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Internal Medicine Research

Transformative Research at a Top-Funded Institution

Where great science is changing the lives of our patients in Michigan and beyond.

Dedicated to Improving the Practice of Medicine

The University of Michigan Medical School Department of Internal Medicine has a robust research community and successfully competes for funding from national agencies, foundations and industry-sponsored projects. Scientists here are dedicated to identifying and implementing real solutions to redefine how we practice medicine.

In FY2024, the University of Michigan was awarded a record $2.04 billion in research funding. Of this, the Department of Internal Medicine was responsible for $260 million from over 1,200 grants. In addition, the department published nearly 4,100 peer-reviewed research publications.

Exploring Research Excellence

Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg discusses the faculty mentoring, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive grant support that empower clinical, translational, and health services researchers to thrive.

Our Research Areas

Basic & Translational Research

We have active basic and translational research programs in many of our subspecialties, continually expanding scientific knowledge and ultimately advancing patient care.

Clinical Research

With health services and clinical researchers working together, we can make quicker advancements to improve patient care.

Research Conferences & Education

Research Symposium

The Department of Internal Medicine Annual Research Symposium showcases the research projects completed by our residents and provides an opportunity for fellows and students, as well as faculty, to present their work and interact with department members. A focal event of the symposium is Grand Rounds delivered by an invited outstanding physician scientist.

Michigan Research Experts

A database by the Medical School Office of Research, connects University of Michigan researchers worldwide, fostering collaboration.

Visit MI Experts

Researchers examine a specimen in the Merajver Lab

By the Numbers in FY2024

$260M

Million in Research Funding

4,089

Peer-Reviewed Articles Published

Giving to Internal Medicine

Your gift can help our physicians provide the highest-quality care while contributing to major advances in patient care, research, and education.

Make a gift

Featured News & Stories

See all news

Ibtissam Gad performs a demo of her hand model with an HPE Connect '26 attendee.

Department News

Helping Hands: Ibtissam Gad Is Rethinking How Clinicians Learn to Feel Disease

For most physicians, learning to recognize swollen joints begins in the classroom. Students study anatomy, learn examination techniques, observe experienced clinicians, and gradually gain experience examining patients during medical school and residency. For Ibtissam Gad, MD, a clinical assistant professor in Michigan Medicine's Division of Rheumatology, one limitation stood out. Learners often had relatively few opportunities to practice distinguishing subtle swelling by touch, and asking patients whose joints were already painful to undergo repeated examinations wasn't ideal for anyone involved.

bathroom toliets pattern and orange background

Health Lab

Got cyclosporiasis? How to take care of yourself and others

As the Cyclospora parasite outbreak sickens many, a primary care doctor’s top tips to get through it.

Medical School News

Podcast: Supporting student success: Building well-being into medical education

In the latest episode of the Well-Being at Michigan Medicine podcast, host and Chief Well-Being Officer Elizabeth Harry, M.D., is joined by Seetha Monrad, M.D., Associate Dean for Medical Student Education, and Erin McKean, M.D., Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, to discuss how Michigan Medicine is creating a learning environment where students can succeed without compromising high standards.

Department News

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Nora Becker - Shaping health policies to improve patient health & financial outcomes

Meet Dr. Nora Becker, primary care physician and assistant professor in the Division of General Medicine. Learn more about her work on the impact of health and social policies and patients' health and financial outcomes.

Health Lab

Aortic valve replacement: Understanding TAVR and SAVR

Cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists discuss aortic valve replacement, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement, or TAVR, and surgical aortic valve replacement, or SAVR.

Health Lab

The hidden life of parasites like Cyclospora

Michigan Medicine biologists and doctors explain how parasites infect people—and how to respond or reduce your risk