Notable Alums

Donald J.

Specialty: Internal Medicine,Pediatrics

Graduation Year: 1995, Res. 2000

Donald J. Tynes

Donald Tynes, M.D., is the co-founder of Reach Out to Youth: For the Future Doctors of Tomorrow and a clinical assistant professor for Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is an historian, educator, lecturer and author of “For the Black Men and Women of Tomorrow,” (Darrell Ross Publishing). He has been published in medical journals, newspapers and African-American centered publications.

Dr. Tynes specializes in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, with special interest in diabetes, hypertension, asthma, sexual dysfunction and peripheral arterial disease. He practices at the Benton Harbor (Michigan) Health Center as the chief medical officer. He has numerous awards, including the WSU School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award, Outstanding Service Award from the Black Medical Association: Reach Out To Youth, Detroit City Council Award of Recognition, the Spirit of Detroit Award, a Michigan House of Representatives Special Tribute: A Committed Warrior, and a Certificate of Tribute from Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Crain’s Detroit Business recognized him as a Health Care Hero in 2012.

In 2015, he was presented the Benton Harbor Men of Honor Award and Health Michigan Award of Excellence in Patient Care. In 2016, Dr. Tynes was recognized as a community hero at the second annual Community Champions Awards presented by Molina Healthcare in Grand Rapids for his work with the Reach Out to Youth program.

Dr. Tynes is an ordained minister and is involved in several community activities, including Project New Hope National & International Relief Program, Future Doctors- Future Leaders, Christ in the Mix, Kick the Peace Stop the Nonsense Crush the Violence Anti-Riot Program, Mobile Youth Gospel Concert Program, College Bound Program, Future Leaders Basketball Program and the Keep It Real Ministry Drill Team. He believes strongly in his mission to increase self-esteem in African-American children, youth and medical students.