Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program

The UP Summer Day felt like the perfect extension of our annual Welcome Picnic, bringing together multiple generations of our residency family for a day filled with connection, laughter, and UP tradition.

A big shoutout to Dr. Chelsea Travis and Dr. Hannah Marasch for representing our program at the AAFP FUTURE 2026 Conference! They spent time engaging with medical students, sharing their residency experiences, and giving future physicians a glimpse into life in Marquette. We couldn't be prouder of the way they showcased our program and community.

Program Director Dr. Suzanne Clarke and Associate Program Director Dr. Meredith Buck recently presented at the AAFP FUTURE 2026 Convention in Kansas City, connecting with medical students and residents exploring their future in family medicine. Their poster, Rural Medicine Cases: Active Learning for Complex Care in Resource-Limited Settings, highlighted the unique challenges of providing care in rural communities and the importance of expanding resources to meet those needs.

We officially welcomed our newest residents at our annual Welcome Picnic! Residents, families, friends, clinic staff, and residency team members gathered for an evening of great food, fun, and fellowship as we celebrated the newest members of our family medicine family. A spirited game of co****le brought out some friendly competition, with third-year resident Dr. John Bradtke and first-year resident Dr. Evan Cox taking home the championship prize: a cornstalk and some delicious UPmaple syrup! 🌽🍁 Welcome, Class of 2029. We're so excited you're here!

As part of our community outreach efforts, family medicine residents Dr. Lindsay DeLong, Dr. Evan Cox, Dr. Zeke Oswald, Dr. Nathan Wachsmuth along with Behavioral Medicine Educator Dr. Marin Olson and Associate Program Director, Dr. Meredith Buck, connected with community members at the Farmers Market. They provided free blood pressure screenings and shared information about safe prescription disposal using medication lock boxes. It was a great opportunity to promote health, answer questions, and engage with our UP community.

Intro to Residency Month has kept our newest residents busy! From learning the ropes to getting to know our team and community,they’ve been fully immersed in the residency experience. We’re thrilled they’re here—help us give them a warm welcome!

Back l-r: Ezekiel Oswald, MD; Evan Cox, MD; Cassandra Gertjejansen, DO
Front l-r: Nina Huynh, DO; Madiline McNamara, MD; Nathan Wachsmuth, DO

As part of the Family Medicine Residency’s longitudinal wellness program, our first-year residents kick things off with a special tradition—preparing and sharing a meal together. It’s a chance to connect, get to know one another, and enjoy great food as they begin their residency journey.

After an incredible career dedicated to helping others, Dr. Ralph Olson is beginning a well-deserved retirement. From his early studies in psychology to earning his Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology and building a successful career in private practice, Dr. Olson has made a lasting impact on countless individuals and learners along the way.
As our residency program’s behavioral medicine educator, he helped residents better understand mental health, develop strong communication skills, support healthy lifestyle changes, and prioritize physician wellness. His patience, humor, and exceptional teaching style made him a favorite among residents and colleagues alike.
Congratulations, Dr. Olson, on your retirement! Thank you for the wisdom, guidance, and compassion you've shared throughout the years. Your presence will be greatly missed, but the lessons you've taught will continue to inspire generations of physicians. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter.

The Residency Graduate Dinner is a cherished tradition that gives faculty, staff, residents, and families an opportunity to celebrate our graduates and their accomplishments. The evening included tributes from faculty mentors and the presentation of the program’s signature rock clocks. Just as no two clocks are alike, each resident leaves a unique mark on our program and community.

SPOTLIGHT - Ajay Eapen, MD

What Peers Said
Dr. Eapen is recognized for his kindness, excellent listening skills, and strong interpersonal connections. His intellectual curiosity and thoughtful approach to care will greatly benefit his future patients. He takes time to clearly explain treatment plans, ensuring patients feel informed, involved, and supported. He also brings a strong passion for public health and its impact on patient well-being.

Future Plans
Future plans have not been finalized at this time.

Greatest Residency Experiences
My greatest experience at MFMRP has been being able to make connections with fellow staff and patients. Hearing others’ stories has given me the unique opportunity to view my own perspective and be grateful for my position.