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Trinity Health Michigan Medical Groups

Multi-specialty Care

A provider helps rehabilitate an elderly woman's shoulder with a weight routine

Probility Physical Therapy

Physical therapy services

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TrinityElite Sports Performance

Athletic development services

Residents

Transitional Year Residency

Meet the residents of the Transitional Year program at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Medical Education. Select a resident's bio to learn more.

2027

Payge Barnard, MD

University of Michigan Medical School

Payge Barnard, MD

2027

Medical School

University of Michigan Medical School

Hometown

Minocqua, Wisc.

Professional Interests

Sports Medicine, Cancer Rehabilitation, Injury Prevention, Environmental/Occupational Medicine

Undergraduate

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose to complete my Transitional Year at Trinity Health Grand Rapids primarily because of the people. The program is extremely welcoming and invested in the future career's of its residents. They offer several foundational clinical experiences balanced with electives tailored to my future career in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. There is also a commitment to underserved communities, something that has been important to me throughout my medical education.

Outside of the program, I've grown to love the state of Michigan during medical school. Grand Rapids is a beautiful city that will allow me to maintain my wellness with various outdoor activities and a fantastic food scene!

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my pets! I also like to play video games, fish, read, hike, camp, and color!

2026

Idaleen Ching, MD

Tulane University School of Medicine

Idaleen Ching, MD

2026

Medical School

Tulane University School of Medicine

Hometown

Los Angeles, Calif.

Professional Interests

Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury

Undergraduate

University of Notre Dame

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I wanted an intern year program that would help me build a strong foundation of knowledge and prepare me well for my advanced program. Additionally, the faculty at Trinity Health Grand Rapids are welcoming and invested in helping you succeed.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy baking, hiking, crafts, pickleball, nail art and art markets.

Eric Errampalli, MD

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

Eric Errampalli, MD

2026

Medical School

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

Hometown

Kankakee, Ill.

Professional Interests

Interventional Radiology, Healthcare Entrepreneurship

Undergraduate

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I had an outstanding interview experience with the Trinity Health Grand Rapids (THGR) program. I could tell the faculty and residents were genuinely energized by the program's amicable culture. The breadth of core rotations and electives at THGR gave me assurance that I will receive superb training here before heading to my advanced training program.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I enjoy racquet sports, soccer, chess, Nintendo games, piano, short walks on the beach, traveling and trying out new experiences.

D. Emma Helm, MD

University of Misssouri-Kansas City

D. Emma Helm, MD

2026

Medical School

University of Misssouri-Kansas City

Future Residency Program

University of Kansas Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Hometown

Jefferson City, Mo.

Professional Interests

Orthotics and Prosthetics, Sports Medicine, Disability Advocacy and Adaptive Sports

Undergraduate

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Not only are trips to the Great Lakes a core childhood memory, but the connection to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and the amazing mentors at Trinity Health will provide an great entry into the next phase of my training.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I love to spend time with my husband and our two dogs, hike, garden, horseback riding and travel!

Lillian Jillson

University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic

Lillian Jillson

2026

Medical School

University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic

Hometown

Berrien Springs, MI

Professional Interests

Spinal cord injury, adaptive technology, equine-related therapy, lifestyle medicine

Undergraduate

Michigan State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Grand Rapids is a beautiful city with its own unique culture. While visiting the city, I had a tour of the hospital with our program director and loved the environment within the hospital and the collaborative nature present through-out. Everyone is very easy to talk to and get in contact with. I knew it would be a great place all around to begin my residency training.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Horseback riding, running, crafting, camping, board and video games

Ryan Lei, DO

Des Moines University

Ryan Lei, DO

2026

Medical School

Des Moines University

Hometown

Bellevue, Wash.

Professional Interests

MSK or Neuroradiology

Undergraduate

University of Washington

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Trinity Health provides an excellent balance of fundamental knowledge while providing you the flexibility to pursue the opportunities that will best advance your career. The faculty provides a welcoming environment and cares about educating transitional year residents to best prepare them for their advanced program.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy powerlifting, golf and video games.

Bradley Martin, MD

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Bradley Martin, MD

2026

Medical School

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Hometown

Cranberry Twp., Penn.

Professional Interests

Brain Injury Medicine, Sports Medicine, Bioethics, Medical Education

Undergraduate

University of Notre Dame

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose to complete my Transitional Year at Trinity Health Grand Rapids because of its strong alignment with my personal and professional values, as well as the program’s commitment to resident support and development. The leadership and faculty are deeply invested in both the education and well-being of their trainees.

Practicing in a Catholic, mission-driven hospital that prioritizes compassionate service—especially to those most in need—reflects my commitment to caring for others in a purposeful and values-centered environment. This supportive and nurturing setting offers an excellent foundation for developing the clinical knowledge and skills essential to my future in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy fitness, tennis, hiking, visiting National Parks, Notre Dame football, reading, and specialty coffee.

Laurel Witte, DO

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Laurel Witte, DO

2026

Medical School

Midwestern University – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hometown

Grandville, Mich.

Professional Interests

Spinal Cord Injury, Sports Medicine, General Rehabilitation

Undergraduate

Baylor University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Trinity Health Grand Rapids is a very supportive and welcoming program which I quickly learned during my interview day. The program’s customizable electives coupled with strong, foundational core rotations will prepare me well for my advanced training and future in medicine.

Additionally, having grown up in the Grand Rapids area, I’m excited to be back home. West Michigan has much to offer, from the beautiful Lake Michigan beaches to the diverse cuisine, and I look forward to continuing to explore the area.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, whether it’s hiking, taking my two dogs on a walk, working out, or more recently, playing pickleball. I also enjoy trying new restaurants and playing games with my friends and family.

2025

Evien Albazi, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Evien Albazi, MD

2025

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Future Residency Program

HCA Healthcare/ USF Morsani College of Medicine

Hometown

Shelby Township, Mich.

Professional Interests

Mammography, Interventional Radiology

Undergraduate

Wayne State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

I chose this residency program because during the interview day, everyone on the team was incredibly welcoming and friendly. The culture within the program was evident when I spoke with current residents, who spoke highly of their experiences and the support they receive from faculty and staff.

Additionally, I received my medical school training in the same city, so coming back to Grand Rapids to practice was an ideal choice for me. I feel connected to the community here and am excited about the opportunity to continue my medical training in a place that already feels like home.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy experimenting with my culinary skills in the kitchen. Trying new recipes I discover online or putting my own spin on a traditional family dish brings me great happiness. I also prioritize staying active and healthy through pilates. And, of course, spending time with my loved ones is a top priority for me.

Whether I'm hosting a dinner gathering or simply enjoying a chat over coffee, these moments with family and friends are priceless to me.

Cindy Chu, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Cindy Chu, DO

2025

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Future Residency Program

Wayne State University

Hometown

Troy, Mich.

Professional Interests

Pediatric Anesthesiology

Undergraduate

University of Michigan

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Right from the get-go of my interview, I knew that the faculty would have my best interests in mind. On top of the Transitional Year program having very customizable elective rotations, I was reassured that the training I would receive here would be diverse and comprehensive without it being at the expense of my wellbeing.

Having the chance to experience all that Grand Rapids has to offer is also a plus!

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, exploring new activities, trying new foods and paint-by-numbers.

Emily Funsten, MD

University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Emily Funsten, MD

2025

Medical School

University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Professional Interests

Diagnostic Radiology

Why I chose this program/location for my training

This program felt like a perfect fit because of the warm and supportive personalities of the faculty and staff, the versatile curriculum, and the many opportunities to both learn and teach.

Meagan Nowariak, MD

University of Minnesota

Meagan Nowariak, MD

2025

Medical School

University of Minnesota

Future Residency Program

University of Vermont Diagnostic Radiology

Hometown

Owatonna, Minn.

Professional Interests

Research

Undergraduate

Gustavus Adolphus College

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Trinity Health Grand Rapids stood out to me as a great place to complete my transitional year during my interview season for many reasons.

First, everyone I met during my interview day was extremely welcoming and the program seemed to have a warm and supportive culture that I was looking for.

Additionally, the curriculum seemed to be a great combination of foundational medicine which would help me develop a great basis before going on to my advanced residency, while also having flexible electives that I could tailor to my year to be the most beneficial for my specific interests.

Lastly, Grand Rapids is an exciting city that I am very excited to get to explore throughout the year!

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

Outside of work, I enjoy biking, running and cross country skiing. I also love live music, as well as trying new restaurants and breweries.

Taylor Struble, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Taylor Struble, MD

2025

Medical School

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Hometown

Lansing, Mich.

Professional Interests

Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Pediatric Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine

Undergraduate

Michigan State University

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Trinity Health Michigan was a place that welcomed me during my time as a medical student and truly made me feel like I was a part of the care team. West Michigan is home and I love having to opportunity learn and serve the same community that has already taught me so much.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

I love camping, gardening, reading, doing puzzles, golfing (poorly), hiking, and hanging out with my husband and our two dogs (Lily, a Bernese Mountain Dog, and Atlas, a Newfoundland).

Jacquelyn Witzke, MD

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Jacquelyn Witzke, MD

2025

Medical School

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Hometown

St. Joseph, Mich.

Professional Interests

Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury

Undergraduate

University of Michigan

Why I chose this program/location for my training

Trinity Health Michigan left such a great impression on me during my interview day, with happy residents and kindhearted faculty. Now, every experience I've had so far has proven that to be true! This program feels incredibly supportive, and I am so grateful to have matched here.

As a Michigan native, I am thrilled to call Grand Rapids home. I love the atmosphere of a mid-sized city with tons to do and explore, and also tons of green space. As someone who is very outdoorsy, I really appreciate being so close to the West coast of Michigan, and also a short drive away from great camping and hiking.

Hobbies/what I do outside of work

My hobbies including anything outdoors, such as running, gardening, hiking, slack-lining, rock climbing or bird watching. I also love to both cook and eat, and I enjoy trying new coffee shops and restaurants, especially with a good happy hour deal!