Current Davidson Fellows

Anne Chahine, MSN RN MSA

Nursing Supervisor for the Comprehensive Care Clinics

Anne Chahine has been a RN for over 30 years with a dual master's degrees in nursing education and management. She has been a higher-level educator for over 25 years for nursing and other health career programs. Anne has worked in various roles in healthcare including 3 major healthcare systems. Her background ranges from clinical, operational, educational, quality, risk, compliance, insurance, case management, and patient safety. As a leader and innovator, Anne has touched almost every accept of healthcare from the hospital setting, ambulatory care, homecare, insurance, and SNF/LTC. She has continued to engage team members to advocate for all patients. Anne’s passion is focused around providing safe quality care to all patients, supporting healthcare team members with the tools to be successful, and implementing the Henry Ford Mission, Vison, and Values. Anne has completed several leadership training programs with HFHS and other organizations and in 2015 she was a graduate of the HFHS Healthcare Equity Scholars Program, as well as a Diversity Hero for HFHS.

More recently Anne has been a leader at the Comprehensive Care Clinics, assisting staff in providing support to patients, caregivers, and providers in managing polychronic patients.

In her free time, Anne focuses on family, travel, and connecting people to build relationships in healthcare.

Madison Myers

Consultant

Madison works as a consultant for Henry Ford Innovations (HFI). As part of the HFI team, she supports project management and strategy development for industry collaborations.

Prior to HFI, she worked as a consulting analyst for Deloitte in the life science and healthcare sector. She also interned at Helmer Scientific for the Research & Development team, where she helped develop the NSF/ANSI 456 voluntary safety standard.

Madison graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. She was a member of the Purdue Engineering Student Council and Engineering Projects In Community Service.

In her free time, she volunteers at the Michigan Science Center to help share STEM with Michiganders. She enjoys crocheting, baking, traveling, and going to Eastern Market on Saturdays.

Ratib Mahfouz M.D.

Physician, Nephrologist

Ratib Mahfouz, M.D. is a physician with a background in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. After completing medical school in Jordan, he worked for three years at a cancer center, where he began learning programming and focused on developing health-related apps. He moved to the United States to complete an Internal Medicine Residency in Rhode Island, followed by Nephrology training at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan.

Ratib has created apps such as Pocket Nephrology, which provides calculations for nephrologists, and a screening recommendations tool. He integrates his medical expertise and programming skills to develop projects that support healthcare professionals. He will soon join the transplant program at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio.

Steve McClain

Helios / HaBITTS Instructional Designer

Steve McClain is a career educator.  He has been with Henry Ford on the Helios / Epic training team since 2010.  As a senior Instructional Designer Steve brings Epic curriculum to the health care professionals throughout Henry Ford specializing in Cath Lab, Radiology, Endoscopy, Anesthesia, Organ Transplant, Nutrition and a variety of other modalities.

Steve’s own story led him on an entrepreneurial journey to become the founder and coach of a life success coaching business and the host of the supporting podcast Knowledge Action Success with focus on discovering and exploring the driving factors that unlock the formula for success.  The podcast platform has many coaching topics as well as interviews of successful folks willing to share their journey.  He recently interviewed Bob Riney, the CEO of Henry Ford Health.  Steve is grateful to have found his path both as an entrepreneur and health care educator as he states, “It’s such an honor to be able to share the life stories of such successful people, whether it’s a struggling provider, a CEO or a refugee from East Africa or a neighbor facing job loss and divorce as they recognize and overcome such obstacles that might stand in their path to life’s fulfillment.  Being an educator and a coach teaches me something every day and has really empowered me on this path.”

Steve has a bachelor’s degree in biology and is certified in Epic and as a trainer, life coach and sound healer.

Diane Walkerdine, MPT, MBA

Quality Program Manager

Diane began her work as a physical therapist and manager in 1995, focusing on orthopedics in both the hospital and ambulatory settings. She received her Master's in Physical Therapy (MPT) degree from Oakland University in 1995, and her MBA from Walsh College in 2022. She began in her current role in 2021 as a Program Manager for a quality improvement initiative. Her role focuses on project management, registry data analysis, strategic planning, and expanding utilization of evidence-based care.

Catherine Sawicky

Management Engineer

Catherine Sawicky has been a Management Engineer at HAP for 2.5 years. As part of the Medical Performance Optimization team, her work encompasses the Quintuple Aim Initiative: how to improve the patient and care team experience, ensure health equity and better health outcomes, and opportunities to lower the cost of care for all. Catherine has collaborated with multiple teams on her projects including Pharmacy, Behavioral Health, Case Management, Quality, and Information Technology. She is passionate about considering human experience when mapping pathways or fine-tuning processes that ultimately guide a member to receive the care they need. One of Catherine's recent accomplishments is becoming LEAN Silver certified and she is excited to apply these principles in the health insurance space as well as to the Davidson Fellowship project. She is also a big fan of the Women’s Improvement Network Mentoring Program.

Catherine graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys travelling, being outdoors, and mentoring undergraduate students. Last year she spent a week exploring Ireland and got to experience what driving on the left side of the road feels like! 

Katelyn Kulie, LMSW

Integrated Case Manager

Katelyn Kulie is a licensed clinical social worker at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital in the Integrated Case Management department. She primarily works on the Labor and Delivery Unit, providing support and resources to individuals whose pregnancies have been impacted by mental health conditions, substance use, domestic violence, and social determinants of health. She is passionate about women and children’s health topics as well as access to equitable physical and mental health care. Prior to Henry Ford, she had worked in family preservation services in Wayne County and then as a therapist for children at a community mental health agency also in Wayne County.

She graduated with honors from Grand Valley State University with her Bachelor of Social Work degree followed by a Master of Social Work degree from Wayne State University. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time at parks with her husband and their rescue pup, Louie.

Kelsey Sale

Principal Management Engineer

Kelsey Sale has over 12 years of dedicated service at Henry Ford Health, currently serving as a Principal Management Engineer in the Integration Management Office (IMO). In this role, she plays an important part in uniting the legacy Henry Ford and Ascension organizations, striving to enhance experiences for patients, care teams, and leadership.

Kelsey began her career in IT, working on Project Helios, which focused on the initial Epic implementations. Her passion for project management and process improvement led to her current role within the IMO. Beyond her primary responsibilities, she also co-leads the Henry Ford Health Transformation Consulting summer internship program. This initiative offers students hands-on experience in project management and process improvement, providing clinical shadowing and networking opportunities to introduce them to both Henry Ford Health and the broader healthcare workforce.

Kelsey holds certifications in Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and Project Management Professional (PMP). She recently participated in Henry Ford Health's internal LEAD program, designed to cultivate leadership skills. Outside of her professional life, Kelsey enjoys outdoor adventures with her dogs, baking, and traveling with her husband and family. A highlight of her recent travels includes a two-week exploration of Africa, where she immersed herself in the wildlife through various safari experiences.

Vaishnavi Srivatsan

Vaishnavi Srivatsan is an accomplished healthcare professional with over 18 years of experience in clinical leadership, operational management, and strategic planning within inpatient and outpatient settings. Her career has been dedicated to enhancing patient care delivery, streamlining workflows, and driving organizational efficiency. Currently serving as a Manager at Henry Ford Health,

Vaishnavi has successfully led transformative initiatives, such as developing system-wide protocols for managing patients with uncontrolled blood pressure, implementing falls prevention tools, and introducing innovative scheduling strategies to improve resource utilization. Vaishnavi’s passion for healthcare innovation is deeply rooted in her track record of improving care delivery through strategic problem-solving and a commitment to excellence. As a Lean Silver-certified professional, she has applied methodologies like Six Sigma and Kaizen to create lasting organizational improvements. She has also contributed thought leadership through published articles on healthcare supply chain solutions and the importance of data-driven decision-making in healthcare. Her academic credentials include an MBA with a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Services Administration, a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, and multiple advanced certifications. This strong educational foundation, combined with her professional experience, equips her with a unique perspective to address the complex challenges in today’s healthcare landscape. Vaishnavi’s desire to join the Healthcare Innovation Fellowship stems from her commitment to shaping the future of care delivery. She envisions leveraging the fellowship as a platform to collaborate with like-minded professionals, explore cutting-edge solutions, and implement scalable innovations that improve access, quality, and patient outcomes. Guided by her personal philosophy, “Always do something that you are a little not ready to do,” she sees this fellowship as an opportunity to challenge herself further and contribute meaningfully to advancing healthcare systems.

Kiara Patterson

Kiara Patterson is a personable professional with a passion for creating meaningful change in both workplace culture and patient care. A proud Ferris State University alumna, Kiara is now on track to complete her master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology in December, where she is honing her expertise in employee engagement, organizational development, and leadership strategies. Her mission is to make healthcare experiences relatable, comfortable, and easy to understand for patients and families through increased employee support and motivation. Her approach blends empathy with efficiency, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional service at every interaction.

Beyond the workplace, she brings balance and well-being to others as a Reiki Master, where she offers stress relief and healing using natural remedies and creative expression, underscoring her belief in holistic approaches for stress, relief and peace. When it's time for fun you can find her on the dance floor ballroom dancing, roller skating, or enjoying time laughing with friends and family. 

As a proud member of the Davidson Fellowship, Kiara is excited to collaborate with forward-thinking professionals to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions. With her unique blend of experience in healthcare, leadership, and organizational psychology, she is poised to make a transformative impact in future roles where problem-solving is required.  Whether she’s supporting patients or medical staff, championing personal well-being, or mentoring others, Kiara’s mission is clear: to foster environments where people and organizations thrive together.

Kathy Berta, MHA

Supervisor – Practice Performance Mosaic CIN

Kathy graduated from Central Michigan University with both her undergraduate and graduate degree in Healthcare Administration. Her background in healthcare began over 20 years ago. She has held various positions over the years most in the clinical operations space.

Her passion for health equity and value-based care began as a child struggling with a chronic disease in an underserved community and how that affected her healthcare journey throughout the years. Whether working for the hugely successful launch of monoclonal antibodies clinics at Henry Ford Health during the height of the pandemic or working to support physicians improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs in the Mosaic CIN, Kathy is dedicated to the improved health of the communities we serve. Being a Davidson Fellow has proven to broaden her knowledge on new innovative ideas that will benefit the organization and the patients we see every day.

Nyjah Bunn

Specialist – PR & Communications

Nyjah Bunn is a proud Detroiter who believes in the power of storytelling to connect people and inspire positive change. With a deep love for her city and its vibrant culture, Nyjah brings a unique passion to her work as a Communication and PR Specialist at Henry Ford Health. A Michigan State University graduate with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Public Relations, she amplifies voices across the organization and ensures team members feel seen and valued.

In her role, Nyjah crafts strategic communication plans that inform and celebrate the organization's accomplishments. She has helped shape inclusive communications and was instrumental in supporting the integration of Joint Venture communications during recent organizational changes. Always innovative, she has helped develop streamlined, trackable email templates to improve efficiency and clarity.

Beyond her professional life, Nyjah is a passionate volunteer with local girl groups. She enjoys reading historical and romance novels and cherishing time with her beloved pup, Magic.

Thor Person

Thor Person is a Research Project Manager for Henry Ford Health System. He joined the Department of Public Health Sciences in September of 2023 and works closely with the Department of Family Medicine. With the Department of Family Medicine, his work includes managing and designing research programs to reduce barriers and improve and expand access to telehealth services with a focus on older adults. This includes managing two Association of American Medical College (AAMC) Telehealth Equity Catalyst (TEC) grants and developing geriatric strategy programs for implementing virtual care in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF). He leverages technology and research to improve healthcare accessibility and inclusivity, through a lens of digital equity and inclusion, particularly for vulnerable populations like older adults. Prior to joining Henry Ford Health System, he spent 2+ years working in substance use research at Wayne State University. There he was responsible for report writing, data governance and management and data entry, for federal and state grants focused on substance use treatment and prevention. Thor graduated from Albion College in Albion, Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He has also received a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology in 2019 and a Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work in 2024 from Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan.

Ali Deebajah

I'm a pharmacist who is working in clinical research , I've been working with HFHS for the last two years , I'm mainly handling the data for the hematology oncology team and I have worked also with phase one trials , my background in pharmacy have helped me a lot during my role as a research study coordinator , and I am always educating myself to grow in this field.

Last year , My previous supervisor Raid Faddah have recommended this fellowship for me , because I'm always been an outgoing person and I have a strong business mindset, I'm thankful for this opportunity and glad to be part of this fellowship.

Mario Swaidan

Mario Swaidan is an FAA-licensed commercial drone pilot, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate based in Michigan. He is the founder of Drone Pilot Academy, a premier drone pilot training company dedicated to making Detroit and Michigan the leading state for certified drone pilots. In 2016, he became the first person to pass the FAA’s Part 107 exam at the Michigan Institute of Aviation Technology and has since taught statewide, earning recognition in multiple publications. A graduate of the third class of the Apple Developer Academy, Mario learned iOS development and created a drone training app that is now commercialized and used by government agencies and educational institutions. As a member of Newlab at Michigan Central, Drone Pilot Academy was the first to provide drone training at the innovation hub, working with Apple Developer Academy students to beta test the platform. The Academy is also the first drone training provider for the University of Michigan’s Center for Innovation through the Saturdays in the D program. Mario has secured training contracts with Henry Ford College and the U.S. Army, and continues working to expand access to drone education across Michigan.

Jasper Yung M.D.,

Dr. Jasper Yung is a Senior Staff physician at the Henry Ford Health system, fellowed in both Emergency and Internal Medicine.  He received his Osteopathic Medical Degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton.  Dr. Yung completed a dual residency in Emergency and Internal Medicine with the St. John-Providence Health Systems. He is serving on the Executive Board of the Foundation for Osteopathic Emergency Medicine as President-elect, while also on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan Osteopathic Association building connections to help strengthen the Holistic culture and identity of our community.  Dr. Yung received a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Michigan and is also on clinical faculty with the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. 

With a strong dedication to Innovations and Technology, Dr. Yung has been experience designing and publishing his own utility patent and multiple trademarks through the United States Patent and Trademark office.  Dr. Jasper Yung has also had experiences in marketing where he completed an advertising internship in Pakistan and is involved in Artificial Intelligence Software Development through Hourglass Software, LLC where he serves as Chief Marketing Officer. In addition to holding a real estate license in both States of Michigan and Washington, he also has served on the Board of Trustees for the Detroit Medical Orchestra in addition to being an avid orchestra member with collaborative efforts with Grammy nominated Joshua Bell.  As a current member of the Davison's Fellowship, Dr. Yung looks forward to integrating innovations with current technological modalities to usher in a new generation of Health and Happiness.

Jason Sims BSN RN

Jason BSN RN is a results-driven professional with over 25 years of experience in nursing. Currently serving as a Registered Nurse at Henry Ford Health in the Comprehensive Care Center, Jason specializes in ambulatory nursing, innovative problem solving and improving patient outcomes.  Throughout his career, Jason has been recognized for completing fellowships in gastroenterology and health equity, which underscores his ability to lead teams, streamline processes, and foster innovation. He is passionate about leveraging his expertise to help Henry Ford Health adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic  healthcare environment. 

Michael Hector

Solutions Architect, Collaboration Solutions, Henry Ford IT

Michael Hector is a Solutions Architect on the Collaboration Solutions team at Henry Ford Health. He collaborates directly with Enterprise Architecture, Cloud Services, Network Security, Network Operations, Digital Experience, and other teams within Henry Ford IT. Mike co-architects, designs, delivers, and maintains mission-critical enterprise solutions, including the cloud PaaS implementation of HenryFord.com, the cloud and on-premises OneHENRY internal portal, the HFH intranet portal single-sign-on experience, as well as solutions for PACE SEMI, HFH WISE workflow and forms, and various other projects.

With extensive experience in architecting, designing, delivering, and maintaining enterprise solutions both in the cloud and on-premises, Mike excels in creating patient-facing and non-patient-facing solutions for healthcare. His previous work includes solutions for federal, state, county, and city government, as well as large corporate enterprises, working directly with VPs, directors and managers.

Mike has taken on roles as a team leader, mentor, engagement manager, and SME for federal and local government projects, logistic management, and various other corporate verticals. His expertise spans solutions in both English and Spanish, for companies and employers in both Michigan and Arizona. Mike has also successfully founded and managed his own consulting business.

Mike holds a bachelor's degree and has completed significant work towards an MBA at the graduate level. He boasts several active cloud certifications from Microsoft Azure, including solutions architect, security engineer, administrator, and network engineer. Additionally, he holds certificates in AWS-related subjects such as generative AI with large language models and architecting solutions on AWS.

Outside of his professional life, Mike has an active role in the family. Also, he enjoys event and landscape photography, hiking the mountains of Arizona (frequently participating in the Phoenix Summit Challenge 7), and camping with friends out West and in Michigan. Mike has previously served as the editor of the Michigan Cactus and Succulent Society newsletter.

An Nguyen, M.D., M.B.A.

Family Medicine Resident Physician

An Nguyen, M.D., M.B.A., a first-generation physician, is completing his Family Medicine Residency at Henry Ford Health (Class of 2026). A proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, he went on to earn his M.D. from Tulane School of Medicine, along with an accelerated M.B.A. focused on artificial intelligence in healthcare. Recognized as a DeBakey Scholar for his research, An is committed to enhancing primary care by integrating AI-driven insights and innovative care models.

An’s commitment to community service has shaped his path to a career in healthcare, highlighted by years of mentoring students, teaching Vietnamese at his church, and leading fundraising efforts for local food drives. Currently, as Resident Lead for the Practice Management Curriculum, he focuses on redesigning clinic workflows to improve patient-centered, value-based care implementation. Outside of medicine, he is a culinary connoisseur, jam skater, and LEGO enthusiast.

Combining his clinical expertise, business acumen, and passion for service, An strives to transform preventative health, enhance the care delivery experience, and significantly improve patient outcomes within the communities he serves. He looks forward to further expanding his skills and forging new connections through the Davidson Fellowship.

Tomeka Clowney

Supply Chain Generalist

With over 15 years of experience in Supply Chain Management, Tomeka specializes in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, and Operations. She currently serves as a Generalist for the Northeast region at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital where she manages product conversions, drives standardization initiatives and oversees backorder management to ensure continuity of care.

Since starting as an intern in 2008, Tomeka has held various roles within supply chain management. She collaborates closely with requestors and stakeholders to ensure transparency, compliance, and cost-effective sourcing decisions.  Tomeka drives innovation in supply chain by leading product standardization, implementing product conversions, and leveraging data analytics to support evidence-based decision making and operational efficiency.

Tomeka holds a degree in Business Management and is recognized for her adaptability, strong analytical skills, and collaborative approach.

Jill Hoegemeyer, MHA, CPC

Quality Analyst for Henry Ford Hospice

Jill received her Master's in Health Administration from Capella University in 2024 and will join the Henry Ford Health Administrative Fellowship in July 2025. Her decade with Henry Ford Health has been the most fulfilling of her career, working with the dedicated team at Henry Ford at Home and engaging in learning opportunities both inside and outside the organization.

Besides regulatory compliance and data analysis work, Jill enjoys participating with the Wellness Innovators ERG, Women's Improvement Network (WIN) ERG, and Community Care Services' Quality Champs projects.

Jill is an enthusiast of lifestyle medicine both professionally and personally, exploring plant-based recipes and pursuing fitness goals in her free time.

Emily Campbell

Manager, Transaction Flow
Corporate Revenue Cycle

Emily Campbell is the Manager of Transaction Flow, Workqueue Design and Process Management Team within Corporate Revenue Cycle at Henry Ford Health. She leads a team of process improvement experts focused on designing and implementing efficient workflows that minimize waste, enhance revenue recovery, and streamline operations for more than 25 teams across the business office.

With a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management and Business Administration from Ithaca College and a strong background in data analytics, Emily is committed to optimizing healthcare operations and driving financial success through continuous improvement. She is passionate about leveraging automation, business intelligence, and applying lean process improvement principles to create smarter, more efficient systems.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys golfing, hiking, and is working towards a goal of visiting all U.S. National Parks.

Derek Wolfe

Chief Psychiatry Resident

Dr. Derek Wolfe is a lifelong Michigander, having been born and raised in Metro Detroit. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan before medical school at Central Michigan University. He is currently a fourth-year Psychiatry Resident here at Henry Ford, and he is serving this year as Chief Resident. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time his wife Dorrie, going to coffee shops, listening to podcasts, and exercising. 

Marlena Jackson

Project Manager Department of Otolaryngology Head/Neck Surgery Henry Ford Medical Group

Recently promoted to Project Manager in the department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery where she started as the Executive Assistant. She has been with Henry Ford since 2019.

Marlena enjoys innovation and process improvements.She holds a BS in Health Service Administration and is scheduled to complete her MS Business Administration in May 2025 from the University of Detroit Mercy.

David Gao, MD

Dermatology resident physician

David graduated from the University of Chicago (BA Economics, BA Biological Sciences), and the University of Illinois (MD). He is interested in innovation, clinical trials, health inequities, and fueling health policy change. He is training at Henry Ford Hospital as a resident physician in dermatology, where he will serve as Academic Chief Resident (Class of 2026). In his free time, he enjoys traveling to national parks, playing music, and challenging himself (half-Ironman x3).

Erin Lattuca, MBA, BSN, RN

Nurse Manager Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Henry Ford Medical Group  

Erin Lattuca has 19 years of experience in healthcare with 11 of these serving in different capacities as a registered nurse. The last 7 years she has served in various leadership and healthcare administrator roles. Erin is a Western Governors University graduate with a Master of Business Administration in IT Management. She is also a graduate of the University of Michigan Flint with a Bachelor’s degree in the Science of Nursing.

Throughout her career, she has consistently prioritized patient safety and ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients. Notably, Erin successfully implemented a best practice advisory for iodinated contrast media, which involved identifying patients with allergies and premedicating them to prevent cancellations and adverse events. Additionally, she has collaborated on a project aimed at streamlining the central authorization process for outpatient venous ablations.

Erin’s exposure to some of the brightest minds in the healthcare industry has inspired her to embrace innovation and explore the potential of technological advancements to enhance patient safety, outcomes, and healthcare delivery. In her free time, Erin enjoys attending concerts, spending quality time with her family, and engaging in various water related activities.

Jake Grossman, MSN RN NPD-BC

Director of Nursing Professional Development Henry Ford Hospital

Jake Grossman joined the Henry Ford Hospital team in December of 2017 as a Nurse Education Specialist and took on the Director Role in August of 2022. Before coming to Henry Ford Hospital, Jake held several leadership roles including serving as a Unit Educator for a critical care float pool, the Nurse Manager of a Neuroscience ICU, and Manager of Education for a 400-Bed hospital in California. After various clinical roles throughout telemetry and critical care areas as a direct care nurse, in 2011, Jake began specializing in education. In 2015, he became certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Nursing Professional Development. Jake is known for his creativity, humor, and a passion for education solutions that are effective and meaningful to the working nurse. He is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance the educational experience and teaching/learning effectiveness. He has a special interest in finding ways to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) to create solutions for patient advocacy and simulated learning for the clinical nurse. Jake graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan in 2004. He earned a Master of Science in Nursing from University of Pennsylvania in 2007. Jake has received two consecutive DAISY Nurse Leader nominations while serving in his current role.

In his free time, Jake enjoys writing, listening to audiobooks, working in his woodshop, and maintaining a regular meditation practice. On warmer days, you might find him riding one of his Harley Davidson Motorcycles or tending to his chickens!

Aayush Mittal, MD, MS-HSM

Resident Physician

Aayush is a rising Chief Resident in Internal Medicine here at HFH. With a background in Healthcare Economics and Health Systems Management, he has a passion to improve “Access to Care." Currently, he is a member of the Henry Ford heart failure readmissions committee – seeking to improve quality of care for patients via leveraging care coordination, value-based incentives, and community access.

He brings insight into models of change via his background in Value Based Care as a previous member of the AAMC Midwest Collaborative of the Oncology Care Model (OCM). Aayush supported system implementation of this Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) alternative payment model at multiple health systems. He also learned about the power of advocacy via his time on the AMA Standing Committee of Economics and Quality of Medicine, voicing the importance of increased access to telemedicine, health technology, and for decreased barriers of entry for our patients.

As a prior David A. Winston Health Policy Scholar and SGIM Leadership in Health Policy Scholar, Aayush viewed the changing healthcare landscape through the lens of health policy leaders. These experiences have solidified his interest in utilizing the lessons he learns from his patients to improve access to care for those in need. Via learning from the many inspirational members of the Davidson Innovation Fellowship, Aayush aims to collaborate on opportunities to help foster change and improve care for the diverse, yet vulnerable, patient population in Detroit.

Outside of the hospital, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Rahul Gupta, MD

Resident Physician

Rahul is a Family Medicine resident physician at Henry Ford Health. His aims for in the fellowship focus on integrating technology into healthcare to enhance efficiency, reduce provider burden, and improve patient-centered care. Rahul has a longstanding passion for innovation, technology, and leadership.

In high school, Rahul participated in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and founded a FIRST Robotics team, leading it to the international championships. He later earned an Honours BSc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology with a Minor in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, graduating with high distinction. During this time, he conducted research at the University Health Network (UHN) on liver immunology and organized a healthcare innovation conference, reinforcing his interest in technology-driven healthcare solutions.

At Wayne State University School of Medicine, Rahul was elected Class President and led the Canadian Medical Student Organization, advocating for Canadian students in the U.S. Now a resident, he serves as Secretary of the Henry Ford GME House Staff Council, with extensive inpatient training that informs his focus on improving hospitalist workflows and care coordination through digital solutions.

Rahul’s long-term goal is to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and health technology, leveraging his expertise to develop scalable innovations that enhance both provider efficiency and patient outcomes. His entrepreneurial mindset and cross-disciplinary background position him to make a lasting impact in the evolving landscape of digital health.

Outside of work, Rahul enjoys exploring new technologies, investing, and trying out new plant-based meals. He also values spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.

Rachel McCrary-Nanni

Senior Public Relations Specialist, Marketing & Communications, HAP

Rachel McCrary-Nanni is a Senior Public Relations Specialist in the Marketing & Communications department at HAP, where she blends storytelling with strategic communication to craft impactful messaging.

A graduate of Oakland University, Rachel began her career in journalism at WXYZ-TV in Metro Detroit and WJR, gaining invaluable experience in news reporting. She later expanded her expertise at WNEM-TV in Flint, covering critical stories such as the Flint water crisis, COVID-19, opioid litigation, and various health-related legislative issues.

After over a decade as a reporter, transitioning from journalism to public relations, Rachel took on the role of Public Information Officer at Medstar Ambulance, where she refined her skills in healthcare communications and crisis management.

Beyond her professional career, Rachel is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the Board of Directors for Crime Stoppers of Flint and Genesee County, leveraging her PR and journalism background to promote public safety. She also spearheaded the organization’s first-ever crime-solving fundraiser in 2024, which has now become an annual event.

Rachel is currently pursuing her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America and mentors journalism students at her alma mater.

In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, playing pickleball, and spending quality time with her family.

Maureen “Mo” McDonald, LMSW

Maureen "Mo" McDonald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the social work field. For the past 10 years, Mo has been serving as a dialysis social worker at Greenfield Health System, a division of Henry Ford Health. She provides unwavering support to patients navigating the life-changing experience of dialysis, assisting them through their journey or until they are transplanted. Mo’s personal philosophy is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves someone who listens and offers support without judgment.

Mo earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and her Master of Social Work, with a concentration in mental health and chemical dependency, from Eastern Michigan University. She also holds a Certification in Sports Social Work from the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports.

Outside of work, Mo enjoys spending quality time with her family, friends, and her dog, Oreo.

Krista L. Walker, Ph.D.

Assistant Dean, College Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, College of Nursing Michigan State University

Krista Walker, Ph.D., currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Michigan State University College of Nursing (CON). In this role, she advances equity-centered initiatives while also leading research and advocacy efforts addressing systemic disparities in maternal health, with a focus on Black maternal mortality and patient advocacy. Her work seeks to dismantle structural inequities in healthcare through policy reform, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Before transitioning to Michigan State University, Walker led the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, Colorado. With an extensive background in K-16 education, much of her career in higher education has been dedicated to service-based scholarship programs, service learning, and transformative change that uproots systems of oppression—particularly those marginalizing underserved populations in education and healthcare.

Walker holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University, a Master of Arts in urban studies from Queens College, City University of New York, and a Master of Science in special education from Long Island University, Brooklyn. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in education policy and leadership studies from the University of Iowa. In her free time, she enjoys time with her 7-year-old son and 4 dogs.

Shyam Nyati

Associate Scientist-Radiation Oncology

Cancer is a complex group of diseases and tumors originating in different organs present with different challenges and thus require different therapies. I have been working on preclinical and clinical projects that allow novel technologies or therapy combination testing in human subjects with various cancers. I am interested in cancer treatment/oncology as rates of several cancers have been steadily increasing over the past 2-3 decades. Novel ideas and research innovation can help to treat such patient populations. I am leading the Gene Therapy Program within the Department of Radiation Oncology. This fellowship will allow me to learn the importance of biomedical innovation in the current healthcare environment. One of the recent IP filed includes testing targeted therapy combinations with radiation in a specific type of cancer for which there is no standard of care (SOC) treatment approved. This fellowship will allow me to learn the intricacies of IP, patents and how to move to the next level based on our findings.