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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

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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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.

Health Lab

Rx Kids linked to reductions in preterm births and low birthweights, fewer NICU admissions

A pregnancy and postnatal cash prescription program in Flint Michigan has been linked to improved birth outcomes including reduced rates of low birthweight, preterm birth and NICU admission.

Department News

Podiatry Fellow Graduation Interview

Hojin Lee, PGY5. Podiatry Fellow Graduation Interview

UMich Med Mosaic

Beyond the White Coat: Finding Your Voice at the Patient’s Bedside

In this episode of UMich Med Mosaic, host Mackenzie Kay speaks with MD students Josh Chen and Gabriel Culian about what it feels like to step onto the hospital wards for the first time. They reflect on their earliest patient encounters, the transition from standardized patients to real clinical settings, and the role medical students play in building trust, explaining care plans and supporting patients and families. They also discuss witnessing serious illness, grief and life-changing conversations, while exploring how early clinical experiences shape confidence, empathy and the kind of physicians they hope to become.

Health Lab

LGBTQ+ people over 50 face more aging-related challenges

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other sexual and gender minority adults over 50 have higher rates of mental health, disability, social isolation and health care access issues, though they also may have more connections than before to non-LGBTQ+ people in their age group.

person thinking of healthy food and junk food

Health Lab

Processed foods may be fueling the rise in binge eating

Analysis shows highly processed foods aren't only common in binge-eating—they're nearly universal, says a University of Michigan study.