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Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Research

Research performed within the U-M Medical School Department of Internal Medicine Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine has greatly impacted our understanding of basic lung biology, disease pathogenesis and targeted therapeutics. 

NIH grant funding for research within the Division exceeds 13 million dollars annually. Our investigative portfolio is comprehensive, with specific areas of emphasis including pulmonary inflammation, lung injury and repair, fibrotic lung disorders, host defense, lung transplantation, and lung cancer.

New major areas of modern biology have emerged, including genetics/genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, stem cell biology, computational biology, and the microbiome. Researchers in the division participate in large multidisciplinary and multicenter disease-specific programs and networks in interstitial lung disease (IPFnet, COMET, LTRC), COPD (SPIROMICS, COPD gene, LTRC), and Acute Lung Injury (SCOR, SCCOR, ARDSnet).

Emerging fields of patient-oriented research have been added or expanded, including health services research and sleep. Active areas of health services research include long-term functional outcomes in survivors of critical illness, nosocomial infection, delirium in the ICU, health care utilization and health care policy.

Featured News & Stories

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small bacteria cells floating on blue background reddish tint
Health Lab

Study overturns 100-year-old assumption about common bacteria in the lungs

A new U-M study overturns a 100-year-old assumption about one common bacterial resident of the lungs, Prevotella melaninogenica.
The Bonnell family, including Laura, Michael, and their two daughters, Emily and Molly, seated together with a golf course in the background.
Philanthropy News

From journalist to parent to advocate

The Bonnell Foundation's latest gift to Michigan Medicine's Division of Pediatric Pulmonology will support the next generation of leaders and experts in pursuing research and educational projects related to cystic fibrosis and global health.
Photo of U of M Hospital with the 2026-27 US News & World Report badge
Department News

7 Internal Medicine Specialties Nationally Recognized in USNWR Rankings

The Department of Internal Medicine was recognized in seven specialties in the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.
nicotine packets close up in container
Health Lab

Lung health expert weighs in on Zyn and other nicotine pouches

Michigan Medicine’s MeiLan Han, M.D., provides her professional and medical thoughts on the use of nicotine pouches.
3 Wishes CCMU Team Jakob McSparron, MD; Sara Didoszak MSN, RN; Diana Brown MSW; Maddie Lagina, MD, MPH; Abi Beutler RN
Department News

Critical Care Program Fulfills Patients’ Final Wishes, Bringing Comfort to Last Moments

Launched by our CCMU team in February 2025, the 3 Wishes Program helps patient-facing clinicians and staff honor and support patients nearing the end of life in the medical ICU. Since its inception, it has fulfilled more than 70 meaningful wishes, bringing comfort and lasting memories to patients and their families.
Road sign saying sepsis in front of a twilight sky
Health Lab

NASCAR star’s death shows how sepsis can kill anyone if not caught

Kyle Busch's death from sepsis offers a chance to raise awareness of the importance of recognizing symptoms, and of timely care.