Family Medicine Research

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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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Health Lab Podcast

7-OH, kratom and the emerging public health crisis for sale across the country

A patient, his doctor and other experts warn of dangers of 7-OH, which is touted as a derivative of kratom and is widely available, but packs far more opioid danger.
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Philanthropy News

Shipt gift helps address food insecurity

A gift from Shipt supports Michigan Medicine's Tammy Chang, M.D., MPH, in developing Nutrition Value Pathways to expand access to Food is Medicine programs and help address food insecurity.
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Department News

Family Medicine researchers find clinicians question Black expectant moms more about cannabis use than white moms

Department of Family Medicine researchers examined how often clinicians talked to women about cannabis use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, finding that they brought up the topic of cannabis use more often with Black expectant moms than white moms.
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Department News

Family Medicine faculty, residents and students showcase innovative studies at Michigan Family Medicine Research Day

U-M Department of Family Medicine faculty, residents and students participated in the recent Michigan Family Medicine Research Day. The event features oral and poster presentions of emerging work that come out of the primary care and family medicine research field.
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UMich Med Mosaic

Beyond the White Coat: Finding Your Voice at the Patient’s Bedside

In this episode of UMich Med Mosaic, host Mackenzie Kay speaks with MD students Josh Chen and Gabriel Culian about what it feels like to step onto the hospital wards for the first time. They reflect on their earliest patient encounters, the transition from standardized patients to real clinical settings, and the role medical students play in building trust, explaining care plans and supporting patients and families. They also discuss witnessing serious illness, grief and life-changing conversations, while exploring how early clinical experiences shape confidence, empathy and the kind of physicians they hope to become.
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Department News

Former Disability Health Elective trainees carry their experiences into their residencies

Former MDisability Disability Health Elective trainees Cal Ernst and Tiffanie Totten talk about how they will take their disability health training forward into their respective medical residencies.