Pictured are members of the UP Health System–Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program Class of 2026. From left, are Dr. Mark Romano, Dr. Ajay Eapen, Dr. Angela Stilwell, Dr. Shelby Robinson, Dr. Abraham Lee and Dr. Prashanth Patil. (Photo courtesy of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Upper Peninsula Education Corporation)

MARQUETTE — The UP Health System – Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program recently celebrated the accomplishments of its graduating residents while preparing to welcome a new class of physicians.

The annual transition marks both the culmination of years of medical training and the beginning of a new chapter for future family medicine physicians. A graduation ceremony held June 12 honored members of the Class of 2026 for completing three years of training and service. The incoming Class of 2029 arrived in late June and continues the program’s mission of providing compassionate patient care, medical education and service to rural communities.

“It feels like just yesterday the Class of 2026 began residency,” said Dr. Suzanne Clarke, program director. “As we often say, the days may be long, but the months go by quickly. It has been a privilege to share this journey with them and witness their growth into compassionate, skilled family physicians. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to the difference they will make in the lives of their patients and communities.”

Six residents completed the program this year:

• Angela Stilwell, M.D., received the Recognition of Commitment to Rural Health Award and was named Resident of the Year for her excellence in patient care and dedication to mentoring colleagues and medical students. She will practice inpatient and outpatient family medicine at Baraga County Memorial Hospital in L’Anse.

• Mark Romano, D.O., received the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Award for excellence in education and research and was recognized for completing the program’s Advanced Osteopathic Training. He will practice as a hospitalist with Apogee Physicians at UP Health System – Marquette.

• Shelby Robinson, M.D., was recognized for her service as chief resident. She will practice family medicine at South Shore Family Practice in Marquette.

• Ajay Eapen, M.D., has not yet finalized future practice plans.

• Abraham Lee, M.D., will practice family medicine at River Parc Internal Medicine Clinic in Duluth, Georgia.

• Prashanth Patil, M.D., was recognized for completing the Integrative Medicine Track and Advanced Osteopathic Training. Future practice plans have not yet been determined.

Additional resident awards presented during the ceremony included:

• Sydney Recher, M.D. — Recognition of Outstanding Incoming Resident

• Chelsea Travis, M.D. — Bo Rowan Humanism in Medicine Award

• Lindsay DeLong, M.D. — Recognition of Resident Dedication to Wellness

• Ellen Cravens, D.O. — Recognition for service as chief resident

The passing of the torch from one class to the next has been a tradition of the residency program since its establishment in 1979. For more than four decades, generations of family medicine residents have been connected through shared experiences, mentorship and a commitment to serving patients throughout the region.

The residency program also announced its incoming class:

• Evan Cox, M.D. — Medical College of Wisconsin

• Cassandra Gertjejansen, D.O. — University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Nina Huynh, D.O. — A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine

• Madiline McNamara, M.D. — Michigan State University College of Human, Medicine, Upper Peninsula Campus

• Ezekiel Oswald, M.D. — Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Traverse City Campus

• Nathan Wachsmuth, D.O. — Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus