EUP-ORC Staff

Medical Director : Andrew Alshab, MD, MPH

Dr. Alshab serves as an Anesthesiologist/Pain Physician at War Memorial Hospital, one of the main hospitals in the EUP-RCORP region. He has also served as a Pain Specialist, H.I.V./A.I.D.S. Epidemiologist, with the Kent County Health Department. He has served as a Resident Research Coordinator Anesthesia Residency Program with Case Western Reserve University, an HIV/AIDS Outreach Program Coordinator Program with Wayne State University and Detroit Public Schools, and as West Michigan HIV/AIDS Epidemiologist. Tuberculosis Clinic Coordinator. Dr. Alshab has numerous Publications and Presentations including a series on Rural Health Opioid Use and Chronic Pain Management. His expertise and passion for his work will deeply benefit the goals of the EUP-RCORP.

Project Director : Carrie Sevarns

Carrie Sevarns has spent the last 17 years working in rural healthcare and has a passion for improving the health and well-being of the communities she serves.  As a former Director of Population Health and Community Clinics her main responsibilities included building strong relationships with Provider and Provider teams that would impact patient care and community health ensuring best practices were implemented.  Ms. Sevarns has lead successful teams using creative problem solving and strong communication skills to implement strategic goals for Pay for Performance Initiatives, Grant Activities, Quality Programs and Accountable Care Organization objectives. During her years in healthcare she led the development of the first Wellness Center, Patient Centered Medical Home, Chronic Care Management, Clinic Electronic Health Record Implementation, Behavioral Health and Accountable Care Organization programs and initiatives at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.  She remains an active member on the Michigan Center of Rural Health Clinic Network Executive Committee Board.  Her passion for rural healthcare combined with her experience in program development will help aid in the development of EUP ORC work plan and vision. 

Program Associate : Elena Torongo

Elena Torongo graduated with her Anthropology degree from Northern Michigan University. While attending NMU she conducted ethnographic research on independent businesses in rural communities. She then went on to work in Wilderness Therapy as a backpacking guide in Southwestern Colorado. Elena also worked as a coordinator for Communities That Care in Luce and Alger Counties. There she helped organize food drops, Naloxone distribution, write grants and was trained in Botvins Life Skills and Prime for Life. Her love for the Upper Peninsula combined with her background in youth programs and development will help contribute to the EUP-ORC and our vision.