Program Director Statement

Welcome and Thank you for your interest in the Henry Ford Macomb Emergency Medicine Residency!

The Emergency Medicine residency at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital (HFMH) is a dynamic 3-year ACGME program of graduated responsibility that leverages the strengths of community hospital training to develop residents into exceptional emergency medicine specialists. Since we graduated our first resident in 2004, over 100 board-certified EM physicians have emerged from our program, making impactful contributions across the country. Our graduates are a reflection of the Henry Ford model, known for its excellence in both the science and art of patient care.

Our training environment is designed to embody our core values of compassion, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity, all within the vibrant setting of a community hospital. Our Emergency Department sees over 60,000 patients annually, serving the needs of the rapidly growing Macomb County, an expansive metro-Detroit suburb with a diverse, high-acuity patient population. As a 435-bed ACS certified Level 2 Trauma Center, we offer comprehensive care for both adult and pediatric patients. We are proud to be a Top 50 Heart Hospital with 24/7 cardiac cath lab capabilities, a Thombectomy-Capable Primary Stroke Center, and national leaders Sepsis Management.

At HFMH, the strengths of community hospital training are evident in our commitment to compassionate care. We emphasize providing empathetic, patient-centered care that reflects our community hospital’s values. Our residents learn to build strong, supportive relationships with colleagues to manage the high demands of a busy ED effectively. We prioritize physician wellness and self-reflection, fostering a work environment that supports personal and professional growth.

Our community hospital setting enhances our collaborative approach. With 17 board-certified Emergency Physicians on staff, including eight core faculty members, we work together as a cohesive team. Residents experience firsthand the benefits of working in a collaborative environment where autonomy is balanced with the support of an experienced team. This hands-on experience is invaluable in developing critical decision-making skills and confidence in managing a wide range of cases. Our close interaction with attendings and interdisciplinary teams further strengthens leadership and collaborative practice.

Training at a community hospital like HFMH provides a rich, practical experience that prepares residents for diverse and high-acuity cases. Our location in the greater Detroit area offers access to a network of educational resources and opportunities. Our affiliation with the Michigan State University Statewide Campus System provides additional benefits, including national speakers, a broad community of over 200 EM residents, and specialized training courses and labs covering topics such as advanced ultrasound, obstetric emergencies, advanced airway, and HEENT emergencies. Our residents also gain experience at institutions such as the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Henry Ford Hospital Main Campus, and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, along with trauma training at The University of Maryland R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.

Curiosity and continuous improvement are integral to our training philosophy. We encourage residents to engage in quality improvement, research, and innovative medical education. The 12,000-square-foot Center for Simulation, Education and Research at Henry Ford Main Hospital—one of the most advanced facilities in Michigan—plays a crucial role in assessing and enhancing our residents’ competencies, preparing them for real-world challenges.

Our program places a strong emphasis on resident involvement in shaping their training experience. From participating in Chief Resident selection to influencing our match list and curriculum, residents are actively engaged in the development of our program. We continuously ask ourselves, "How can we do this better?" and "What further opportunities exist?" This mindset fosters a supportive, collegial environment that prepares residents to understand and navigate the broader societal, political, and economic forces affecting our specialty.

The ideal HFMH EM resident is someone who embraces curiosity, self-improvement, and peer support. We challenge our residents to push beyond their comfort zones, helping them realize their full potential as emergency medicine physicians. Joining our residency means becoming part of a dedicated TEAM where meaningful participation and leadership are highly valued.

We invite students interested in the unique opportunities offered by community hospital training to rotate in our Emergency Department. We look forward to meeting you and exploring whether you envision yourself as part of our EM TEAM.

Heather Cronovich
HFMH EM Program Director