Family Medicine Research

Dr. Oshman points to project poster

Preparing for the Future

Our department ranks among the top 10 in terms of NIH funding. Projects range from examining disparities in health care to using advanced technology for diabetes management, and more.

About our Research

The University of Michigan Medical School's Department of Family Medicine research is a multidisciplinary effort among our scientists and clinicians (some of whom are both) who examine health care issues that affect a person throughout their lifetime. Our faculty conduct work in nearly every area of health, from maternal and reproductive health to the prevention of cancer and integrative oncology, to behavioral health, and the health of the primary care workforce on a national and global scale.

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The department's research is also focused on addressing a person’s socioeconomic factors. Our researchers ask, ‘How does the physical environment affect someone’s health? Do they lack transportation, the financial means to receive appropriate care, or do they have a disability, either physical and/or intellectual, that can prevent them from accessing equitable care?’ 

They also examine barriers inherent in the current established medical system that present certain race-based barriers to specific groups in gaining equal and effective access to care. Our researchers care about the health of the community, both locally and on a global scale, and they conduct work that contributes to overall well-being of patients and the community.

Featured News & Stories

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A young white male with a light brown beard, wearing a button-down shirt, stands next to a young white woman with dark blond hair, wearing a wine colored sweater. They are holding Best Poster certificates.
Department News

U-M Medical School students win ‘Best Poster’ with research on food affordability and dietary decision-making by young people

U-M Medical School students Trevor Cady and Meredith Cady, participants in the Primary C.A.R.E. Immersion Program, secure the 'Best Poster' award for their work examining food affordability and decision making among young people.
UMich Med Mosaic on blue background with colorful geometric shapes
UMich Med Mosaic

Beyond the White Coat: Disability, Neurodiversity and Advocacy in Medical School

In this episode of UMich Med Mosaic, host Mackenzie Kay sits down with medical students Jill Maudlin, Sarah Renberg and Bella Johnson to discuss their experiences as disabled and neurodivergent trainees at the University of Michigan Medical School. They reflect on the personal journeys that led them to medicine, the challenges and strengths that accompany living with disabilities and chronic health conditions and the importance of representation within the medical profession. The conversation explores how disability shapes their approaches to patient care, advocacy and teamwork, as well as the role of the Medical Students for Disability Health Advocacy (MSDHA) organization in creating community and advancing accessibility initiatives. They also discuss Michigan’s accommodations in medical education, efforts to improve disability-related curriculum content and the importance of building a culture where disabled and neurodivergent students can thrive.
Two U-M faculty headshots with the titling, National Academy of Medicine, presented above their names: Diane Harper and Jacqueline Jeruss.
News Release

Two U-M Researchers Earn Election to National Academy of Medicine

Two U-M Researchers Earn Election to National Academy of Medicine
Marie-Clair O'Dwyer
Department News

First national survey by U-M clinician-researchers finds nearly all family medicine residencies teach menopause care

U-M’s Department of Family Medicine and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as the Cleveland Clinic Primary Care Institute, conducted a first-of-its kind national survey, which determined that menopause education was present among 94% of resident training programs in the U.S.
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Department News

Family Medicine clinician-researchers publish two papers in leading primary health journal

Family Medicine Doctors Lauren Oshman and Katherine Hughey are among two teams of authors who have published papers in the September/October 2026 issue of Annals of Family Medicine.
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Health Lab

What’s the latest on 7-OH and kratom availability and addiction care?

The United States Drug Enforcement Agency has announced it will place non-botanical products containing 7-OH on Schedule I, joining three other synthetic opioids, effectively removing them the market, leaving natural leaf kratom available amid a shortage of addiction treatment providers.