I'm thrilled to be returning to the area as a HPM fellow. After speaking with the program director, I knew this was where I wanted to be to further my education. I am confident that I'll receive excellent training and mentorship through this program.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I love spending time with family and friends and have interests in visual art, music, writing and theatre.

Alexis Gunderson, MD 

Alexis Gunderson, MD

University of Minnesota
Alexis Gunderson, MD

Alexis Gunderson, MD

2024

Medical School

University of Minnesota

Hometown

Virginia, Minn.

Professional Interests

Hospice and Palliative Care

Undergraduate

College of St. Scholastica

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I really enjoyed the interview process and felt as though I would receive excellent training along with a good support network here. Having been to Grand Rapids in the past, I knew it would be a fun city to live in for our growing family as well.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I enjoy running, hiking, backpacking, biking, and spending time with friends, family and our dog.

Ryan Stringer, DO 

Ryan Stringer, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Ryan Stringer, DO

Ryan Stringer, DO

2024

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Okemos, Mich.

Professional Interests

Procedural palliative care, palliative care in emergency medicine

Undergraduate

Michigan State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

The long legacy of training many hospice and palliative care doctors who now are leaders in the field and providing outstanding care throughout West Michigan.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy creating memories and having adventures with my wife and three kids.

2023

David Ashen-Garry, DO 

David Ashen-Garry, DO

Midwestern University AZCOM
David Ashen-Garry, DO

David Ashen-Garry, DO

2023

Medical School

Midwestern University AZCOM

Hometown

Los Angeles, Cal.

Professional Interests

Pediatric Palliative Care, Hospitalist Medicine

Undergraduate

Wesleyan University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I completed my residency here in Grand Rapids, so I knew and loved the city. And I have always been impressed by my colleagues in palliative care who trained here. I know I will receive a great education and look forward to working with everyone.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, as well as board and video games (when my infant daughter allows me any me time). And sleep, I love sleep.

Gerrit Rauch, DO 

Gerrit Rauch, DO

Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine
Gerrit Rauch, DO

Gerrit Rauch, DO

2023

Medical School

Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Portage, Mich.

Professional Interests

Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Healthcare Equity, Addiction Medicine

Undergraduate

Grand Valley State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose Mercy Health because of all the support I received from current faculty and prior graduates. They went out of their way to get me involved with educational resources and opportunities.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I love fly fishing, camping/hiking with my wife and rescue dog, bird watching, gardening, wood working and cooking.

Anya Ring, DO 

Anya Ring

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Anya Ring, DO

Anya Ring

2023

Medical School

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Lakewood, Col. and Pleasant Hill, Ohio

Professional Interests

Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Primary Care

Undergraduate

Wittenberg University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

During the interview process I enjoyed talking with the staff and felt they would be supportive of my interests during my education and after. I did my residency in Kalamazoo and knew I wanted to stay in the area.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog, doing anything I can to be outside like hiking, skiing/snowboarding, gardening, running and crochet/knitting.

Tim Swords, DO 

Tim Swords, DO

A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic

Tim Swords, DO

Tim Swords, DO

2023

Medical School

A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic

Hometown

Roseville, MN

Professional Interests

Inpatient palliative care

Undergraduate

University of Saint Thomas- St. Paul, MN

Why I chose this program/Grand Rapids for my training

During my interview, I enjoyed meeting the program director as it felt like it was a normal conversation between two people with common interests. The city of Grand Rapids seemed like a great place to further my medical education as well as a wonderful location for my young family.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids, golf, basketball, and cooking.