Forging a new path

When Dr. Leonard Verhey, ’18, reflects on his trajectory to becoming a neurosurgeon, he doesn’t start in an operating room or a research lab—he starts at Central Michigan University.

“It all started at CMU,” he said. “That was the foundation—the building blocks were laid there; every neurosurgeon first needs to be a good physician.”

Today, Verhey is completing a prestigious pediatric neurosurgery fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, one of the top children’s hospitals in the world. Soon, he’ll return to Grand Rapids to begin his career as a neurosurgeon. Along the way, he’s achieved a milestone that stands out in our university’s history: he is the first graduate of the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at CMU to become a neurosurgeon.

“We are immensely proud of Dr. Verhey,” said Tina Thompson, CMED interim dean. “His achievement in a highly demanding medical specialty reflects the rigor, depth, and comprehensive nature of the education provided by the College of Medicine.”

A milestone that reflects a mission

For Verhey, that distinction is about more than a personal accomplishment, it’s a reflection of what CMED has become.

“It speaks to what CMU began as and what it’s held on to,” he said. “The College of Medicine was built carefully and intentionally, and with an innovative curriculum, to prepare strong physicians ready to practice across the full spectrum of specialties.”

That evolution aligns with CMU’s mission to serve communities across Michigan. For Verhey, who completed both his medical education and residency training in the state, the mission became personal.

“I developed a natural affinity for Michigan,” he said. “To train here, and now to return to a full-time position as a neurosurgeon—it feels like everything has come full circle.”

A family journey rooted in Michigan

Originally from Ontario, Canada, Verhey chose CMU in part because of family. His wife, Lauren, is from Michigan, and the opportunity to study and build a life in her home state made CMU a natural fit.

“It was the opportunity CMU gave us,” he said. “We haven’t looked back with any regret.”

That decision shaped not only his career but also his family’s story. Verhey and his wife, now parents of four, welcomed their first child while living in Mount Pleasant during his time at CMU. Their second was born in nearby Midland, and their younger children arrived during his residency in Grand Rapids.

“It’s a journey that we’ve taken together as a family,” he said. “All the credit is surely due to my wife, for helping keep us on track through these long years of training.”

Building something new at CMU

As a member of one of the earliest classes in the Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at CMU, Verhey experienced a program still finding its footing—but energized by possibility.

“There was a lot of ‘new’ for everyone,” he said. “But there was also a true sense of energy and investment from faculty and administrators. They genuinely took pride in helping shape our training towards being a physician.”

That collaborative spirit created an environment where students and faculty worked closely to refine and strengthen the program in real time.

“It was a cohesive effort,” he said. “Things were tried, and things were adjusted when needed. It was exciting to be part of that process.”

A calling shaped by passion

Verhey’s interest in neurosurgery traces back to a deeply personal moment. As an undergraduate student, he watched his young sister recover from a serious brain injury after a traumatic accident. Seeing the care and precision of her medical team sparked something lasting.

That spark turned into a calling—one that would require years of relentless training.

After earning his degree from CMU in 2018, Verhey completed a seven-year neurosurgery residency at Corewell Health West in Grand Rapids, becoming the first resident in the program’s history. The road was long and demanding, filled with early mornings, late nights, and time away from family.

“It can feel like you’re never going to get there,” he said. “You have to trust the process of neurosurgical training. It takes patience, determination, stamina, and a supportive family.”

But for Verhey, passion made the difference.

“If the passion is there, everything else follows,” he said. “I find it a very special privilege to take care of neurosurgical patients who are in moments of great vulnerability.”

Looking ahead—and giving back

Now in the final stages of his fellowship, Verhey is focused on refining his expertise, including specialized training in fetal neurosurgery. As he prepares to return to Grand Rapids, he’s energized by the opportunity to contribute to the next phase of neurosurgical care and training at Corewell Health West.

“I look forward with much enthusiasm,” he said. “To bring everything I’ve learned in Toronto back to Michigan to help the patients in need of our expertise.”

That sense of purpose is rooted in the same place his journey began.

“Wherever we go,” he said, “we carry with us the training and experiences that shaped us. For me, that started at CMU. And for that, I will always be grateful.”

For current and future students, his story stands as a tremendous example of what’s possible—with passion, perseverance, and the right foundation.

And for CMU, it’s a milestone worth celebrating—one that signals not just a first, but many more to come.