Get to know our fellows
Our fellows are a diverse group that come from a variety of backgrounds with unique experiences and interests. We look forward to getting to know you as well!
Class of 2025
Jacob Stremers, DO
Hometown: Port Huron, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I enjoy being in the community hospital setting and coming to Corewell Health I get to continue that, but also get all of the acuity and complexity that I will need to be a well trained ID physician. Corewell Health in West Michigan has excellent solid organ and bone marrow transplant services as well as advanced cardiac services with which, as a fellow, I will get all the experience that I need. The second year has a more flexible schedule and the faculty are helpful in tailoring your experience to your future practice as an attending. Lastly, the partnership with the HIV clinic is a unique learning experience that other programs do not have. The faculty are all passionate about teaching and want you to succeed!
Clinical interests: I am interested in general inpatient ID, bacteremia, bone and joint infections and histoplasmosis. As a hospitalist previously for 5 years, I am interested in being part of the patient's care throughout the hospitalization and am excited to help take care of them after discharge and beyond. I also enjoy the inpatient healthcare delivery process and touching the lives of patient's without ever seeing them through antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my wife, Lauren, and two daughters, Imogen and Matilda, camping, gravel bike riding, Peloton, card and board games, video games and golfing.
Class of 2024
Jacob Baker, MD, PhD
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Having experienced residency in the internal medicine program, I was aware of the high quality training that our hospital system had to offer: Diverse pathology, high census and a staffing model that allows for trainees to focus on learning from and managing high yield cases. In addition, I was drawn to the collegiality of the ID program and the commitment of the faculty to education.
What are your clinical interests? In addition to general clinical practice, I am interested in contributing to public health efforts through prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis.
Hobbies: I have two kids that keep me plenty busy, but otherwise enjoy distance running, gardening and fermenting all sorts of different foods and drinks.
Rebecca Emery, MD
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? Having completed my internal medicine residency at Spectrum, I knew I wanted to stay for fellowship due to the amazing faculty.
What are your clinical interests? Antibiotic stewardship, HIV care.
Hobbies: In my free time I enjoy crafts (knitting and sewing), playing violin and cooking.
Combined Adult & Pediatric Infectious Disease - Fellowship Year 3
James Polega, MD
Hometown: Port Austin, MI
Medical school: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? I chose Spectrum Health for my fellowship for several reasons, including our strong clinical training and diverse patient population, but what really made Spectrum Health standout was the level of dedication and involvement that our faculty have for the fellows. It truly is the type of program where the faculty care not only about the fellow's education, but about the fellows as individuals.
What are your clinical interests? Adult and Pediatric General Infectious Diseases, Molecular Diagnostics and Continuity/Transitions of Care in Chronically Ill Pediatric Patients.
Hobbies: Reading, cooking and spending time with my family.