Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan Expands with Two New Cardiothoracic Surgeons

WYOMING, Mich. (Sept. 24, 2025) – The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan is growing its team of expert heart surgeons with the addition of two highly trained physicians who are both returning to their home state of Michigan: Keith Dufendach, M.D., and Meghan Halub, M.D.

Both Dr. Dufendach and Dr. Halub are faculty members in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Dufendach began practicing at University of Michigan Health-West in July and holds a clinical assistant professor appointment. Dr. Halub joined Trinity Health Medical Group Cardiothoracic Surgery – Muskegon in September, bringing additional surgical expertise to the lakeshore

“These are incredibly talented surgeons with deep ties to Michigan,” said Himanshu Patel, M.D., executive director of the Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan. “Their arrival will help us expand access to high-quality cardiac care and strengthen our services across the region.”

Dufendach grew up in Rockford and is a graduate of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his residency in thoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and pursued a research fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University, focusing on ways to improve patient care using data science and technology. His clinical interests include treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms and valve repair and replacement.
 

“I’m honored to return to the place where I grew up and contribute to the growth of heart care in West Michigan,” said Dufendach. “It means a lot to be part of a team that is advancing care and doing it in a community that feels like home.”

Halub is a Muskegon native and graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. She completed general surgery residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, followed by a cardiothoracic fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and advanced training at Mayo Clinic. She brings experience in robotic-assisted cardiac surgery and minimally invasive procedures, as well as a strong interest in education, mentorship and global outreach.

“Returning to serve patients in my home state is incredibly meaningful,” said Halub. “I’m excited to join a team that is focused on excellence, collaboration and improving lives across the region.”
 

The announcement comes as UM Health-West has completed more than 400 open-heart surgeries, a milestone just three years after launching the program. Across the network, Trinity Health Muskegon has performed 725 TAVR procedures since 2019, with nearly 90 completed this year.

“The growth of our cardiac surgical team reflects the growth of our program,” said Ronald Grifka, M.D., president of UM Health-West. “We are proud to offer top-tier heart care right here in West Michigan. Adding these two skilled cardiac surgeons will further raise the level of care that we provide.”

“Dr. Halub’s experience and passion for service make her an outstanding addition to our Muskegon team,” said Gary Allore, president of Trinity Health Muskegon. “We are excited to welcome her back to West Michigan and know our patients will benefit from her care.”
 

The Cardiovascular Network of West Michigan is a joint operating agreement between Trinity Health Muskegon, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, UM Health-West and the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center. This regional collaboration connects local hospitals with more than 125 years of cardiovascular leadership and provides access to leading treatments, surgical techniques and coordinated care.
 

“This is a time of real momentum,” said Patel. “By continuing to invest in people, programs and partnerships, we are delivering on our mission to bring the highest level of heart care to the communities we serve.”