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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

Explore Research at the University of Michigan with Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg

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.

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Featured News & Stories

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Medical School News

Medical School well-represented among Strategic Initiative Fund’s first recipients

On Aug. 26, the University of Michigan announced 37 projects that will receive $40 million in initial funding from the Strategic Initiative Fund to pursue bold ideas.

Health Lab

Blood-based multi-cancer screening tests: Ready for primetime?

Blood-based multi-cancer screening tests may hold promise, but U-M experts recommend proven cancer screening methods and genetic risk assessment first.

Department News

Dr. Njira Lugogo Named Healthcare Hero by Crain's Detroit Business

Dr. Njira Lugogo, clinical professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine, was named one of Crain Detroit Business's 2026 Healthcare Heroes.

woman itching skin orange blue button down

Health Lab

A first-of-its-kind treatment for mastocytosis

A new drug called Avapritinib achieved longterm safety approval for indolent systemic mastocytosis.

Microscope images of prostate cancer cells

Health Lab

New drug combination may help treat advanced prostate cancer

University of Michigan researchers found that combining BET bromodomain and DNMT inhibitors may slow the growth of treatment-resistant prostate cancer by targeting transdifferentiated tumors.

Well-Being at Michigan Medicine

Rethinking care: How ‘de-implementation’ can improve quality and reduce burnout

In this episode of Well-Being at Michigan Medicine with Dr. Elizabeth Harry, Dr. Eve Kerr explores the concept of de-implementation—scaling back unnecessary tests, treatments, and administrative hurdles. Kerr shares how eliminating low-value practices can reduce clinician overload, lower patient costs, and improve overall health outcomes. Discover how both healthcare organizations and local frontline teams can foster a culture of high-value care by eliminating outdated processes.