First Year Residents -
Matthew Callander, M.D.
I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I lived until the ripe old age of five. At that point, my family moved to Waterloo, Belgium, where I spent the next five years of my existence as an adventurous and happy boy. I then returned to Louisiana where I stayed to earn a BS in Biochemistry from LSU. I came to realize that what I truly yearned for was an opportunity to have a more immediate and meaningful impact on peoples' lives than that which a career in research could offer. It seemed that the best way for me to proceed would be to pursue a career in medicine and become a doctor. After spending 16 months in the Caribbean and another 2 years in clinical rotations in New York the first step of my journey was finished. In March, 2010, I graduated from Ross University School of Medicine which is located on the island of Dominica in the West Indies.
I chose Marquette General Hospital Family Medicine Residency because it was an unopposed rural program which offered excellent resident-to-faculty ratio, chances to manage a wide range of pathologies, all the procedural opportunities I was seeking, and the practice management curriculum I desired. Additionally, it was clear that all the doctors and support staff were sincerely interested in teaching the residents and sharing their accumulated experience. I want to practice medicine the way I envision it was meant to be practiced which is as a generalist in private practice in a rural area who can meet all the healthcare needs of a community. I feel Marquette is the perfect place to receive the training I need.
In my spare time I really like to be active whether it’s playing golf on a warm summer afternoon or trying to ski on a frigid winter day. My hobbies include golf, weight lifting, reading, scuba diving, yoga, and now, maybe I can learn to ski.
Top
Manisha Chaturvedi, M.D.
I was born and brought up in Rajasthan, one of the most beautiful and colorful states of India. I did my medical studies from R.N.T. Medical college of Udaipur, Rajasthan. On completion of my degree, I worked as a Resident Physician in a renowned hospital of Kota for a few months.
After getting married I moved to Marquette, MI to live with my husband who is currently working as a third year resident at MGH. When I first landed here I was extremely amazed by the eye captivating beauty of Marquette. Having lived here for almost two years now, I am getting more and more attached to this place and its people. I now feel a part of this beautiful community. I had always dreamed of living in a small, beautiful and peaceful place and I am sure now that Marquette fills all my requirements. My husband and I love to take an evening walk near the Lake Superior in summers and also enjoy snow sports during winters. Fall colors in spring makes this place look like heaven on Earth.
Choosing Marquette Family Medicine Program for my residency was not a difficult decision for me as I had seen my husband work and grow as a better physician here for 2 years. Listening to his experiences and then having worked at the hospital and clinic myself had left me with no doubts. Being an unopposed Family Medicine Program opens doors to many great opportunities in every specialty and sub-specialty. Team atmosphere with an extremely efficient and fully supporting faculty really makes this program an ideal program for me.
I feel very lucky to be a part of this program and expect a great journey ahead.
Top
Daniel Cote, D.O.
I was born in Lapeer, Michigan, but spent my grade school years in Vermont. When I was in 5th grade we returned to Michigan and settled in the rural country side of East Jordan. Our new home was an old homestead surrounded by miles of wilderness. I spent every moment of my free time hunting, exploring, and fly fishing on the nearby trout stream.
After High School I studied ecology at Northern Michigan University. Afterward, I started a family and spent 10 years teaching outdoor survival skills. During this time I developed a strong interest in medicine and decided to go back to earn a degree in Human Physiology. I eventually set my sights on Family Medicine and attended MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Sadly, my wife passed away due to cancer before I graduated. She left me with 3 amazing kids. All of us wanted to return to Marquette. It felt like coming home to us. For me, it was important that my kids had a supportive community to grow up in. I am very excited to be back in Marquette and thankful that I have the opportunity to be part of such a great residency program.
Top
Ryan Curran, M.D.
I was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan and I come from a large family that is spread out across the Upper Peninsula and the country.
After high school, I served in the United States Marine Corps. Once I finished my tour of active duty, I attended Georgia Southern University where I completed a BA in Anthropology.
Many varied life experiences helped me to discover that my true passion was medicine. I attended St. George’s University for medical school and I completed my clinical rotations in New Jersey.
My family had me camping within months of being born and my love of the woods has never left me since. Some of my fondest memories are camping in the Porcupine Mountains, trout fishing with my friends after school, and family trips to places like Pictured Rocks and Tahquamenon Falls.
In addition to being outdoors, I enjoy spending time relaxing, reading and traveling with my wife Kristy. Aviation is my other great love. I made my first solo flight on my 16th birthday and eventually became a instrument-rated commercial pilot.
To say that I was impressed by the facilities, the program, the faculty, and the residents in Marquette would be a great understatement. It was immediately obvious during my interview that a great deal of care has gone into bringing the program to where it is today. Ultimately it was all of the people within the program that motivated me to select Marquette. Their enthusiasm and spirit speaks volumes for the exceptional working environment.
Despite my many moves, I always found myself drawn back to the U.P. It’s where I did most of my growing up and I am thrilled to be back in the midst of its amazing natural beauty and truly genuine people.
Top
Spring Meissner, M.D.
My hometown is Lancaster, Wisconsin, a farming community in the farthest southwest corner of the state (near Iowa and the Mississippi River). I enjoyed growing up there with my family (Dad, Mom, and one brother, Brook) and doing things that included working in corn fields and running country roads.
I did my undergraduate studies at Wheaton College, a Christian school near Chicago, and spent a lot of time pouring effort into my biology and philosophy degrees when I wasn’t competing with the track and field team. Then, I matriculated at Michigan State University’s Rural Physician Program, completing two years of pre-clinical studies in East Lansing, Michigan, before moving north for my hospital rotations in Marquette and the surrounding communities.
Staying in the UP for residency is an excellent fit for me: from the Finnish “sisu” (that is roughly translated “gumption” in English) that I so often see courageous patients demonstrate, to the beauty of Lake Superior, committed medical staff, and the interwoven community.
I still love to run and enjoy the outdoors among my other interests: singing, playing the oboe, traveling, church, working on my French skills, and spending time with family and friends. And, I am truly looking forward to working as a resident in Marquette and helping to serve the medical needs of the people in this area—a privilege indeed!
Top
Mariana Perinot, M.D.
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and subsequently lived in Italy and Spain. In my early teens, my parents and I moved to Troy, Michigan where I attended high school and volunteered in the fire department. I attended Wayne State University where I obtained a B.S. in Psychology; as an undergraduate I was heavily involved in community service, research, academic organizations, and setting up a recycling program for my university. I enrolled in the Basic Medical Science graduate program at the WSU SOM while doing graduate research. I had envisioned becoming a physician to help humanity for a long time; at the age of 24 I moved to the Caribbean to achieve my dreams.
As a graduate of the American University of Antigua, I have been given the chance to train as a family physician resident at Marquette FMR. I found my first visit to Marquette to be enchanting and was delighted with the environment and the hospitality of its people. I could not think of any other better place to train, practice, and live happily ever after!
In upcoming years, I look forward to serving the Upper Peninsula community, participating in the endless outdoor activities that Marquette has to offer, and completing at least one international medical relief mission.
Top
Second Year Residents -
Ryan J. Brang, M.D.
I was born and raised in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, which is a southeastern suburb of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
My undergraduate education was completed at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. For medical school, I attended Ross University. My pre-clinical years were spent on the island of Dominica in the Caribbean, and my clinical training took place in New York City.
I was initially attracted to Marquette for the great community atmosphere and the activities available. I enjoy being highly active in many sports and recreational activities. I am now enjoying volunteering and serving others whenever possible to the best of my abilities.
This entire program and community have exceeded my expectations, and I'm very glad I chose Marquette for my residency.
Top
Mark D. Cecilio, M.D.
I was born and raised in the melting pot of Southern California and come from a family that is just as mixed.
My parents arrived to the states from different parts of the world, but both had the same goal of finding success and happiness in America. They worked hard and taught me about the importance of family and being dedicated in whatever one chooses to do.
After high school I moved up to Northern California to the small college town of Davis, around the farmlands and close to the Sierra Nevadas. That is where I fell in love with the outdoors and I try to get out as much as possible.
During that time I also saw the learning opportunities one has when the stresses of a big city are removed, especially if interested in traditional primary care. That is what makes Marquette so special and what impressed me more than any other place I visited. Here I can live amongst endless natural beauty while training at a well-rounded program in an institution where people love to teach.
For medical school I took the opportunity to move to Budapest, Hungary to study in their English program. I felt that some aspects of that system were better and some worse, but overall it was a great experience and I got to see as much of Europe as time afforded, which I will never forget.
My last year of rotations were spent in Georgia, Ohio, and California, and that helped me transition back into the American system. After graduating I took some time off to prepare my applications and to travel some more, so I worked various jobs and got myself focused.
It was a long journey to get to where I am, but I was finally ready for this next chapter. I am truly enjoying working with the great people I've met in this special place called the UP.
So bring on da snow, eh!
Top
Kimberly A. Howard, D.O.
My first introduction to the Upper Peninsula began two years ago when I visited as a third year medical student.
I immediately was struck by the natural beauty and ample outdoor activities. The more time I spent in Marquette the more I came to realize the overwhelming sense of community that makes Marquette unique.
I have spent the previous fifteen years living and working in the Pacific Northwest. I earned a BS in Dental Hygiene at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR. I had the privilege of practicing clinical dental hygiene for six years prior to entering medical school, the time spent as a dental hygienist allowed for some great experiences. It instilled in me a desire to positively affect patient’s lives and a love for patient care.
I also had the opportunity to live and work in Lucerne, Switzerland. I enjoy traveling and the outdoors so living in Switzerland was a great adventure.
My dental hygiene career was an important stepping stone in my decision to pursue a career in medicine. I attended the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA. When I began my clinical rotations it became very clear that primary care was a great fit for me.
I was drawn to rural family medicine because it offers the opportunity to treat a wide range of patients and to be an integral part of the community. While on rotation at Marquette General Hospital I was impressed with the substantial knowledge base and exceptional patient care that I observed in the Family Practice residents and faculty.
My desire was to train at an unopposed, rural, dually accredited residency program. I am so excited to be a part of the Marquette Family Medicine Residency program. The quality of life in Marquette, Michigan is unsurpassed.
I am very lucky to have found a place that not only allows for all of the activities that I love; biking, running, hiking but also provides me with the training to become a competent, caring family physician.
Top
Anthony V. Kamerschen, M.D.
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where my loving parents still reside. They are very proud that I am becoming a family medicine physician.
I completed my undergrad at Grand Valley State University where I was lucky enough to meet the love of my life, my wife, Sara. She is a native of Escanaba, Michigan, and has been very patient and supportive through all of my medical schooling at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan.
Needless to say, both of us are very excited to be in a setting as picturesque as Marquette.
Aside from the breathtaking views of Lake Superior, Marquette General Hospital has so much to offer the budding family physician: from its wonderful teaching faculty to its cutting-edge health technologies, this learning environment is second to none.
My wife and I are enjoying this charming city and take advantage of everything it has to offer.
I am a big fan of the outdoors and enjoy many sporting activities including baseball, tennis, racquetball and skiing. I am also now enjoying mountain biking!
Some other interests of mine are hanging out with my wife, reading new and classic novels and unfortunately, watching some really lame TV shows.
I love my life and am grateful to God for all my blessings!
Top
Katie M. Kreft, M.D.
I grew up in Traverse City, MI but have always felt that my real home was located north of the Mackinac Bridge.
I have many happy memories of camping in the Keweenaw in the summer and chasing the snow up to Marquette for early season Nordic skiing in the fall.
I completed a BA in Biology from Carleton College, located in Northfield, MN. After college, I spent several years traveling and working as a phlebotomist at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City before starting medical school at the MSU College of Human Medicine.
I was lucky enough to be part of the Rural Physician Program at MSU, which allowed me to do my clinical years here at Marquette General Hospital. MGH was a wonderful environment in which to learn and I quickly realized that Marquette was the city I wanted to call home.
I entered medical school intending to become a Family Physician, and time spent in Houghton/Hancock with Family Physicians also convinced me that rural medicine was what I wanted to do.
Impressed with both the faculty and the residents in this program, I soon knew that the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program would allow me unique opportunities to learn in a friendly and supportive environment.
Part of the allure of Marquette centers on the opportunities for outdoor recreation. I am an avid Nordic skier, mountain biker and trail runner, and I enjoy living in a place where all of these activities can be done within a few miles of home.
As dog owners, my boyfriend and I have come to love hiking the beaches and trails with a happy Chessie bouncing ahead of us.
Marquette is the perfect place to learn and to live.
Top
Padma Jyothi Narra, M.D.
I was born and brought up in Hyderabad, a city in southern India. I completed my medical education in India and joined my husband in United States who also happens to be a graduate of Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program.
I always wanted to be a good doctor and serve the people, and I enjoy pursuing this dream.
I still remember the day when I first arrived at Marquette from India. My husband drove me from the airport to our home. I was spellbound with the picturesque beauty and felt that of all the places that I have ever been throughout my life, this is the most beautiful place.
I must confess that this is the first time I have been to a place that gets so much snow and is very green during summer. Marquette seems to be a place which fits my nature very well and especially the people who are very friendly and made me feel welcome.
One of my favorite past times is to enjoy the long walks along Presque Isle Park, right by Lake Superior.
As the spouse of a medical resident I was fortunate to be able to get acquainted with the hospital system and faculty. As I interviewed at other residency programs, I realized there were some things which are unique to this program like the physician well being, which shows how much they care for the little things in life.
I have witnessed my husband's journey through the residency program and now I, too, know how rewarding this experience can be.
Top
Jordan M. Povich, D.O.
I spent the majority of my childhood in rural areas—North Dakota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In addition, I completed my undergraduate degree at Northern Michigan University with a B.S. in Biochemistry. As such, I have come to appreciate the rural life.
I attended Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan, with my clinical years being spent in Lansing as well. Living in a medium-sized city further enhanced my desire to return to a rural setting.
The Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program was the logical choice for my residency for several reasons: it is close to both my wife’s and my families and it is in a great location.
The program has been well recommended to me and is a quality, unopposed residency. I was very impressed with the faculty and staff and believe it will provide a great variety of training opportunities due to the hospital’s status as a referral center for a wide area.
My wife and I are both excited to have returned to the Upper Peninsula and are enjoying this new chapter in our lives!
Third Year Residents -
Sharon Boyce, M.D.
As a native of Brooklyn, New York, and raised in a family of Trinidadian immigrants, I was loved by the best parents a person could wish for. They instilled in me some of my present core values: to love God and to be diligent in all that my hands find to do, whether at home, school, work, or elsewhere.
Ever since I could remember, two of my most important goals were to be an outstanding doctor and teacher. Prior to entering medical school, I had already achieved my first goal, teaching and tutoring for well over ten years. After meeting my wonderful and supportive husband, Collin, my next goal of becoming a physician began to materialize at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.
It has also been one of my dreams to serve as a physician in a rural community and I am excitedly fulfilling this dream in Marquette. On the day I interviewed last year, I was truly impressed with the camaraderie of the residents, the friendliness and support of the faculty and staff, and the unique atmosphere of Marquette.
During my visit to the town, I was struck by the friendliness of its citizens and was cognizant of a love of the outdoors, which I share. With Lake Superior just a stone's throw away, I needed no further convincing about making Marquette my new home.
Marquette has met all expectations and more. I have found Marquette to be an excellent place to continue my hobbies, including mentoring youth, teaching, singing, walking, biking and rollerblading, as well as my craftwork (crocheting, cross-stitching, sewing, embroidery and origami).
Top
Shruthi Edunuri, M.D.
I am a bubbly girl with a lot of zest hailing from Hyderabad, India. I completed my medical schooling at Mamata Medical College in Khammam, India. Thereafter, I joined my husband in the U.S. My husband is a doctor himself, so there is a lot of learning at home too!
When I first landed in Marquette, I was amazed at the scenic settings, serenity of the place and kindness of the people. From my visit and the interview process, I know the residency program, with its great faculty and its artistry in training budding family physicians, will be a great experience.
For me becoming a doctor has been more a passion than a progression; and I believe the Marquette residency program is the perfect last step in realizing my dream.
Top
Bo Rowan, D.O.
I was born in Florida and raised in southeast Michigan. I received my undergraduate education at Northern Michigan University, earning a B.S. in Biology. After four U.P. winters, I decided to give Florida another try.
I attended Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. During this time, I became interested in rural family medicine. I completed my first three years of training in Florida, but knew I’d eventually return to Michigan. For this reason, I spent the majority of my fourth year exploring programs in Michigan. This included a month at Marquette General Hospital, which has a great reputation for training rural physicians.
I was impressed with the complexity of the pathology, the friendliness of the people, and the enthusiasm for education. These factors, combined with an unopposed program at a regional medical center in a town as beautiful as Marquette, made the decision to return to the Upper Peninsula an easy one. I was very excited to come back to Marquette and could’t wait for some snow!
Now that I'm settled in, I appreciate the decision to come here even more than I expected. It's a great place and a wonderful opportunity!
Top
Sadaf Saleem, M.D.
I was born and raised in Islamabad, Pakistan. I completed my medical education at Rawalpindi Medical College and did an internship at Rawalpindi General Hospital. After coming to the USA with my husband, I got the chance to do research on an HIV Vaccine in the Biotechnology Department of Claflin University in South Carolina.
When I started applying for residency programs, I found the MGH Family Medicine Program exceptional for many reasons. It is a small, independent program that would allow me to work independently in a friendly environment. I also appreciate the flexibility and comprehensiveness of this program.
When I was interviewing, my most enjoyable experience was at Marquette where I was met with warm greetings and smiling faces as well as a sense of "family." My husband accompanied me and he felt the same. I decided to make Marquette my first choice.
Marquette is a wonderful place to raise your family. It has many recreational activities all year round including biking and downhill skiing. Lake Superior, with all its majestic views, is at the doorstep of MGH. My family and I fell in love with Marquette on our first visit.
I believe that MGH possesses all the attributes that will help me to achieve my career goals. I would highly recommend the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program to anyone considering a career in Family Medicine.
Top
Geeta Savla, M.D.
I was born and brought up in Mumbai, one of the busiest cities in India. I went to medical school in the same city and then worked as a resident medical officer for six months at Wockhardt hospital, which is a Harvard-affiliated hospital in India.
In order to develop research skills, I decided to pursue a Masters degree in Public Health in Houston, Texas. My three-year stay in the U.S. has been very enriching, as it has acquainted me with the U.S. health care system and helped me develop a strong research background.
As a person, I am very friendly and easygoing. I enjoy singing and playing my Casio. The Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program, in my opinion, is a very strong, unopposed program. Moreover, Lake Superior adds beauty to Marquette making it a wonderful place to live.
I am confident that the program will leave me very well trained in managing a wide variety of pathologies. I see myself becoming a very confident and competent family physician who is a learner for life. I'm glad I joined the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program and am offering my best to both the program and my patients. I am enjoying both working and living in Marquette.
Top
Pawneet Singh, M.D.
After doing my medical studies in India, I wanted to explore my horizons in every field. Working as an Extern in Canada gave me an opportunity to know about the health system in North America and also encouraged me to pursue my career in family medicine.
Choosing Marquette was an easy choice for me. I interviewed at many programs and found that the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program had a special feel.
I knew I would enjoy being part of the family here. The team atmosphere between faculty and residents provides an environment that promotes learning and an open forum for ideas. There was an emphasis on teaching evidence-based medicine along with a focus on exceptional patient care.
The faculty was enthusiastic, welcoming and very positive about the program when I interviewed. They were also very receptive to my needs and supportive of my interest. All these factors made my decision easy, and I am proud of being a part of this team.
On a personal level, I am a spiritual human who believes in God. I met my wife in college, and we got married this year after a successful, six-years relationship. In my spare time I love playing basketball, dancing, and spending time with family.
Top
Tony Tanious, M.D.
I grew up in the suburbs of Pennsylvania. I am an only child and I am thankful for my parents who have taught me the importance of God and loving others.
I graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Biology. I then had an opportunity to study basic medical sciences abroad on a five-square mile island in the Netherlands-Antilles, called Saba, also known as the unspoiled queen. That name made sense to me after enjoying the island’s natural beauty, a beauty that I never thought existed.
I then moved to Kansas City, Missouri, for my clinical training. I completed most of my medical school rotations at St. Luke’s Hospital and the VA medical center in downtown Kansas City. I also became involved with the international house of prayer (IHOP) while I was there. I then did my pediatrics rotation and an emergency medicine elective at Lincoln Medical Center, in the Bronx, New York.
I definitely have a passion for medical missions and for serving the underserved, so I was convinced that family medicine was the best choice for me. After several interviews, it only took one visit to Marquette to realize it was where I wanted to live while training to be an excellent physician. I truly felt like an honored guest during my visit. The camaraderie among the residents also impressed me.
The hospital is state of the art and serves the entire U.P. of Michigan and beyond, so I am seeing much pathophysiology and various treatments as well as building relationships with my patients.
On a personal note, I recently discovered that Trek tests their mountain bikes in Marquette, so, as a Trek owner, I am enjoying cycling in Marquette.
Previous Page
Family Medicine Residency, 1414 West Fair Ave.
Suite 36, Marquette MI 49855
Inquiries
can be made by:
e-mail: residency@mgh.org
phone: 1-800-774-4844
