Endocrinology Fellowship

Back in 2006, I was like you – wanting to be an endocrinologist and trying to find a training program to call home for the next couple of years. However, I really did not know what an endocrine “home” meant – nor how a program would truly shape me and my career. I am fortunate that Michigan and I made a connection and we have been together for over 20 years.

We want you to join our community and believe we have the experience, resources, and opportunities to foster your career goals.

Our patients are more than their diseases, are diverse, and are full of stories to share. They are our greatest teachers and eagerly await the care you will bring. You will help deliver care to them through your continuity clinic and as you rotate through our vast array of subspecialty clinics: multidisciplinary adrenal, combined endocrine/neurosurgery pituitary, multidisciplinary thyroid, endocrine oncology, endocrine genetics, diabetes, atypical diabetes, bone, weight management, post-bariatric, pediatric endocrinology, endocrine in pregnancy, gender services, PCOS/women’s health, endocrine surgery, and many more. You will also spend time on our inpatient consultation service, inpatient hyperglycemia service, inpatient VA service, and in our VA clinics.

You will learn from master clinicians, researchers, and educators who all want to work with you. Our endocrinologists have practical bedside experience and are also thought leaders who have influential roles in such organizations as the Endocrine Society, the American Thyroid Association, the Obesity Society, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the American Diabetes Association. 

Furthermore, we can foster your scholarly interests whether you are “testing the waters” or are interested in becoming a physician scientist. For those who would like research to be a substantial part of your career, we have the resources to support additional research training years.

Welcome to the University of Michigan. The Leaders and Best.

Go Blue!

Sincerely,

Andrew Kraftson, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
Director, Endocrinology Fellowship Training Program

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes (MEND) Fellowship Program.

My name is Maria Papaleontiou and I serve as the associate program director. We’re delighted you’re considering applying, and we’re especially excited to connect with physicians who are eager to build a career that blends clinical excellence with meaningful discovery in the field of endocrinology. Our fellows train in a rigorous, supportive environment where compassionate, evidence-based care is the foundation—strengthening diagnostic reasoning, consultative skills, and longitudinal management across the breadth of endocrinology. Our goal is to train endocrinologists who provide exceptional, individualized care to each patient while advancing better care for broader populations.

A defining strength of our fellowship is the way we support fellows in developing as researchers—whether your goal is to become an independent investigator, pursue clinician-educator scholarship, or gain the skills to confidently ask and answer important clinical questions. We recognize that fellows arrive with different levels of prior experience, so we tailor mentorship and research / career development opportunities accordingly. Some fellows join us with a strong research background and a clear focus; others are exploring research for the first time. Both pathways are welcomed and supported here.

Research training is integrated throughout fellowship. You will have structured time and guidance to identify a scholarly area that aligns with your interests, connect with mentors, and build a project that is both feasible and impactful. Fellows engage in a wide range of work—basic, clinical and translational research, health services and outcomes research, quality improvement, medical education scholarship, and more. Along the way, you’ll gain practical skills in study design, data interpretation, scientific writing, and presenting your work at local and national meetings. Our aim is not only to help you complete a project, but to help you develop a sustainable approach to scholarship that will serve you throughout your career.

What matters most to us is curiosity, integrity, and a genuine desire to improve endocrine care through evidence and innovation. If you are motivated to grow as a clinician and scholar, we encourage you to apply. We’re proud of our fellows and the community we’ve built, and we would be honored to learn more about your goals.

We look forward to reviewing your application and to the possibility of welcoming you to our program.

Warmly,

Maria Papaleontiou, MD
Associate Professor
Associate Program Director, Endocrinology Fellowship Training Program

Hello and thanks for visiting our website! I have been in healthcare administration for my entire career, and the vast majority of it has been as a Program Administrator. I have worked at three major healthcare institutions in Michigan, and have developed long-term relationships, both professional and personal, from all of them. Many of these relationships/friendships are with former residents and fellows.

I have been at the University of Michigan since 2008, and I enjoy the fact that the University is an exciting, stimulating place to work and learn. There is always something new to learn for all of us in this exciting, thriving environment. The networking of our Program Administrators and Program Directors allows us to pool resources and experiences to ultimately help our residents and fellows, and to improve all of our programs. We have the support of a strong and dedicated Graduate Medical Education Department to help maintain continuity and ensure our policies and procedures are in compliance with the national governing bodies.  What does this have to do with you? Well, it ensures that the University of Michigan has some of the very best, most reputable programs in the entire country. 

On a less serious note, the biggest reason I enjoy being a Program Administrator is the human touch. Program Administrators are known for being compassionate while also being detail oriented, and that comes naturally to me. I am originally a small-town girl, and I enjoy time spent getting to know fellows on a personal level, if they choose.

I am married and have two daughters, a son-in-law, and a grandbaby! We are a UM Family through and through – Go Blue!  I enjoy cooking and baking with my daughters, spending as much time with my grandson as I can, traveling, reading, and socializing with friends. Most of my spare time is spent with my family, as family is my passion in life.

I look forward to the possibility of meeting you in the future.

Dawne Vowler
Program Administrator, Endocrinology Fellowship Training Program

Hello! I am so excited to have you learn more about what our program has to offer and appreciate you visiting our website. 

I have been with the University of Michigan for seven years, starting primarily in the administrative space and now working with the endocrine fellowship program as the associate program administrator. I am passionate about the educational mission of the University and providing an effective and impactful learning experience for all. Being able to be a part of and support someone’s professional journey is one of my favorite aspects of working with the Fellowship Program. 

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our corgi (the one who really calls the shots), Winston. I enjoy traveling around the great state of Michigan, reading, movies, crafting, and a more recent adventure of diving into yoga. 

I look forward to the opportunity to meet you in the future!

As always, Go Blue! 

Holly Golema
Associate Program Administrator, Endocrinology Fellowship Training Program