Internal Medicine Residency Program

The Authority Health Internal Medicine residency is a three-year postdoctoral training program based in metropolitan Detroit.

The Authority Health Internal Medicine Residency Program is designed for resident graduates to be well prepared to enter a primary care practice-based environment, or a hospital-based environment, as an internist or hospitalist. Trainees who begin this postdoctoral program with the internal medicine track will complete their training in three years.

This is an ACGME accredited program, accepting both DO and MD candidates. Ambulatory care and comprehensive internal medicine services are stressed, and significant time will be spent at Detroit-area Federally Qualified Health Centers, community clinics and private practice offices interacting with patients, their families and medical staff. The inpatient components of training take place at affiliated hospitals in the Detroit area.

The program’s academic partner, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) Statewide Campus System, hosts 36 academic days that are completed one day per month in various topics. Additional modules and full resources from the Statewide Campus System (SCS) are available to the residents online.

Community servitude and community presence are highly valued within the Internal Medicine Residency Program. During our scheduled +1 Weeks, the IM residents have a full day of community service throughout their residency. These days are nonclinical experiences.

Categorical Internal Medicine – NRMP # 1920140C0

Internal Medicine Residency Staff

Felicia Randolph, MD, MBA

Felicia Randolph, MD, MBA

Program Director

Dr. Randolph is a native Detroiter. Upon Receiving her Medical Degree from Wayne State School of Medicine, she attended residency at The Detroit Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Graduating from their Internal Medicine and Pediatric training program she joined Abbott Medical Group, a private practice in the city of Detroit.

Dr. Randolph would remain there several years working part time while raising her young family. However, in 2008 shortly after obtaining her board certification and the birth of her third child, she took a full-time position at The Wellness Plan, a Federally qualified health Center also in Detroit.

It was in this setting she realized it was her passion to care for the people in greatest need. A need for efficient, affordable, compassionate, evidence-based medical care. She continues to utilize her unique skill set to provide medical care in various practice types to the underserved population.

Dr. Randolph has over 20 years of experience working in the areas of primary care and urgent care. Although she left full-time clinical practice to pursue an MBA in 2022, she continues to serve as Program Director of the Internal Medicine Program for Detroit Wayne County Health Authority. The rest of her work week is devoted to her position as Medical Director of Quality Management at BCBSM.

Valerie Abbott, MD

Valerie Abbott, MD

Associate Program Director

Samantha Reicher

Samantha Reicher

Program Coordinator

Samantha Reicher is a current student at Central Michigan University where she is double majoring in Public and Nonprofit Administration and Political Science. After working in the Orthotics and Prosthetics field, Samantha found a passion for public health and the idea that healthcare should be equitable.

She is excited in her role as a program coordinator at Authority Health and ready to start her public health journey. Samantha’s knowledge in patient care, healthcare administration, and her personal drive help keep the internal medicine program in good shape.

When not working, Samantha likes to be with loved ones (and her cat), read, and ride her bike.

Chinwendu Anele, MD

Chinwendu Anele, MD

Chief Resident

Dr. Chinwendu Anele is originally from Nigeria, but she was raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Her medical journey commenced in the vibrant healthcare hub of the greater Boston area, where she was exposed to a variety of perspectives and experiences that significantly influenced her approach to medicine. Graduating from the IAU College of Medicine has not only equipped her with a strong academic foundation but has fueled a deep passion for patient care.

Dedicated to providing compassionate care to her patients and ensuring their overall well-being, her motivation to make a difference drives her to approach every patient interaction with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to excellence. Leading by example, she strives to cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential, guided by values of integrity, empathy, and a resolute dedication to patient care.

Dr. Anele is devoted to teaching, mentoring, and guiding other residents in collaboration with faculty members who are committed to ensuring that residents are fully prepared to practice medicine with confidence in real-world scenarios.

Passionate about community service, she has been actively involved in numerous free medical missions abroad, providing critical healthcare services to underserved communities as a way of giving back. In addition, she delights in traveling and cherishing moments with her family and friends.

Obiefuna Okponyia, MD

Obiefuna Okponyia, MD

Chief Resident

Dr Okponyia, MD, MBA, is one of the Chief Residents at Authority Health Internal Medicine program. He grew up in the suburbs of North Atlanta. He graduated from the University of West Georgia, in Carrollton, Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Following which, he took a gap year to travel the world.

He subsequently matriculated to the American University of Antigua College of medicine for medical school. While completing his Medical Degree, he enrolled in and completed his MBA degree with a focus in Healthcare Management. Upon graduation, he joined the Pulmonary Division at the University of Colorado School of Medicine as a Postdoctoral Fellow, where he completed extensive research on Plastic Bronchitis. His work on “The Patho-physiological effect of toxic inhaled chemicals (chlorine, sulfur mustard etc.) on lab rats” led to the various publications and first authored manuscripts.

Dr. Okponyia is a founding member of Destination of Hope Africa, a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the lives of orphans in West Africa, with scholarships, supplies, support and mentorship. Dr. Okponyia is deeply passionate about community service and humanitarian efforts, evidenced through his involvement in his non-profit organization, his local church and in his residency program. He actively participates in medical missions abroad, providing healthcare services and bringing hope to the underserved populations.

In his spare time, he loves to travel, spending quality time with his family and watching his favorite team Arsenal play football in the English Premier league.

Internal Medicine Resident Program

3 Year Block Schedule

Year 1Year 2Year 3
1 Block MICU3 Block Inpatient IM2 Inpatient IM
4 Block Inpatient IMMICUMICU
2 Ambulatory IMAmbulatory IMAmbulatory IM
Full Block ElectiveCardiologyRheumatology
GastroenterologyInfectious DiseaseHematology/Oncology
PulmonaryNephrologyEndocrinology
2 Week Elective2 Full Block ElectivesGeriatrics
Emergency Med
Neurology