Why Choose WMED?

  • We use a holistic recruitment, selection, and ranking process, seeking a diverse residency program to reflect the patient population that we serve in our community.
  • Annual resident and faculty education is focused on unconscious bias, as well as health equity, diversity, and cultural sensitivity.
  • WMed acts not only on the side of justice; our vision is to bring support and healing to all people living in Southwest Michigan.

What sets the Pediatrics Residency Program at WMed apart? We asked some of our current residents to answer that question. Take a look at what they had to say.

Pediatrics Residents at Bronson Children's Hospital 2022
Some of our residents gather for a group photo at Bronson Children's Hospital.
Farah Al-Bitar, MD
Farah Al-Bitar, MD
Farah Al-Bitar, MD

Where I grew up: Amman, Jordan

Why I chose WMed: One of the primary factors influencing my decision is its reputation for being a remarkably supportive and friendly environment. It has a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere which is invaluable to me as a learner. Additionally, WMed's commitment to diversity and inclusion among its residents influenced my decision, as I believe that a diverse community enriches the learning experience and fosters a deeper understanding of various perspectives.

Why Kalamazoo?: Mid-sized city with beautiful natural landscapes. Easy to live in with everything 10 minutes away. It is close to several beach towns and bigger cities such as Chicago & Detroit.

Future plans: I am interested in pursuing fellowship, possibly in endocrinology, but I keeping an open mind.

Maria Asif, MD
Maria Asif, MD

Maria Asif, MD

Where I grew up: I grew up in Karachi, a metropolitan city of Pakistan.

Why I hose WMed: WMed is an exceptional institution, especially when it comes to the faculty, residents, and staff. Everyone is friendly and supportive. I am happy to be part of a program that offers inclusion, respects diversity, and focuses on learning as much as day-to-day in our clinical settings. WMED beautifully blends all of these aspects in its pediatric residency program. It’s a place where you can laugh and learn at the same time. Working with the medical students also gives us an opportunity teach and to learn alongside them.

Why Kalamazoo?: Aside from being the most convenient for commute, living in Kalamazoo gives me easy access to resources in the city. It’s also close to cities such as Detroit and Grand Rapids. Kalamazoo offers beautiful landscapes, beaches, and the calm and quiet of a mid-sized city.

Future plans: I am interested in pursuing a fellowship in developmental and behavioral disorders. 

Ali Baidoun, MD
Ali Baidoun, MD

Ali Baidoun, MD

Where I grew up: Amman, Jordan

Why I chose WMed: I chose WMed for its strong pediatrics program and the friendly atmosphere that makes it a fantastic place to learn and grow. The impressive graduate outcomes here are truly inspiring and align perfectly with my career goals.

Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo won me over with its warm and welcoming atmosphere. The friendly people make it feel like a home away from home. Plus, its central location and proximity to various amenities make life here so convenient and enjoyable.

Future plans: I plan to advocate for child and adolescent mental health. I think it's an incredibly important issue, and I want to make a difference in the lives of kids and families. I'm also interested in pursuing clinical pediatrics, whether it's inpatient or outpatient. I love the diversity of the field, and I'm excited to explore all the possibilities.

Amber D. Campbell, MD
Amber D. Campbell, MD

Amber D. Campbell, MD

Where I grew up: Lansing, Michigan

Why I chose WMed: Aside from a memorable interview day with incredibly personable individuals, the pediatric program at WMed stood out to me because of the opportunities for support and grace that come from nurturing developing physicians in a smaller incoming class. The rich representation of cultures among providers and patients further enhances a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion which is a priority to me. 

Why Kalamazoo?: As a born and raised Michigander, it was important for me to stay within the state that I have come to love and appreciate. I had never been to Kalamazoo before, but after being here, I've enjoyed discovering the small-town charms among a friendly population with pleasant associations of childhood nostalgia.

Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: Recurrent rhabdomyolysis in an otherwise healthy preadolescent. 

Future plans: My primary focus is continuity of care and underserved populations, so I am excited to be part of the MIDOCs program at WMed and for the privilege of practicing primary care in my desired community following residency graduation. Afterward, my focus will remain on general outpatient pediatrics.

Lubaina Ehsan, MD
Lubaina Ehsan, MD

Lubaina Ehsan, MD

Where I grew up: Pakistan 

Why I chose WMed: The welcoming and supportive environment of the program. It is a mid-sized program which can be a pro or a con depending on the environment of the program. Since WMed is super welcoming, the size of the program enables one-on-one meaningful interactions with faculty, gives the residents opportunities to work closely with subspecialists, and form a supportive community with fellow residents - we all know each other! This not only ensures residents have ample learning opportunities but also provides them room for growth. 

Why Kalamazoo?: Small-to-mid-sized city (with less traffic!) that has great restaurants and options for outdoor activities. It is close to several beach towns and bigger cities such as Chicago and Grand Rapids.

Most interesting case I’ve seen at WMed to date: Shone's complex - it is a congenital heart disease

Future plans: Pediatric Cardiology. Ever since I was young, I have been intrigued by artistic structures and I love to draw and paint. It is the structure of the heart that drew me towards it and that naturally followed into a fascination for how it works and its complex pathophysiology. Pediatric cardiology also offers a wide range of pathology, in-depth assessment of heart structure, and a longitudinal relationship with families, which further draws me towards it.
 

Janine Fung, MD
Janine Fung, MD
Janine Fung, MD

Where I grew up:  Toronto, Canada

Why I chose WMed:  Everybody was incredibly nice during the interview and very supportive of my couples match process.

Why Kalamazoo?:  Everything is within driving distance without traffic and there is plenty to do being in near Grand Rapids, Lake Michigan and Chicago.

Most interesting case I’ve seen at WMed to date: An atypical presentation of Krabbe’s Disease.

Future plans: Pediatric Hospitalist! During my first week of residency on inpatient, I had the most amazing seniors, co-residents and attendings that made learning in a fast-paced environment enjoyable. I love handling the variety of cases, applying evidence-based treatment plans and seeing how resilient our patients are.
 

Dr. Daniella James
Daniella James, MD
Daniella James, MD 

Where I grew up: Trinidad and Tobago 

Why I chose WMed: I wanted to train at a program that served a diverse patient population, with cases that could range from simple bread and butter peds to the rare zebras. I also wanted a good balance between clinical duties and academic activities. WMed provides residents with protected academic time and high-quality didactics. The program also has a variety of electives, strong fellowship and post residency placement, and many opportunities to be involved with the community. For me WMed checked all the boxes! 

Why Kalamazoo?: The people! I’ve never been to the Midwest but everyone I’ve interacted with from my interview day to now has been so kind and welcoming. 

Future plans (and how I chose this path): I’m still undecided and keeping an open mind. The program does have an individualized curriculum for residents, so I know when I do decide I will be able to curate a schedule that will equip me with the confidence and competence to pursue my career goals.

 
Dr. Judy Jasser
Judy Jasser, MD
Judy Jasser, MD

Where I grew up: Grew up partially in Kuwait and partially in Jordan. 

Why I chose WMed: I felt that WMed would be a great fit for me during my interview. Everyone was so friendly. I wanted a program that focused as much on academics as it focused on clinical work. In my interview with Dr. VanderKooy, I remember we discussed how she focuses on resident education. We also talked about “syndrome of the week.” I also wanted to be in a program that feels like a home, with diverse residents, and attendings that treat their residents with respect. All these things I was able to find in WMed.

Future plans (and how I chose this path): Continue with fellowship, most likely GI.

Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo is a wonderful city with friendly people, and easy to live in as a resident. You can definitely go from anywhere to anywhere in 10min and this will make your life much easier, especially during your intern year. There is a lot to do in Kalamazoo; parks, beaches, have a walk in the beautiful downtown. Detroit and Chicago are just 2 hours drive from Kalamazoo if you want to do more.

Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: A lot of opportunities to learn, you get to see a lot of bread-and-butter cases. You will also see complex cases. During my intern year I took care of a patient with complex congenital heart disease, s/p repair. The patient's condition was associated with multiple complications and one of them was protein losing enteropathy (PLE). I followed the patient for multiple days, and it was rewarding to see how the patient improved, after initially being refractory to numerous treatments.

Meagan Nguyen, MD
Meagan Nguyen, MD
Meagan Nguyen, MD

Where I grew up: Vietnam and Grand Rapids, Michigan 

Why I chose WMed: Supportive and caring environment emphasized by both preceptors and co-residents! After talking to a senior from WMed, I knew that I would enjoy spending my next 3 years here. Everyone truly cares about your education, while also encouraging you to have an enjoyable life outside of work! 

Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo has a very diverse population with many nearby restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Another bonus is very little traffic! 

Future plans: Fortunately, I was accepted into the MIDOCs program that helps out with student loans after residency graduation. I'd love to stay in primary care! My goal is work in a non-profit clinic to help out the underserved populations, especially immigrants. 

 
Dr. Nourhan Shafeey
Nourhan Bayoumy Shafeey, MD
Nourhan Bayoumy Shafeey, MD 

Where I grew up: Cairo, Egypt 

Why I chose WMed: People are friendly, residents are happy, and staff are so supportive. Wide capture area for the hospital. Good match rate in prestigious fellowships.  

Why Kalamazoo?: Small to medium sized city, no traffic, good rent prices, and close to the beach.

Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: HLH, aerococcoeus urinae endocarditis, multiple syndromes, and rare mediastinal and brain tumors. 

Future plans (and how I chose this path):  I plan to potentially apply to Pediatric Cardiology fellowship. 

 
Mohammad Tayliakh, MD
Mohammad Tayliakh, MD

Mohammad Tayliakh, MD 

Where I grew up: Amman, Jordan.

Why I chose WMed: I choose WMed because of the unique characteristics of the program - it has a special combination between community based pediatrics, high technology medicine, and incredible physicians. WMed also has such a friendly environment with great teamwork. We are like a family and everyone cares for each other. And we achieve our goals together!

Why Kalamazoo?: It is the coolest city in the United States, with a low cost of living. It has an amazing mixing of nature and modern style.

Most interesting case I’ve seen at WMed to date: Interrupted aortic arch type B with VSD – saw this patient in my first week here at WMed!

Future plans: Pediatric Cardiology  - I love the complexity of pathophysiology of congenital cardiac diseases. I also love to interpret ECG and Echo and I like a challenging life.
 

Tiffany Truong, MD
Tiffany Truong, MD
Tiffany Truong, MD

Where I grew up: Lincoln, Nebraska

Why I chose WMed: I wanted to stay in the Midwest, but also explore a new area I've never been before! I also was looking for a medium-sized program with an associated medical school so I could interact with students, a dedicated children's hospital with pediatric subspecialties, and lots of opportunities for leadership.

Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo is the perfect distance from everything! You can visit Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Detroit for an easy day trip, and there's so many fun outdoor activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. Everyone is incredibly friendly here and it reminds me exactly of home.

Future plans: I am one of the residents selected for a MIDOCs position, so I will stay in Michigan for two years after residency to practice underserved primary care pediatrics. I'm very excited to teach, serve on committees, spend time with co-residents, and explore Michigan during my time at WMed.
 

Sophia Yen, MD
Sophia Yen, MD
Sophia Yen, MD

Where I grew up: Yorba Linda, California

Why I chose WMed: During my interview, not only was everyone so welcoming and friendly but it truly felt like everyone was already so invested in just having you succeed and be supported in a very genuine way. They were also very supportive of me trying to couples match. 

Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo has a small city feel with great restaurants, coffee shops, and is the perfect distance from Grand Rapids, many beach towns, and amazing nature spots to explore! 

Future plans (and how I chose this path): As a part of the MIDOCs program, I am committed and excited to serve rural and urban underserved communities in a primary care setting in Michigan for at least 2 years after residency. 

Pediatrics Residents 2022


Recent Graduates

  • Mohammad Baidoun, MD
    Dr. Mohammad Baidoun
    Mohammad Baidoun, MD

    Where I grew up: Amman, Jordan

    Why I chose WMed: Quality of training and the friendly nature of this program 

    Why Kalamazoo?: Nice place to live in with lots to offer! 

    Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: A case of Gorlin syndrome and cardiac fibroma

  • Kim Baran, DO
    Dr. Kimberly Baran
    Kim Baran, DO

    Where I grew up: Chicago area

    Why I chose WMed: I felt a great “vibe” between all of the residents and attendings.  It was my last interview of the season and made me change my entire rank list! 

    Most complex case at WMed: So many! We have a great variety of pathology, including Gastric Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, many hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients and numerous genetic syndromes. 

    What I love about Kalamazoo: I love the Midwest and was ready to experience a new place, plus I enjoy the many local restaurants and unique breweries.

  • Megan Burke, MD
    Dr. Megan Burke
    Megan Burke, MD

    Where I grew up: Plymouth, Michigan

    Why I chose WMed: The people! 

    Most complex case at WMed: Pheochromocytoma and many, many more. 

    What I love about Kalamazoo: I love all the fun things to do and that there is no traffic!

  • Christine Campbell, MD
    Dr. Christine Campbell
    Christine Campbell, MD

    Where I grew up: Southeast Michigan

    Why I chose WMed: I really enjoyed by pre-interview dinner as the residents were not only very welcoming, they also seemed to really enjoy their co-workers.  There are also many opportunities to get involved in whatever you are interested in pursuing.

    Most complex case at WMed: So many! A patient with Menke’s, Factor V Leiden, essential Thrombocytosis that did not respond to medication.

    What I love about Kalamazoo: There are so many things to do when you are not working and the people are extremely friendly.

  • Shilpa Chopra, MD
    Dr. Shilpa Chode
    Shilpa Chopra, MD

    Where I grew up: Southern California

    Why I chose WMed: The friendly people! I love the small town feel with big city availabilities.  This is such a supportive program and coming to Kalamazoo was the best decision my husband and I made. We couples matched and he matched in Family Medicine at WMed.

    Most interesting case at WMed: Rhabdomyolysis in an otherwise healthy adolescent.

  • Ahmed El-Isa, MD
    Dr. Ahmed El-Isa
    Ahmed El-Isa, MD

    Where I grew up: Amman, Jordan

    Why I chose WMed: My wife and I are both doing our residency at WMed. We have family in Michigan and we actually love the weather here! 

    Most interesting case at WMed: The most emotionally complex case was a young child with a terminal brain tumor who I cared for last Christmas. 

  • Jibraan Fawad, MD
    Dr. Jibraan Fawad
    Jibraan Fawad, MD
    Jibraan Fawad, MD

    Where I grew up: Karachi, Pakistan

    Why I chose WMed: I enjoyed my interview and connected well with the faculty and residents. The program was also excited to hear that I was trying to couples match with my wife up in Grand Rapids and have been very supportive and understanding.

    Why Kalamazoo?: Great people and a lot of things to do around the area. Good food and outdoor activities.

    Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: Autoimmune opsoclonus/myoclonus in the first 2 weeks! (0.18 per million children per year)

    Future plans (and how I chose this path): Having pursued 2 years of research prior to matching I grew interested in diarrheal diseases in low-middle income countries. I hope to become a pediatric gastroenterologist in the future and be involved in nutrition and global health related research.

  • Nicole Garton, MD
    Dr. Nicole Fledderman
    Nicole Garton, MD

    Where I grew up: Schaumburg, IL

    Why I chose WMed: I chose WMed both for medical school and residency because I loved the sense of community at WMed and in the Kalamazoo area. I have definitely gained a second family since moving here starting with my fellow medical students and basic science professors that has since grown to include numerous clinicians and now my fellow pediatrics residents.

    Why Kalamazoo?: Ever since I’ve been here at WMed, I’ve noticed how philanthropic Kalamazoo is and each year I’ve been more and more impressed at how supportive the community is. This pandemic has brought all of that to the forefront and it has made me even more excited to be here and continue my residency training here. I have especially loved seeing how the Kalamazoo community has banded together during our current pandemic by creating a Facebook page to support locally owned restaurants. I personally joined another Facebook page dedicated to creating and distributing cloth masks to healthcare workers in the Kalamazoo area during the PPE shortage and was able to sew and donate over 300 masks.

    Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: ITCH E3 ubiquitin ligase deficiency

    Future plans (and how I chose this path): As I am part of the MIDOCs program, I am committed to working in a rural or urban underserved area of Michigan for two years after residency in a primary care setting. In exchange, I will receive $75,000 towards repaying my educational loans. After that, I plan to work in either outpatient pediatrics or may pursue a fellowship in developmental behavioral pediatrics as I really enjoy working with children suffering from mental illness and developmental disabilities such as ADHD, autism, and depression.

  • Roxanne Graham, MD
    Dr. Roxanne Graham
    Roxanne Graham, MD

    Where I grew up: Cape Town, South Africa

    Why I chose WMed: Being from South Africa, my husband and I did not know anyone, so I wanted to choose a program that would also be my family at work and the hospital.  I loved the close-knit feel of the program and the welcoming spirt of the residents during my interview dinner.  I was also looking for a program with a global health focus and a wide variety of specialists. Our program actually has a great advantage in that we do not have fellows, and as such, residents get to work one-on-one with the specialists and get lots of hand on experience. 

    Most complex case at WMed: There are too many to count!  I have been able to learn how to manage patients with protein loosing enteropathy, rare metabolic diseases, non accidental trauma cases, congenital heart diseases, a variety of syndromes, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, ITP, HUS, socially complex cases, lymphocytic histiocytosis, and so many more! 

    What I love about Kalamazoo: I wanted a program that was located near a big city, but still quiet enough to feel like we were surrounded by nature.  My husband and I loved the idea of having lots of restaurants and breweries nearby, as well as being close to the water to take daytrips in the summer.  

  • Selvy Kumaran, MD
    Dr. Selvy Kumaran
    Selvy Kumaran, MD
    2020-2021 Chief Resident

    Where I grew up: Regina, Saskatchewan

    Why I chose WMed: The one-on-one interaction that the residents have with the faculty is the primary reason I choose WMed.  Everyone is passionate about teaching, and the environment is extremely supportive and encouraging.  I also felt the medium size program was the perfect fit for me. 

    Most complex case at WMed: Methotrexate induced leukoencephalopathy in a 13-year-old with ALL

    What I love about Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo has all of the enjoyments of a big city with the convenience of a small city. The people are all so nice here and make me feel like I am at home.

  • Cinthya Melendez, MD
    Dr. Cinthya Melendez
    Cinthya Melendez, MD

    Where I grew up: Cortés, Honduras

    Why I chose WMed: I choose WMed because of the location, the size of the program, the emphasis on resident wellness and the opportunities Kalamazoo has offered to the people of Honduras. Our Program Director is invested in resident learning and wellness, faculty are fantastic, and there is a strong bond between the residents. It’s a very community minded, closed loop and communicative residency program. 

    Most interesting case at WMed: A 2-year-old child with persistent endocarditis 

    What I love about Kalamazoo: The people, the beaches, the snow, along with numerous opportunities to mountain bike, hike, enjoy water sports, and other outdoor activities.

  • Mohammed Rashed, MD
    Dr. Mohammed Rashed
    Mohammed Rashed, MD

    Where I grew up: Chicago, IL

    Why I chose WMed: Kind and caring faculty. Resident culture that is inclusive and diverse. 

    Why Kalamazoo?: Amazing and diverse patient population. Proximity to home. Plenty of hiking and outdoor activities.

    Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: Perplexing presentation of Autoimmune Myositis.

    Future plans (and how I chose this path): Always plan on finding a way to implement my general Pediatric training. My goal at this time is to pursue a career in Pediatric Cardiology.

  • Mohammad Sabobeh, MD
    Dr. Mohammad Sabobeh
    Mohammad Sabobeh, MD

    Where I grew up: Amman, Jordan

    Why I chose WMed: During my interview, I was drawn to WMed by the faculty and residents and the very warm and kind environment they created.  I felt that it was here where I would progress the most and achieve my goals. 

    Why Kalamazoo?: Kalamazoo is a small/medium city and a very calm and peaceful place to live with my family. I like how it is strategically located near big cities such as Chicago and Detroit where I can access major airports and a lot of fun activities!

    Most complex case I’ve seen at WMed to date: During my inpatient rotation with the pediatric hematology oncology service, we encountered a very complicated case of a 3-year-old female with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) who developed persistent thrombocytopenia not correcting with multiple PLT transfusions and IVIG. She was diagnosed with Veno-occlusive disease, a rare clinical manifestation of some chemotherapies. I was very happy to hear that she recently recovered well and went home.  We love and learn from these little fighters!

  • Zac Smith, DO
    Dr. Zachary Smith
    Zac Smith, DO

    Where I grew up: Eau Claire, WI

    Why I chose WMed: I did a fourth year elective with Pediatric Pulmonology. During that month, everyone was welcoming and eager to teach. This continued welcoming nature of the program continued through the interview. The simulation center is state of the art and is a wonderful resource center throughout each resident's training.

    Why Kalamazoo?: It is an easy-going, slow paced area that has a good blend of suburban and urban environments.

    Most complex case at WMed: Evan's Syndrome

  • Tahnee Spoden, MD
    Dr. Tahnee Spoden
    Tahnee Spoden, MD

    Where I grew up: Northern California (Livermore, California)

    Why I chose WMed: It was the kind attendings and staff that were eager to help shape me into the physician I hope to become.  Residents were getting the support and education they need to be confident and fulfilled.  I like the smaller sized program which allows individualized learning goals for residents. 

    Most interesting case at WMed, so far: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (rare abdominal)

    What I love about Kalamazoo: Kalamazoo is a smaller city with big city problems and I love working with underserved populations.  There is a good amount of diversity in patient population and disease processes.

  • Rupali Vora, DO
    Dr. Rupali Harpale
    Rupali Harpale, DO
    2020-2021 Chief Resident

    Where I grew up: South Florida 

    Why I chose WMed: The residents seemed like they had a bond that was not limited to work. They all hung out with each other on their days off. The faculty were nice and approachable. Variety of interesting cases and complex patient care.  

    Why Kalamazoo?: Plenty of outdoor activities including having the beach at Lake Michigan only 45-minute drive away, lots of trails/hiking location. It's also nice to have Chicago and Detroit nearby. 

    Most complex case at WMed: So so many! I have seen a multitude of complex cases at WMED, with the most recent being a case of Wernicke's Encephalopathy in a pediatric patient. 

Pediatrics Residency Program Welcome Picnic 2022
We welcomed our newest residents to WMed during a welcome picnic in the summer of 2022.