Points of Blue Stories

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.

Medical student Uzochi Nwoko shares why he chose Michigan, advice on picking a specialty and why he decided to pursue a dual degree.

Alison Affinati, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, is this month's Featured Educator. Learn more about her favorite education practices and some of the lessons she has learned over the years.

Meet Matt Wixson, MD, Clinical Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the University of Michigan Medical School, dedicated to anesthesiology, medical student pathways and mentorship.

In this article, Christian talks about his experience with the HILS Online MS program and how using what he learned has helped with publishing papers, implementing new programs and addressing behavioral and social health needs.

Michael J. Brenner, MD, FACS, is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the Medical School. His interest in medical education comes from a desire to apply rigor and evidence-informed strategies to real-world patient care. In this spotlight, he discusses his approach to teaching, his goals for the future of health professions education, and the experiences that continue to shape his work.

University of Michigan medical student Mohika Nagpal shares how her experience at UMMS has helped her discover what kind of doctor, teammate, friend and woman she would become.

Across her career, Dr. Sarah Macdonald has led data‑driven improvements in vaccine completion, care coordination and documentation. In this Q&A, she reflects on how the HILS-Online program is helping her expand that impact through stronger use of data, technology and learning‑health‑system practices.

Meg Wolff, Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, offers advice for medical students and shares why the University of Michigan Medical School is a place where she can pursue her professional passions.

Dr. Rick Mortensen has shaped generations of Michigan medical students through decades of steady leadership in endocrine education. In this month’s Featured Educator spotlight, he reflects on how a junior faculty teaching role at Brigham and Women’s Hospital sparked a lifelong commitment to medical education, and why engaged students continue to energize his work today.

University of Michigan medical student Leta Ashebo credits UMMS for helping her become a physician grounded in curiosity, advocacy and community.

University of Michigan medical student Hanikka Muña came to UMMS from California, where she's found personal and professional growth.

University of Michigan medical student Blake Hardin shares his medical school experience in this Q&A, focusing on his interests in disability health and advocacy, surgical outcomes research, medical education and ways to foster belonging at UMMS

Dr. Diane Harper brings a rare blend of curiosity, compassion, and presence to every learning encounter. In this month’s Featured Educator spotlight, she reflects on the joy she finds in students' “aha” moments and the enduring influence of her mentor, Dr. James Bergin. From her early days rowing with the U.S. Women’s National Team to her current life in Ann Arbor, Dr. Harper shares the experiences that continue to shape her approach to teaching and connection.

University of Michigan medical student DeMarcus Burke came to Michigan to pursue anesthesiology and has developed passions for the arts, research and global health along the way.

Dr. Glenn Fox has shaped anatomy education at the University of Michigan through his leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to learner growth. As director of the Anatomical Donations Program and a core educator in the Division of Anatomical Sciences, he supports students in developing a meaningful understanding of the human body and its clinical relevance.

University of Michigan MSTP student Yara Siegler Marques Batista shares how she's been able to connect with the immigrant community in a clinical setting through opportunities at UMMS.

Dr. Kate Kraft has made an enduring impact on surgical education at Michigan Medicine and beyond. A dedicated mentor and nationally recognized leader in urology training, she served as the University of Michigan Urology Residency Program Director from 2018–2023, guiding the program to a top national ranking and advancing innovative approaches to resident assessment and readiness for practice. Currently, Dr. Kraft chairs the ACGME Review Committee for Urology and serves as a senior editor for the American Board of Urology Examination Committee. Her passion for education—rooted in an early fascination with the history of medicine—continues to shape the next generation of surgeons through thoughtful leadership, curricular innovation, and a deep commitment to learner growth.