Growing up, Michael Dever spent every summer but one at Clark Lake.  The lake became part of his DNA just as it had been for generations of his family, friends, and many others who have lived the wonders of the lake.  As Uncle Don Nichols towed him endlessly behind his Nautique, Michael exceled at wakeboarding.  So good was his expertise that it took Michael away from Clark Lake for a summer to a camp at Raquette Lake, New York where he was their wakeboarding instructor.

Wakeboarding did not define Michael’s future, although spending summers with his Uncle Don and Aunt Wilma at Clark Lake would.  Fast forward to now, many years later, when the result of that formative experience would culminate in an ultimate achievement.  How did this happen?  Don Nichols was a radiologist.  Over the summers, Michael had become fascinated with his uncle’s medical career.  “I thought it was very cool and wanted to follow in his footsteps,” says Michael.  On Thursday (6/13), Michael, now Dr. Dever, graduated from a minimally invasive surgery fellowship in Detroit.   That crowned an achievement built upon years of preparation – four years as a college undergrad, four years of medical school, five years of residency, and now the completion of the fellowship.

Michael with his parents – Carolyn Nichols and Lee Dever

Michael did not become a radiologist like Dr. Don.  In the long and winding educational road, Michael determined that radiology was not for him, and here’s how that happened.  Having graduated fourth in his class in medical school, his next stop was London, England.  During his clinical years there, surgery was one of the rotations.  That’s when he discovered his love for the field, leading him to where he is today.

Michael says you have to love surgery or that career choice would be a problem.  He explains it’s not a problem for him.  “It’s a very special feeling when you actually save someone’s life after the person has experienced a terrible trauma.”  He recalls the long hours and difficult path that mean you miss a lot of birthdays, weddings, and time with family.  “This special feeling makes up for it.”

Those familiar with Micheal know that he comes from a family of doctors.  Those include general practitioners John Nichols, Jack and Mary Bentley, anesthesiologist Ann Nichols, and radiologists Don Nichols and David Nichols.  Dr. Ann Clark was a veterinarian, as is Dr. Pam Nichols today.  Some Clark Lakers will remember how those doctors stitched up the injured at the lake.  Turns out, Michael has recently renewed that tradition helping several who found themselves in need of his help.

After the graduation ceremony in the Detroit area

What’s next for Dr. Dever?  “I would love to find a position somewhere near Clark Lake.”  Right now, he is looking at opportunities in Michigan, Utah, and the Carolinas.  In the meantime, he has some time to engage sweet Clark Lake breezes on his Hobie, although even at Clark Lake, it doesn’t always work out that way.  On Sunday, a day with strong winds and lots of gusts, he took his Hobie over three times, turtled twice, and with lines in disarray, was towed in.  “I was not too happy about it.”  Michael says next time winds are that strong “I plan to ride my kiteboard instead.”  Regardless of his adventures on the water, he plans to enjoy friends and family in the Cove as he ponders the next step in his career.

Michael is not opposed to Clark Lake fun.  Here he is as part of the winning team at Raft-O-Rama 2023