Emery named Community Assistant Dean in Grand Rapids

January 16, 2025

As the College of Human Medicine’s new community assistant dean for the Grand Rapids campus, Matthew Emery looks forward to spending more time with students.

In his previous roles as associate chair for academic affairs for the Department of Emergency Medicine and as medical director for simulation, Emery worked with students, but not as much as in his new job.

“I’m intrigued by the new challenges the role will bring,” he said. “I am looking forward to working more directly with students.”

After graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Emery came to Grand Rapids for a residency in emergency medicine at Butterworth Hospital (now part of Corewell Health). He stayed as an emergency medicine physician at Corewell, while gradually taking on more teaching and administrative duties with the College of Human Medicine.

He succeeds Angela Thompson-Busch, MD, PhD, who agreed to stay on temporarily during the transition.

“I really appreciate her mentorship and guidance,” Emery said. “It’s been nice to leverage that into a smooth transition.”

Since assuming the job Nov. 15, he has collaborated with staff and administrators in making sure the Shared Discovery Curriculum is implemented as planned, and he has guided students through the process of deciding on specialties and applying to residency programs.

“I like to picture the students I’m working with now five to ten years out,” Emery said. “My number one goal is to help them achieve their career ambitions.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with students and residents. I feel that makes me a part of the future of medicine.”