Valerie Goodwin

Goodwin covers communications for rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, general surgery, and the Transplant Center. She assists with communications for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital. She is passionate about making medical research and storytelling accessible to help keep patients informed about what is happening in healthcare. Goodwin graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Public Relations in 2022. Contact: [email protected]

Valerie Goodwin
hands up in to sun blocking it in shadowy area under tree
Health Lab
Decoding mechanisms of photosensitivity in autoimmune diseases
Photosensitivity is a common occurrence in patients with autoimmune disorders, especially lupus and dermatomyositis. The only treatment for this currently is diligent sunscreen use, but research is leading to new insights in how photosensitivity is created on a cellular level.
hospital bed
Health Lab
Medicare reimbursement codes for hernia procedures have small impact on patients
A change to Medicare reimbursement coding for hernia procedures states that hernias must be three centimeters or larger for full reimbursement. Researchers at University of Michigan examine the impact this has had on reported hernia sizes.
doctor looking into robotic set up in scrubs and scrub hat
Health Lab
Are robotic hernia repairs still in the “learning curve” phase?
As robotic hernia repairs grow in popularity, patients may be at a higher risk for hernia recurrence.
woman walking sleeping in photo above her.
Health Lab
Sleep health may impact mobility for women with chronic conditions
Women diagnosed with chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes, experiencing poor sleep are at a higher risk of needing mobility aids sooner in life. Addressing sleep issues in these women may be crucial to better mobility.
News Release
University of Michigan Health names executive director for new integrated statewide sports medicine network
ANN ARBOR, MI – University of Michigan Health is launching an aggressive vision for integrated sports medicine capabilities across the state and has recruited a nationally renowned expert to lead the efforts.
mom and son and dog in front of the survival flight helicopter
Health Lab
Therapy dog supports teen through recovery after serious dirt bike accident
Evan Sanders had a dirtbike accident which left him with fractures across the left side of his body. During his hospital stay, service dog Barney helped Evan with his rehabilitation goals, including a visit to the Survival Flight helicopter.
red spot in shoulder pulsing red with circle around it on black background and see-through to shoulder bone and joint
Health Lab
How do you treat rotator-cuff tears?
Rotator-cuff tears appear most in adults over the age of 40. These injuries are typically treated with physical therapy and surgical intervention as a last resort.
white cream being put on finger close up with blurred red shirt in background of person using cream
Health Lab
Topical Mupirocin lowers lupus inflammation
J. Michelle Kahlenberg, M.D., Ph.D., led a team of researchers looking at an alternative treatment for lupus rashes with a topical treatment called mupirocin. 
Research News
University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness teams up with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to fund safety net organizations
The University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness, in collaboration with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, is offering grants of up to $5,000 to safety net organizations in Michigan that work to improve healthcare access for individuals with disabilities, particularly those from low-income and underserved communities. Eligible projects can include improving healthcare access, creating inclusive wayfinding, or providing staff training to better serve individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, and developmental disabilities. This initiative is designed to support local efforts to enhance healthcare quality and accessibility, with a focus on creating inclusive communities. Applications are due by March 1, 2025.
two pictures side by side one in virtual reality going over beam and the other of the person in real life doing it with VR technology
Health Lab
Using virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation
Researchers at University of Michigan Health are using virtual reality technology to aid in mirror therapy physical therapy routines for stroke survivors.
Health Lab
Finding independence after spinal cord injury with inpatient rehab
One woman's successful inpatient rehabilitation at Chelsea Hospital after experiencing a fall that left her paralyzed.
uterus pink background white body outline seeing white IUD
Health Lab
Getting an IUD? Here’s what to know
IUDs are growing in popularity as a form of birth control. Monica Woll Rosen, M.D., answers common questions about what you should know before you have your IUD inserted.
man in hopsital with daughter mask on left and man hugging granddaughter hugging right
Health Lab
Liver transplant bonds 3 Michigan families
When Scott Bryers needed a liver transplant, he joined the waiting list for three years before finding his partial liver donor match. When that fell through, he quickly found a complete liver donor match. Today, the three families stay in touch.
see through blue person with red lines running through neck to chest
Health Lab
What is phrenic neuropathy?
Phrenic neuropathy is a condition that impacts the nerve around the diaphragm making it harder to breathe, especially in situations such as lying down or being in water. The condition is treatable, with surgical intervention, physical therapy or by letting it heal over time.
On left, a young boy in a wheelchair has his doctor standing to his left and his parent is standing to his right in a show of support. On the right side of the image, the boy is now an adult and is wondering about the cost of his care and if his questions will be answered.
Health Lab
Changing the definition of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is defined as a childhood disorder, which fails to recognize adults living with the condition and the lack of care they receive once they age out of pediatric clinics.
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