Get to know our fellows
Our fellows are a diverse group that come from a variety of backgrounds and have unique experiences and interests. We look forward to getting to know you as well!
Class of 2026
Henry Higby, MD
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
What excites you about your residency/fellowship at Corewell Health? I am excited to learn from and work alongside exceptional PEM and pediatric faculty! I also love the interdisciplinary team in the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital ED. It feels good to work as a team to support and care for the pediatric community of West Michigan (and beyond)!
Clinical Interests: I developed an interest in emergency medical services during my time in residency in Kalamazoo. I like learning more about procedural sedation. I love talking about ways to streamline processes in the emergency department. I also enjoy procedures in the emergency department, specifically airway management.
Hobbies: I am most occupied in my freetime with keeping my kids alive. I enjoy road biking. In a past life, I played a lot of soccer, ultimate frisbee and volleyball. I juggle. I have always enjoyed traveling, but as a parent, traveling (for the moment) is more of an away game than a vacation. Pretending to be a beer connoisseur in Grand Rapids is also fun.
Class of 2025
Alysa Butz, MD
Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
Medical School: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I chose Spectrum Health for my emergency medicine residency because of the people, high acuity and volume. I loved working in the pediatric emergency department and decided to complete my fellowship training here.
Clinical Interests: My interest include pediatric emergency medicine and clinical education.
Hobbies: During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my German Shepherd and family, reading, biking, traveling and cooking.
Tonia Jerrick, DO
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Why did you choose Spectrum Health? I chose this program for its diverse clinical environment and large patient volume given that Helen DeVos Children's Hospital is the only free-standing pediatric hospital in West Michigan. I also appreciate that everyone is very friendly and the program allows for an individualized approach to attaining your career goals during fellowship.
Clinical Interests: My clinical interests include global health, academic medicine and community health and advocacy.
Hobbies: I love to travel and explore new countries! I also enjoy reading, outdoor adventures and sports.
Class of 2024
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Kristina Kern, MD
Hometown: Friedberg, Germany
Medical school: Albert-Ludwig-University Freiburg,Germany
Why did you choose Spectrum Health for your residency/fellowship? My "gut feeling" about Spectrum Health came from the culture. Every person I interacted with on my interview day was incredibly welcoming and kind. Right away I could see myself spending the next three years in Grand Rapids, MI. I wanted this program because of the many opportunities they offer to train in a state-of-art pediatric emergency department in a beautiful free-standing children's hospital.
What are your clinical interests? I am interested in ultrasound guided procedures, diagnostics and imaging. I am also interested in global health, wilderness medicine and advocacy.
Hobbies: I love traveling and getting to know new countries and cultures. My favorite outdoor activities include hiking, kayaking, skiing or anything by/on the water.