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Residents

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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.

 

2026

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Ryan Lei, DO

Des Moines University
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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.

2025

Evien Albazi, MD 

Evien Albazi, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Evien Albazi, MD

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 

Cindy Chu, DO

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Cindy Chu, DO

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 

Emily Funsten, MD

University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Emily Funsten, MD

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 

Meagan Nowariak, MD

University of Minnesota
Meagan Nowariak, MD

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 

Taylor Struble, MD

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Taylor Struble, MD

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 

Jacquelyn Witzke, MD

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Jacquelyn Witzke, MD

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!