Valerie Goodwin

Goodwin covers communications for rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, general surgery, and the Transplant Center. She assists with communications for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital. She is passionate about making medical research and storytelling accessible to help keep patients informed about what is happening in healthcare. Goodwin graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Public Relations in 2022. Contact: [email protected]

man on top of mountain
Health Lab

Hiking Patagonia after spine surgery

Despite undergoing a spinal laminectomy surgery, a 73-year-old individual successfully completed a trip to Patagonia just three months later. Read about their inspiring journey and the exceptional care they received at University of Michigan Health.
bone yellow blue
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Excess physical activity can cause strain in young feet

New research from Michigan Medicine shows that excessive physical activity during summer sports can lead to weakened tendons and bones in children. It is crucial to balance activity with rest to prevent injury.
hospital bed blue yellow
Health Lab

Bypassing contrast in patients with kidney disease and contrast allergies may lead to less accurate scans

Research from the University of Michigan now confirms this: a study found choosing to withhold IV contrast from certain types of abdominal CT scans can decrease the accuracy of the scan by about 30%.
stethoscope
Health Lab

Modified Minerva Orthosis proven helpful in pediatric patients following airway surgery

The University of Michigan Health System received an order for a cervical orthosis, or neck brace, which resulted in a modified version still being used today, changing recovery for the better.
little girl sitting in gym with orange shirt and orange converses
Health Lab

A rare neuromuscular disorder diagnosis brings long awaited answers for teen

For one teen, a rare neuromuscular disorder diagnosis brings long awaited answers.
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Cerebral palsy patients at higher risk of receiving opioid prescriptions

Cerebral palsy patients at higher risk of being prescribed opioids for pain, even though Michigan Medicine researchers find them to not be effective for their unique pain issues.
Bryan receives his Quickie wheelchair. Photos by Chris Hedly
Health Lab

Unleashing 'the beast'

A 12-year-old basketball player is surprised with a custom adaptive sports wheelchair at Michigan Medicine.
stethoscope
Health Lab

Antiphospholipid antibodies may increase heart disease risk in healthy people

New research from Michigan Medicine suggests that antiphospholipid antibodies may increase the risk of heart disease in otherwise healthy people. Learn more about the study and its implications for heart health.
stethoscope
Health Lab

Novel anti-NET antibodies in a multinational cohort

A U-M led international team uncovers new autoantibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome patients, shedding light on disease development. Learn more about the research findings and how they may lead to new treatments.
gif of people with spinal injuries walking and sun setting purple pink yellow grey
Health Lab

For spinal cord injuries, acceptance and commitment therapy aids in recovery

Research from U-M suggests that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can aid in the recovery of spinal cord injuries by helping patients learn to manage their emotions and thoughts surrounding their injury.
holding knee seeing bones through skin
Health Lab

How active joints in the summer reduce winter pains

Reducing joint pain starts with strengthening joint in warmer months, says a Michigan Medicine doctor.
skeleton large in back of doctor talking to patient
Health Lab

The radiologists behind the curtain

Radiologists play a large role in many tumor diagnoses, but rarely get the recognition for it.
man in several activities winter hat and jackets on
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Using neuropsychology to heal from cancer treatment

Using neuropsychology to heal from cancer treatment: A multidisciplinary clinic uses this method to help patients after oncology treatments
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Wheelchair basketball player holds court with U-M men’s team

Rollverines team helps build strength, confidence for those unable to play able-bodied basketball.
Man and women jogging ear buds on
Health Lab

4 ways to avoid summer spine injuries during the winter

Exercise during the colder months can prevent pain from appearing in the warmer weather
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