Meet The Team

My name is Meet, and I am from from Canton, MI. I attended Wayne State University for undergrad, majoring in Public Health. I became passionate about harm reduction and addiction medicine as an Overdose Rescue Trainer with AmeriCorps where I trained community members to use Narcan. I also had the opportunity to initiate the Safe Point Sterile Syringe Program with the Wayne Health Mobile Unit. I joined DvA to continue my work in this field and combat the stigma around substance use and disorder. Using my past experiences, I hopes to educate other medical students while advocating for those struggling with addiction.

My name is Siddharth Tirumala and I’m one of the co-presidents of DvA. I’m originally from West Bloomfield, MI and went to Wayne State for undergrad. I joined DvA because I am passionate about improving access to treatment for addiction and using harm reduction to combat the stigma surrounding substance use. As future physicians, I believe it’s important for us to be aware of the realities of substance use disorders and of the ways that we can better support and advocate for patients struggling with them. As part of DvA, I am excited to create opportunities to help increase awareness and knowledge about these important topics within the WSUSOM community.

My name is Yusuf, and I'm a Dearborn native. I received my bachelor's from Wayne State University. During my gap year, I worked as an EMT in Detroit's suburbs and was shocked to learn just how prevalent addiction was within our communities. Witnessing the effects that struggle has on individuals and their families drove me to take on the role of clinic co-director of Detroit vs Addiction. Our hope is to spread awareness about addiction and do our part to aid those facing that struggle with their journey to recovery.

Jeremy was born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, MI and studied Neuroscience at the University of Michigan.  Before starting at Wayne State, Jeremy lived in Washington DC, conducting clinical research that sparked his interested in harm reduction in substance use.  He is big fan of Detroit’s music scene, and is excited to deepen his connection to the city as one of DvA’s clinic coordinators.

My name is Abbie Bauer, and I am a Co-Research Coordinator for DvA. I am from Reese, Michigan, and I went to Saginaw Valley State University for undergrad. I am an MD/PhD student, and I came to Wayne with a strong interest in psychiatry, so applying for the Research Coordinator position  for DvA was a no-brainer for me! My hobbies include reading, knitting, and hiking.

My name is Kassim, and I am from Dearborn Heights, MI. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. I joined DvA because I want to build a better frame work and support system for lasting sobriety in Detroit.

My name is Marissa, and I  am from Bloomfield Hills, MI. I attended University of Michigan for my undergraduate degree. I chose to be involved with DvA to positively impact a vulnerable population within the Detroit community and to educate others on addiction. 

My name is Hussein, and I am from Dearborn, Michigan. I  attended Wayne State University for my undergraduate degree, where I majored in Public Health and minored in Global Health and Social Medicine. Being a part of DvA, I hope to dispel the myths and stigmas about substance abuse and drug addiction through public education and advocacy from community leaders. I also hopes to work alongside community partners and healthcare professionals in a collaborative effort to improve the lives of those struggling with addiction. Furthermore, I hope to work on holding panels with healthcare professionals and recovering addicts to hear their experiences and allow our medical student body to learn more about the current issues of the opioid epidemic and prepare us to best work with patients dealing with opioid addiction. In my free time, Hussein enjoys bike riding, walking outside, trying new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

    My name is Stephanie Schervish, and I’m from just outside of Detroit in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. As an undergraduate, I attended Indiana University and graduated with a major in neuroscience and a minor in psychology. In my free time, I enjoy working out, cooking, and being around my friends! I joined DvA to further my knowledge of addiction and harm reduction so I can be an informed and empathetic physician which will allow me to give my patients the best care possible. 

My name is Alexa Kalaj, and I  am from Rochester Hills, MI. I attended the University of Michigan to earn my undergraduate degree.I wanted to become part of DvA to educate not only my classmates and the Detroit community on addiction, but also myself and take a more active role in facilitating change surrounding the opioid epidemic