Internal Medicine Research

Neph lab

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 Kretzler
Department News

Dr. Matthias Kretzler Receives ASN's Prestigious 2026 Homer W. Smith Award

Dr. Matthias Kretzler has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Homer W. Smith Award, one of the highest honors in nephrology, presented by the American Society of Nephrology (ASN). He will be formally recognized at ASN Kidney Week 2026 in Denver this October.
 The Fundamentals Podcast Hero Card Final 1800 x 1350
The Fundamentals

The Race to Uncover the Hidden Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Season four of The Fundamentals is here, and we're celebrating by doing a special two-episode release to launch the season! On this episode of The Fundamentals, we talk to two clinician scientists determined to unlock the mysteries of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Dr. Marc Peters-Golden and his mentee, Dr. Sean Fortier, discuss their research and the race to uncover the hidden causes of IPF to offer new hope to patients. Be sure to check out our second launch episode and our entire back catalog on The Fundamentals website, or on your favorite podcast player.
 Drs. Haymart and Papaleontiou
Department News

Drs. Megan Haymart and Maria Papaleontiou Receive Prestigious American Thyroid Association Awards

Megan Haymart, MD and Maria Papaleontiou, MD, of the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes (MEND) have received 2026 American Thyroid Association® (ATA®) Awards
 piece of paper with ID card and state outlined blue
Health Lab

Michigan’s Medicaid expansion improved both health and finances

Michigan’s Medicaid expansion, called the Healthy Michigan Plan, helped individuals’ physical, mental and financial health, and supported the hospitals and clinics used by all Michiganders.
 Headshot of Dr. Cornelius James
Department News

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Cornelius James—Preparing Healthcare for the AI Era

Meet Dr. Cornelius James, a clinical assistant professor and primary care physician in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Learn more about his research on implementing AI and other emerging technologies into clinical practice and medical education curricula.
 Virginia Sheffield and family
Points of Blue

Making Learning Click: Dr. Virginia Sheffield’s Approach to Medical Education

Dr. Virginia Sheffield is a clinician educator whose impact spans bedside teaching, residency training, and educational innovation. Whether leading residents, teaching on the wards, or caring for patients at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Sheffield is known for creating rigorous and engaging learning environments. Learners consistently describe her as a transformative educator who turns everyday clinical encounters into meaningful teaching opportunities.