After graduating from Hope College in 2014 with a degree in biology, Meredith Busman continued her education at Wayne State University. She received her Doctor of Medicine in 2018 and then took the role of an emergency physician at Corewell Health. Additionally, Meredith is a sub-elite marathoner, having completed several marathons across the globe. Meredith is generous with her time as she volunteers in various capacities. When she thinks about her role at Corewell, she states, “I enjoy connecting with people in the community since I work in the same area where I grew up. I think it can help me identify with my patients and provide them with better care when I understand a little more about them or their background.” Meredith exemplifies an empathetic problem solver and leader in the West Michigan medical community.
What was an impactful experience you had as a student at Hope?
Taking courses I was bad at. Taught me that unlike in high school, some things won’t come easily, or that no matter how hard I work at them, I just won’t be as good as some of my classmates. Taught me to have more humility, but also reinforced the importance of a strong work ethic. Students should look for other experiences that will make them uncomfortable (such as a study abroad where they don’t know the language).
What is your current job title?
I am an Emergency Medicine and Observation Medicine Physician working in the West Michigan area with Emergency Care Specialists – an independent, democratic emergency physicians group.
What do you love about your chosen career?
I enjoy connecting with people in the community since I work in the same area where I grew up. I think it can help me identify with my patients and provide them with better care when I understand a little more about them or their background. I also like when patients come in with a fixable problem —like a dislocated shoulder or a bad laceration, because I can remedy the problem in an hour, make them feel better and send them home. It’s very satisfying.
What advice would you give to a current Hope student?
Find a board of mentors for yourself who are already doing what you see yourself doing, even if it’s not directly related. Ask them what steps they thought were important towards getting where they are. Meet for coffee, take notes. Also, make your “personal” Venn diagram. Make overlapping circles with your interests, personal activities or professional experiences. Find where the circles overlap, how interests and pursuits overlap. At the center is you—you become the unique product of all those overlapping circles. That’s the person you present when applying for jobs, positions, etc.
Hope College is proud to honor Meredith Busman ’14 with the 2023 10 Under 10 Award. The 10 Under 10 Award honors emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaging in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and using their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity. Award recipients also communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, these awards are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today.
