Road to Residency: Becoming a Spartan MD
Medicine is a calling. For some, the dream to become a doctor begins early, while others are inspired by profound experiences in their lives. Regardless of the reason, they are all called to serve others. Read inspiring stories from the Graduating Class of 2026.
Paige Sims
Where It Began, Where It Led: A Path into Emergency Medicine
Paige Sims was exposed to the world of emergency medicine at an early age when she participated in a summer internship program at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital as a high school student. The program, Project Genesis, introduced Detroit students to careers in healthcare and emergency services. She'll start her residency in Emergency Medicine at Henry Ford St. John Hospital.bor.
Madiline McNamara
There's No Place Like Home: Healing Northern Michigan Communities
Madiline McNamara is a Yooper through and through. Growing up in Iron River, her dream of becoming a doctor unfolded as she experienced rural healthcare disparities firsthand. Now, she gets to help others in her community as she begins her residency in family medicine at UP Health System-Marquette.
Luke Laconi
Where Food, Family and Medicine Intersect
MSU medical student Luke Laconi hopes to help people build healthier lives through prevention-focused care. That mission will guide him as he starts his internal medicine residency at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School.
Frederick Ezenyilimba
Born to Lead, Called to Heal
As the first-born son of the chief of villages back home in Uga, Anambra, Nigeria, Frederick has watched his father balance his dedication to his people with his drive to pursue his own career and future. He’s using that example to lead his own journey in medicine as a pediatrics resident at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Dylan Bilcki
A Life of Service in Military and Medicine
Dylan Bilicki experienced an injury early in life that quietly started his journey into the medical profession. Now, he is starting his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Claire Lupini-Gohl
A Career Built on Compassion: A Physician's Community Roots
Claire Lupini-Gohl always noticed how often her parents were helping others in their small rural hometown. Their outward focus on serving the community, both personally and professionally, was transformative for her. Now, she's starting her psychiatry residency at the University of Michigan to make her own mark in the community.
Christopher Wilks
From “One Piece” to One Patient at a Time
Christopher Wilks has had exposure to medicine though all phases of his life, with one familiar character by his side through it all. Will they be there with him during his residency in emergency medicine at Henry Ford Health in Detroit? Read about his road to residency to find out.