Dean's Update

November 27, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

In a world that seems to be divided by everything, I hope we can unbind our curiosity from ideology and see the commonality we share with those around us and those across the one earth we all call home. May you and yours have a peaceful and curious Thanksgiving.

November College News Headlines

November 26, 2024

Catch up on the latest college news headlines including the unintended consequences of addressing food insecurity, myths about cold medicine and a smarter blood test.

Published Research

November 26, 2024

The latest published research from College of Human Medicine faculty.

Research Grants & Awards

November 26, 2024

The latest research grants awarded to faculty at the College of Human Medicine.

MSU and Corewell Health mark 17-year partnership by adding $1M investment in exploratory research

November 25, 2024

For 17 years, the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Corewell Health in Grand Rapids have funded more than $27 million in exploratory and developmental research projects that have brought together the clinical and scientific strengths of both institutions. Now that partnership, known as the Corewell Health – MSU Alliance Corporation, is adding another $1 million to the total with a new round of grant funding that will help advance innovative treatments for patients.

Dean's Update

November 22, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

I am back on the Michigan State University internal medicine service. Regardless of what swirls around me, I really enjoy my two weeks with our students and residents on service. We take care of remarkably sick people from the Lansing area. In truth, I prefer working with sick patients and their families. The medicine is intense, the emotional work is clear, and it is easy to prioritize and focus on the next steps

MSU medical student inspires the next generation of rural health professionals

November 20, 2024

In honor of National Rural Health Day, get to know second-year medical student Taryn Hayes, whose passion for rural medicine is making a difference in her community. Hayes is part of our Rural Community Health Program (RCHP) and will complete her rural training at our Midland campus in her third and fourth years.

Dean's Update

November 15, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, the college’s 60th Anniversary celebration moves to Flint. If’n you don’t know by now, our anniversary celebrations include a Town Hall on the history and current work of each campus. We will be celebrating Flint this week.

Smarter blood tests from MSU researchers deliver faster diagnoses, improved outcomes

November 14, 2024

Morteza Mahmoudi, associate professor in the Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, has collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of Michigan State University researchers, in collaboration with experts from Karolinska Institute and the University of California, Berkeley, on blood tests that take a deeper look at the proteins in plasma and reveals biomarkers that enable researchers — and ultimately physicians — to detect diseases sooner.

Dean's Update

November 8, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

Our mission is: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is committed to educating exemplary physicians and scholars, discovering and disseminating new knowledge, and providing service at home and abroad. We enhance our communities by providing outstanding primary and specialty care, promoting the dignity and inclusion of all people, and responding to the needs of the medically underserved.

Celebrating Faculty and Staff Success

November 6, 2024

Congratulations to the recipients of the College of Human Medicine's 2024 faculty and staff awards.

College of Human Medicine collaboration with Indigenous communities brings tribal health training to medical students

November 5, 2024

Launched in 2022, the Indigenous Pathway program offers a two-week immersion experience in a tribal health setting for first-year students and a two-week elective rotation for third- and fourth-year students.

Dean's Update

November 1, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, the 60th Anniversary caravan made its way to the Upper Peninsula and Marquette, we announce the request for proposals for 2025 and celebrate our first 1964 Project hire, 1855 Professor Nadia Abuelezam, and encourage people to vote.

First 1964 Project hire Nadia Abuelezam brings new research focus to MENA populations

October 31, 2024

Nadia N. Abuelezam, ScD, was recruited to the College of Human Medicine to help address a gap in the Department of Family Medicine’s work—research and care focused on people of Middle Eastern and North African descent.

October College News Headlines

October 30, 2024

Catch up on the latest college news headlines including faculty insights from the Spartan Bus Tour; student success stories like a new health vending machine and expert insights on whooping cough, household toxins and voter-roll purging.

Faculty reflect on Spartan Bus Tour

October 29, 2024

Last week’s inaugural Spartan Bus Tour took more than 50 faculty and administrators across West Michigan to highlight the scope of MSU’s statewide impact. Hear from several College of Human Medicine faculty who spent 3 days making 15 stops across West Michigan.

College of Human Medicine recruits leading cancer researchers Jeff and Jenny Klomp

October 28, 2024

The Department of Medicine recently hired Jeff and Jenny Klomp, lead authors of groundbreaking research on the gene KRAS and its impact on pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers. Their research could lead to effective treatments, better prediction of treatment responses, and new strategies to overcome drug resistance in KRAS-driven cancers.

Medical Student Momodou Bah Receives Inaugural Award from American Society of Black Neurosurgeons

October 28, 2024

Fourth-year medical student Momodou “Gobi” Bah was recently honored by the American Society of Black Neurosurgeons. He received the inaugural Dr. Clarence Sumner Greene Sr. Honorarium Award in recognition for his work in diversifying the field of neurosurgery.

Dean's Update

October 25, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

As we approach the election, I want to remind people that we are a school, a workplace, and a clinical organization. We exist as an institution for patients, students, and colleagues, which means we are here for others and not ourselves. The election appears to be close and will be consequential. Everyone should be able to get care, do their work, and learn in our classrooms, clinics, offices, and laboratories without being confronted by the choice of candidate of the person next to them. Be thoughtful, patient, forgiving, and good to each other.

From research to real world health: The power of strategic partnerships

October 22, 2024

People who work in health care believe in continuous improvement. And when there’s an opportunity for health care experts to partner with researchers at academic institutions and related companies, great things can happen.

What are the Impacts of Structural Racism on Housing, Aging, and Health?

October 21, 2024

Researchers from Michigan State University and Rutgers University will lead the first nationally funded study to explore how neighborhood change created by racism in housing affects health across the life course, specifically related to aging.

Dean's Update

October 11, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

Aron has had one of those weeks where, if he were in a 1960s mad caper flick, the camera would zoom up from our 2008 Honda Fit and you would see a cartoon version of the Mitten with the dean dashing from East Lansing to Traverse City to East Lansing to Grand Rapids to Metro Detroit to Novi—with the occasional boring pause for construction traffic.

Jennifer Edwards-Johnson Named Associate Dean for Community Academic Programs

October 10, 2024

In her new role, Jennifer Edwards-Johnson, DO, will provide leadership for the college’s eight community campuses and oversee all certificate programs. She brings a wealth of knowledge from several previous college leadership positions and experience cultivating educational environments to support a diverse health care workforce.

In Memoriam: Alejandro (Alex) Pereida

October 7, 2024

Alex Pereida, age 45, passed away October 7 after a valiant battle against an aggressive illness. He joined Michigan State University in 2009 as the MSU Willed Body Program mortician and served as laboratory supervisor in the Division of Human Anatomy.

Dean's Update

October 4, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This fall has been a pretty steady stream of evening and weekend events - I gave the Karen J. Stuck, MD, Memorial Lecture to the Henry Ford Health Department of Radiology and I attended the awards gala for the Grand Rapids Symphony.

Jonathan Gold Receives First Swindell Child Advocacy Award

October 3, 2024

The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics presented Jonathan Gold, MD, with Sharon Swindell Child Advocate Award last month, recognizing him as a role model in pediatric advocacy for medical students and pediatric residents.

September College News Headlines

September 30, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Dean's Update

September 27, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

Just before the Dean’s Update went on vacation, I joined students and faculty at the Grand Rapids Teddy Bear Health Fair. It was a lot of fun – my thanks to the community outreach and communication teams for putting the event together, and to our students and faculty for making it such a great event.

New therapeutic offers hope for patients with Parkinson’s disease

September 25, 2024

For decades, Kathy Steece-Collier, PhD, has been researching ways to improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients. Her work has led to a new gene therapy that could reduce or eliminate symptoms. Evidence also suggests this therapy has potential to halt progression of the disease.

Medical Student Melanie Valentin Receives AAMC ACE Award for Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education

September 24, 2024

Fourth-year student Melanie Valentin received the AAMC ACE Award for Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education. Her leadership and activism, including organizing a national summit to support diversity in health care, earned her this prestigious recognition.

Meet the 2024 Flint Spartan Scholars

September 23, 2024

Congratulations to Sydnie Wiederman, April LaGrone, and Candace Whitfield as the recipients of full and partial Flint Spartan Master of Public Health Scholarships for 2024. The scholarship has been awarded to incoming Master of Public Health (MPH) students who live or work in the greater Flint community for three consecutive years.

Future Healer: Student Scholar Will Serve Rural, Indigenous Communities

September 20, 2024

As the first recipient of the Dr. Harry D. Brickley Endowed Scholarship in Human Medicine, Hannah McArthur is receiving the financial support she needs to excel as a future physician with a specific interest in serving the state’s Indigenous populations.

Ask the expert: How can adults help prevent youth suicide?

September 19, 2024

Crystal Cederna is an associate professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health and has worked with more than 4,000 youth patients and families and sees a clear need for preventive mental health. She shares insight about how parents and caring adults can help tweens and teens who may be at risk for suicide.

Behind the Scenes: Marquisha Myles' time with the Detroit Lions medical staff

September 19, 2024

College of Human Medicine student Marquisha Myles gained firsthand experience with the Detroit Lions medical team through the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. In this Q&A, she reflects on the importance of representation and teamwork in sports medicine.

Medical research advocates to “Rally for Research"

September 19, 2024

NIH funding supports groundbreaking biomedical and public health research at MSU College of Human Medicine. The Rally for Medical Research Hill Day raises awareness of the critical need for robust, sustained, and predictable funding increases for the National Institutes of Health. Join medical research advocates in keeping NIH funding a national top priority.

MSU researchers seek to expand access to successful postpartum depression prevention program

September 18, 2024

Crystal Cederna is an associate professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health and has worked with more than 4,000 youth patients and families and sees a clear need for preventive mental health. She shares insight about how parents and caring adults can help tweens and teens who may be at risk for suicide.

Ask the expert: Can nature-based interventions positively impact the mental health of students of color?

September 17, 2024

Amber Pearson, associate professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, is leading a research project called Nature IDEAS, or Nature Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Study. It’s the first-ever randomized controlled trial of nature-based interventions among university students with a focus on students of color and understanding their feeling of belonging outdoors and evaluating how time spent in green spaces affects their mental health.

MSU researchers call for an end to daylight saving time to protect people who have diabetes

September 16, 2024

In an article published by Clinical Diabetes, Saleh Aldasouqi, MD, professor in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and MSU colleagues wrote about the difficultues of daylight saving time and call for its end to protect people with diabetes.

Dean's Update

September 13, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This is and has been a week of events for the college. We started by hosting Kevin Conroy, JD, as our third speaker in the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Lecture Series. Saturday morning I will go to the Teddy Bear Health Fair at Garfield Park back again in Grand Rapids before I go to a gala in Detroit Saturday evening.

Rayamajhi focuses on financial stability of medical practice, education as associate dean for clinical affairs

September 12, 2024

Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, recently was promoted to associate dean for clinical affairs. In his new position, Rayamajhi collaborates with other administrators, hospital leaders, and practices across the state to assure that medical practice and education remain financially sustainable.

Dean's Update

September 6, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, I am delighted to announce the first 1964 Project hire, 1855 Associate Professor of Family Medicine Nadia Abuelezam, ScD.

Millions of people with diabetic foot ulcers could benefit from new research discovery

September 5, 2024

Researcher Morteza Mahmoudi, PhD, in collaboration with researchers from Brown University, recently published a paper in ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science that details the previously unheard of connection between insulin and metformin in DFU exudates.

Kalamazoo announces groundbreaking prescription cash program for expectant mothers and birthing individuals, launching 2025

August 31, 2024

Mona Hanna, MD, director of Rx Kids and associate dean of public health, is helping to expand the Rx Kids program into Kalamazoo in 2025.

Dean's Update

August 30, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

In East Lansing, the surest harbinger of fall is the return of students to campus. There is no way to know fall is coming via the weather – we just escaped a heat dome with temps in the mid-nineties and high humidity. This particular fall season also brings the final runup to the election – a heat dome of a more metaphorical kind. By all means, be sure you are registered to vote.

Entering Class of Medical Students Joined by Common Goal: Serving Those in Need.

August 28, 2024

Three members of the College of Human Medicine’s entering class share their unique journeys to medicine and a passion for serving those in need.

August College News Headlines

August 28, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Dean's Update

August 23, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

I am away today, and about a week ago I learned that our associate dean for public health, Charles Stewart Mott Professor of Public Health Mona Hanna, MD, MPH, would be doing something really cool this week. So, I asked her to write the Dean’s Update for this week. Her piece is, as always, amazing.

A True Scientist: Richard Neubig Retires After Developing MSU’s Drug Discovery Program

August 22, 2024

Richard Neubig, MD, PhD, recently retired and transitioned to professor emeritus in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology. His important work at MSU includes that Drug Discovery program, Assay Development and Drug Repurposing Core and more.

A Spartan Transforming Public Health

August 22, 2024

Jennifer Johnson, PhD, is a public health researcher building an academic department from the ground up, while having the full backing and partnership of community members along the way.

Ask the expert: Understand the latest on COVID-19 and mpox

August 22, 2024

Michael Brown, MD, university physician and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, shares the latest guidance on COVID-19 and mpox.

Almost 10% of U.S. lung transplants go to COVID-19 patients. Researchers are learning why.

August 20, 2024

Researcher Xiaopeng Li, PhD, in collaboration with researchers from Corewell Health and Cleveland Clinic, have made a significant breakthrough in understanding post-COVID-19 lung complications.

Gayle Shipp Awarded Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Equity Scholars for Action Grant

August 19, 2024

Gayle Shipp, PhD, RD, assistant professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Equity Scholars for Action (HES4A).

Dean's Update

August 16, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

We are more than six months into the full implementation of the Rx Kids program, supporting all Flint babies with a prenatal cash prescription to the mother and $500 per month in the first year of life of the baby. So far, the program has been, in the words of its founder, Mona Hanna, MD, MPH, “AMAZING!” And, the College of Human Medicine White Coat Ceremony is tomorrow in Grand Rapids.

Mild Cognitive Impairment could be going unreported in rural areas of West Michigan, study suggests

August 12, 2024

Bin Chen, Ph.D., associate professor, and Corewell Health™ researchers are the first in the state to use de-identified electronic health records of more than 1.5 million patients to analyze incidence rates and risk factors of mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, in rural and urban areas in West Michigan.

Dean's Update

August 9, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

In the coming weeks, our 60th Anniversary Town Halls include the College of Human Medicine admissions and our social mission on August 30, and the founding of the Traverse City Campus in September.

What does the nose know about your heart?

August 9, 2024

New research from Honglei Chen, MSU Research Foundation Professor of epidemiology and biostatistics, says losing the ability to smell may be associated with the risk of heart failure in older adults, even those who say they are in excellent health.

Advancing rural health care through education and innovation

August 7, 2024

Prioritizing rural health equity is part of the sustainable health theme in MSU’s 2030 strategic plan and ensures that everyone has the chance to lead a healthy life, no matter where they live.

Dean's Update

August 2, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

I’ve written about the 1964 Project multiple times over the last few years. The Project is a college funded effort to hire high level faculty into the college’s grand challenge to address health equity. This week, the provost’s office agreed to include the faculty hired through the 1964 Project in its 1855 Professorships program.

July College News Headlines

July 31, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Alumna Nakia Allen Named Detroit Community Assistant Dean

July 29, 2024

Nakia Allen, MD, has been appointed community assistant dean for the Detroit Campus. As a pediatrician and the director of undergraduate medical education at Henry Ford Health, Allen brings extensive experience and deep commitment to serving the Detroit community.

MSU research: Patients value extended medical interventions — like EEG tests — beyond their clinical use

July 29, 2024

Recent research from Megh Marathe, PhD, assistant professor, shows that while practitioners value EEGs for the information they provide, patients value EEGs in ways that far outweigh the test’s clinical utility to practitioners.

In Memoriam of Howard Brody, MD (CHM '76), PhD | 1949-2024

July 29, 2024

Howard Brody, MD (CHM ’76), PhD, died at his home in Knoxville, Tenn., July 22, 2024, at the age of 75. Dr. Brody was a pioneer in the field of medical ethics and served as the director of the MSU College of Human Medicine Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences from 1985-2000.

Dean's Update

July 26, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, our 60th anniversary celebration of the college’s founding focuses on our dedication to creating a rural medicine workforce and engaging with our rural communities.

College of Human Medicine receives state funding for academic and community programming

July 26, 2024

Three college initiatives, Rx Kids, MIDOCs and Pediatric Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program, are receiving part of the MSU's state funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal budget.

College website earns peer recognition

July 26, 2024

The college's website was recently recognized by the MSU community web professionals as an award-winning site in the Style category, for it's layout, graphic design and encompassing visual appeal.

Traverse City rural health students embedded in community to serve patients

July 25, 2024

While few physicians make house calls these days, Traverse City medical students take the old practice to an extreme. They see patients on the streets, in the missions, even in a rural encampment. “Our whole mantra is going to the people,” said Dr. Klee. “We go to them. We see them tent side.”

Students in Upper Peninsula experience unique needs of rural medicine

July 24, 2024

“Our students get to experience medicine in a variety of communities,” said Dr. Johnson. “They see how that plays out in a resource-limited community. They all have a desire to have a hands-on experience. It’s one-on-one working with doctors and patients."

Rural health students become integral members of the health care system and Midland community

July 23, 2024

Dr. Buzanoski was meeting with a medical student when a pager sounded. A doctor was seeking help evaluating a patient and asking for assistance in the surgery. The call, however, was not for Dr. Buzanoski, but for the student. “To have that level of experience in a third-year student is unique to the Leadership in Rural Medicine programs - they get a real hands-on experience,” he said.

Dean's Update

July 19, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

As you know, I enjoy rounding with the residents and students on our internal medicine service. This week, I received some performance numbers for the service, and it is gratifying to see that these teams are providing such high-quality care to our patients.

David Walsworth, MD, Named Michigan Family Physician of the Year

July 16, 2024

David Walsworth, MD, is an associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine and the 2024 Michigan Family Physician of the Year. Dr. Walsworth also serves as both associate chair for clinical affairs and medical director for the Family Health Center.

Ask the expert: Metals found in tampons — what it means for users

July 12, 2024

New research from Kristen Upson and colleagues, published in the journal Environment International, found 16 metals in 30 tampons representing 14 different tampon brands.

Dean's Update

July 12, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

It has taken a little while to get all the budgets in order, but I am happy to announce the 1964 Project faculty positions the college will be funding.

Alumna Carmen Green, MD, Named Trailblazer in Higher Education

July 9, 2024

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine graduate Carmen Renée Green, MD (‘87) has been selected for City & State’s Trailblazers in Higher Education list.

Ask the expert: Taking a public-health approach to gun violence prevention

June 30, 2024

Read and listen to Dean Sousa's expertise and thoughts around addressing gun violence in a way that centers on prevention, focusing on the health and well-being of populations, while also addressing the risk factors that can lead to gun violence.

Dean's Update

June 28, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, we welcomed the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, the president, and university leadership to Flint and our Flint Campus building. As you might expect for a campus dedicated to faculty and student community engagement, the highlights of the day were all about the students, community, and faculty.

Academic Leadership Award Honors Kooiman’s Statewide Impact

June 28, 2024

Jerry Kooiman received the Simmons Chivukula Award for Academic Leadership, which honors one individual annually for empowering the success of others, developing networks, and defining a clear vision for their unit at Michigan State University.

From the Classroom to the NFL: Marquisha Myles to Complete Clinical Rotation with Detroit Lions Medical Staff

June 28, 2024

Fourth-year student Marquisha Myles is among students from 21 medical schools nationwide chosen for this year’s NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. She will spend a month this summer working with the Detroit Lions medical staff, including physicians, trainers, dieticians, mental health clinicians, and strength and conditioning coaches.

June College News Headlines

June 27, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

In new leadership roles, Lipton and Moore strengthen faculty research development and data-driven decisions

June 26, 2024

Jack Lipton, PhD, and Anna Moore, PhD, have recently joined the Office of Research to help scientists get more grants, and help unit leaders use data to predict and improve performance.

Teaching Dignified Care: The Importance of LGBTQIA+ Health Care in Serving Patients

June 25, 2024

Many LGBTQIA+ patients, uncomfortable talking with physicians about their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual activity, become marginalized and avoid seeking medical care. That's why Brian Tesler, MD, is teaching the importance of dignified care in serving patients.

MSU Medical Student joins Detroit Lions in NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine initiative

June 25, 2024

Rising fourth-year student Marquisha Myles has been selected for the 2024 NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative. She will be participating in a one-month clinical rotation with the Detroit Lions medical staff.

Dean's Update

June 21, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

By the end of the week, I had signed on to a six-month gig to work with Norm Hubbard and the other deans on the next steps for our health sciences effort. Meanwhile, I am still the dean of the college and as excited and honored as ever to have that role.

College of Human Medicine Faculty Unite to Support MSU Students

June 19, 2024

Two MSU departments—Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology and Translational Neuroscience—have partnered to establish the LGBTQIA+ Community Endowed Student Scholarship in Human Medicine.

If food is medicine, data helps determine the dosage

June 17, 2024

Digital tools and solutions are being developed and leveraged by MSU researcher Heatherlun S. Uphold, PhD and others for Flint residents. The digital tools are intended to provide information to help people meet their basic needs.

Enhancing MSU’s health sciences programs: transitions, strategic roles and collaborations

June 14, 2024

Effective July 1, 2024, Dean Aron Sousa will take on the additional title of executive dean and be responsible, under the direction of the provost, for overseeing and coordinating across the three health colleges. Read the full announcement from MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz.

Dr. Mona Hanna (CHM '02) receives National Humanism in Medicine award

June 12, 2024

At a special recognition ceremony in New York City on Monday, June 10th, Dr. Mona Hanna received the 2024 National Humanism in Medicine Medal from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation.

Ask the expert: How can oral cancer screening methods be improved?

June 12, 2024

In the U.S., oral cancer makes up 3% of all cancers and there are about 54,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Since oral cancer can spread quickly, early diagnosis is important. Christopher Contag, PhD, explains how MSU is revealing new biology of oral cancer cells that will advance screening and treatment methods to improve patient outcomes.

Dean's Update

June 7, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

As a part of the college’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, we have been holding virtual Town Halls focusing on college innovations and doing in-person Town Halls in our communities, like East Lansing/Lansing and Grand Rapids. The latest one was live from Detroit.

Dean's Update

May 31, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

I have been enjoying a fortnight of rounding with our wonderful residents on the Department of Medicine’s inpatient service. I see residents caring for patients who do not have a regular physician. I see alumni from all our degrees, who bring science and humanism to our understanding of the world. I see staff who get our students enrolled, create our grant budgets, put us in compliance, and keep our programs afloat.

Traverse City Street Medicine offers vital care to unhoused patients

May 31, 2024

Dr. David Klee works with medical residents and third- and fourth-year College of Human Medicine students who choose to participate in Traverse City Street Medicine—a unique program that meets unhoused patients, wherever they are.

Highlights from Commencement 2024

May 31, 2024

On May 4, the Class of 2024 reunited at the MSU College of Human Medicine Commencement Ceremony after spending their third and fourth years of medical school in hospitals and clinics at the college’s statewide community campuses.

May College News Headlines

May 31, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

In Memoriam of Tom Johnson, MD | 1935-2024

May 30, 2024

Tom Milroy Johnson, MD, passed away Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of eighty-nine. An internist, he was recruited to MSU in 1968 by the College of Human Medicine’s founding Dean Andrew Hunt and was an inaugural faculty member of the Department of Internal Medicine.

Dean's Update

May 24, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

On Monday, I went to the Michigan Health Policy Forum, hosted by our Institute for Health Policy. The speakers included Catherine Frank, MD (’85), of Henry Ford (and MSU), and Jennifer Johnson, PhD doing fascinating presentations. Cathy’s talk was on Zero Suicide and Jennifer spoke on the National Center for Health and Justice Integration for Suicide Prevention.

Dean's Update

May 17, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, we welcomed President Kevin Guskiewicz to Grand Rapids and successfully completed our consultation with the LCME secretariat last week. But, we also lost a founding lion of the college in Tom Johnson, MD.

Walstrom Family Gift to MSU Supports Women's Health Research, Medical Care

May 17, 2024

To close the gap between women’s health research and other scientific disciplines, Ward and Mari Walstrom of Harbor Springs have made a $1 million gift to bolster education and research in the MSU College of Human Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology.

Current Radiology Chair Continues Past Chair's Legacy

May 15, 2024

To preserve these unique gardens, Department of Radiology Chair and College of Human Medicine Professor Dr. Mark DeLano and his wife Teri have contributed funds to the Radiology Healing Garden Endowed Fund to support the maintenance and upkeep of the gardens which Dr. James Potchen—an MSU graduate who served as the Department of Radiology chair for more than 30 years—lovingly established 25 years ago.

New research: 1 in 5 U.S. adults lost to suicide had recent jail experience

May 14, 2024

A newly published study found that one in five U.S. adults who die by suicide spent at least one night in jail in the year prior to their death. Rapidly and efficiently providing prevention, screening and outreach resources for this group is critical to reducing adult suicides nationwide.

Dean's Update

May 10, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. And, to begin, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in our lives. In honor of the day, I am going to spend a few paragraphs outlining our college’s scientific and social mission dedication to motherhood.

Becoming Spartan MDs: Class of 2024 embarks on next chapter of medicine

May 6, 2024

Donna Tran and Kyle Burton are new graduates from the College of Human Medicine and, motivated in part by personal experience, plan on careers helping patients and families dealing with cancer.

Dean's Update

May 3, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This is a week of celebrations. We celebrated staff at the All-University Awards. Friday night is the college’s Minority Banquet. Saturday is the MD graduation, when we celebrate our faculty award winners and new Spartan MDs. May the fourth be with us.

Ten Years After the Water Crisis, Flint Continues “Paving the Way Forward”

April 28, 2024

“Flint has a history of paving the way forward. Flint knows how to resist, reinvent, revive and thrive. Now, by showing the world what community-driven public health can look like, Flint is innovatively leading the way for health, hope and opportunity.” – Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD

April College News Headlines

April 28, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Dean's Update

April 26, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

Graduation starts this weekend. Today, I will shake the hands of our PhD graduates as well as the graduates of our programs in the Master of Science in Biostatistics, Master of Science in Epidemiology, and Master of Public Health at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.

Spartan Family’s Generosity Brings Genetic Autism Expert to MSU

April 25, 2024

A $2 million investment by the Mall Family Foundation has empowered the recruitment of genetic autism research expert Lucas Pozzo-Miller, PhD, to the College of Human Medicine as the inaugural Mall Family Endowed Professor in Genetic Autism Research.

First public health researcher in Flint becomes founding chair of Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health

April 23, 2024

On April 1, Johnson assumed a new job as the founding chair of the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, overseeing nearly 200 faculty and staff.

MSU researchers set new standards and show how a new treatment helps patients with MS, ALS, Parkinson’s disease

April 22, 2024

Morteza Mahmoudi, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Radiology and the Precision Health program, and team say yes their latest findings are expected to benefit patients with neurodegenerative disorders like multiple sclerosis, or MS; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS; and Parkinson’s disease, or PD.

Dean's Update

April 19, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

We wish EVP Beauchamp Godspeed as he moves toward his next challenge. As a group, we have made progress on fixing the health insurance waiver debacle, the financial aid debacle, and now resolving the rec fee issue in the last year.

Former Dean Beauchamp (’90) Announces Departure

April 16, 2024

Dr. Beauchamp has announced that he will be leaving MSU to become Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and Executive Dean for the School of Medicine at Georgetown University.

Dr. Michael Lewis Named Founding Chair, Department of Anesthesia

April 15, 2024

Dr. Lewis served as the interim chair during the creation of Department of Anesthesia. Under his leadership as the founding chair, the department will engage students and faculty in all eight college campuses and develop research and education programs statewide.

Dean's Update

April 5, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

We are preparing to kickoff the 60th anniversary town hall series and last week the Town Hall hosted a 60th Anniversary panel of early faculty and a graduate from the first four-year graduating class. On April 9, we will hold a special Town Hall live from Grand Rapids to talk about the college’s transformation in that community over the last 20 years.

Faculty voice: What are the social justice implications for in vitro fertilization rulings?

April 3, 2024

Sean Valles provides his thoughts on a landmark policy change in an Alabama Supreme Court ruling - that frozen embryos stored in the freezers in Alabama in vitro fertilization, or IVF, clinics legally qualified as children.

MSU researchers create a new health equity evaluation tool for Genesee County and the city of Flint

April 1, 2024

Community-based organizations, nonprofits, policymakers and local residents will benefit from the first Health Equity Report Card, or HERC, for Genesee County and the city of Flint. The online tool helps people understand the overall landscape of community health by comparing 50 health-related indicators from 26 public sources.

Rising Spartan MDs celebrate Match Day across Michigan

March 29, 2024

Joined by family and friends, the Class of 2024 gathered across the college’s eight statewide campuses to celebrate Match Day and learn where they are headed for residency this summer. Get a glimpse into those celebrations by watching the recap video and explore residency placements across the country.

Vaccine hesitation: Now it’s measles

March 29, 2024

Sean Valles has a simple approach to those who are reluctant to get vaccinated against flu, Covid-19, and other diseases like measles: listen to them and address their concerns.

Dean's Update

March 29, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

As the College of Human Medicine turns 60 this year, we are focused on our social impact. We continue to welcome non-traditional students, who are not straight out of college. We provide opportunities to students, who then help provide the opportunities of health in the communities in which they serve.

March College News Headlines

March 29, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

MSU expert Rosenman offers safety advice during National Poison Prevention Week

March 20, 2024

MSU researchers released the annual report “Pesticide Illness and Injury Surveillance in Michigan: 2023,” at the start of National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-23). The week emphasizes the importance of safely using and storing chemicals, such as cleaning agents, pesticides and disinfectants.

Match Day 2024

March 15, 2024

Rising Spartan MDs at eight MSU College of Human Medicine community campuses statewide learned where they matched for residency this summer.

Dean's Update

March 15, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

Today is Match Day! I am happy to say it looks like Match Day 2024 went well for our students. Our overall placement rate at the end of the week including Match, Military Match, SOAP, and Advanced Matches was 98%, which is great and very standard for us.

Dean's Update

March 8, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

I’ve been on the road for more than a week and half, including a stretch of seven nights in seven different cities, but through it all, it has been a delight to spend time with our students, current and graduated. This is our combined legacy, the work of students who use their time away from school to help others and hone their craft as well as alumni who have given their careers to the health and wellbeing of their communities. So be it.

This Year’s Annie Li Yang Student Essay Contest Winners

March 7, 2024

Three students were named winners of the 2024 Annie Li Yang Student Essay Contest. Students were asked to reflect on the connections between their clinic and classroom experiences and share how it has impacted their growth as future physicians. Read the award-winning essays.

Tetrad Awards Announced

March 6, 2024

The Tetrad Initiative is a new cross-unit and cross-college collaboration among faculty who have not worked together before, resulting in projects that create opportunities for extramural support of unique research programs. Here are the award recipients associated with the college.

Dean's Update

March 1, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

What we have witnessed has been remarkable. We know what has beset us, and we have seen what lurked in the corners. In truth, the path out of the wilderness has never been clear, but if it were, we would have no chance to see the beauty and wonder in the wild. We are fortunate to be called to the clear purpose and service of a great university.

3 MSU faculty named Senior Members of the 2024 National Academy of Inventors

March 1, 2024

Michigan State University researchers Evangelyn Alocilja, André Bachmann, and Richard Lunt have been named Senior Members by the National Academy of Inventors.

February College News Headlines

February 29, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

MSU OB-GYN #1 in NIH research funding according to Blue Ridge rankings

February 28, 2024

The College of Human Medicine Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology ranked number one in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 2023, according to the new Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research report.

Med students inspire fun and curiosity of the brain at Reach Out to Youth

February 28, 2024

The annual Reach Out to Youth event gave young learners an opportunity to learn how the brain works through interactive stations, brain games and presentations by the medical students. Parents attended workshops with community leaders and health professionals. This year’s theme was “Map Your Mind.”

MSU study: Key mental health services could reduce jail time

February 27, 2024

Counties could save money and keep more people out of jail by improving access to community-based mental health and substance use disorder services, according to a study led by Jennifer Johnson, PhD, C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health.

Celebrating Black History Month

February 26, 2024

Join us in celebrating Black excellence in medicine! We are highlighting the voices, experiences and achievements of several Black students in the College of Human Medicine.

Dean's Update

February 23, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

It has been an eventful few weeks for my calendar, including the launch bash for the Rx Kids initiative, the Remembrance Conference, the Blue Ridge Rankings, and a rush of receptions before the main campus spring break.

Inaugural Remembrance Conference addresses gun violence

February 20, 2024

The inaugural conference brought together medical students and faculty to engage in conversations, curriculum and programming through a public health approach to reduce firearm injuries and fatalities.

Kent Key Honored at Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards Ceremony

February 19, 2024

Kent Key, PhD, MPH, assistant professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, was honored at the university's Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards Ceremony for his community-engaged approach to creating community-driven solutions that advance health equity.

Dean's Update

February 16, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

Starting on Sunday evening, teams of students and faculty from nine medical schools and the AAMC gathered at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center for the Remembrance Conference focused on a public health approach to address the epidemic of firearm violence. The conference was hosted by the College of Human Medicine and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University at Buffalo in collaboration with the AAMC. The conference was more successful than I could have hoped.

Op-Ed: Moms and babies were struggling in Flint, Michigan. Cash offers a lifeline of hope.

February 14, 2024 - Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD

In one of the poorest cities in our nation, Rx Kids launches and offers a bold solutions-driven effort to eliminate infant poverty.

Dean's Update

February 9, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

About this time of year, the academic medicine world anticipates the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings, which use National Institutes of Health (NIH) data to list schools, departments, and PIs by the monetary size of their NIH portfolio.

Commentary: Remembrance

February 9, 2024

One year ago, on the night of February 13, 2023, students, faculty, and staff across Michigan State University campuses received a series of notifications: "Run, Hide, Fight!” During those dark hours, three Spartan students were killed. Five additional Spartans were transported to Sparrow Hospital in critical condition, while the greater Spartan community was left with irreparable trauma.

Dean's Update

February 2, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

Last week, I left you with a cliffhanger about an upcoming important announcement, and this week, I am delighted and proud to announce the MSU Dairy Store has named an ice cream in honor of Rx Kids and the College of Human Medicine.

Providing resources when people need them most

February 2, 2024

According to Jennifer Johnson, PhD, Chief Translation Officer with the MSU Office of Health Sciences and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health, suicide can be avoided with proper behavioral intervention. The key, of course, is to connect the right people with the right resources at the right time.

Bachmann’s pioneering DFMO research leads to FDA-approved lifesaving cancer drug

January 31, 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug to treat neuroblastoma, an often-fatal pediatric cancer, based on pioneering research by College of Human Medicine professor André Bachmann.

January College News Headlines

January 31, 2024

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

MSU researchers find early, promising glioblastoma treatment

January 30, 2024

A team of Michigan State University scientists has unveiled a potential game-changer in the fight against glioblastoma, the most common and currently incurable form of brain cancer.

Dean's Update

January 26, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week I have been rounding with our internal medicine service. Seeing patients is an anchoring experience for me and certainly helps reset my priorities after too many spreadsheets and too much university politics. I get to see how the hospital systems work from the inside, and I can contribute to and delight in the great work of our students and residents. I also had the chance to attend Governor Whitmer’s State of the State address.

In Memoriam: Albert William Sparrow III, MD, MPH

January 25, 2024

Albert William Sparrow III, MD, MPH, age 90, passed away on January 25, 2024, in East Lansing, Michigan. Dr. Sparrow joined the faculty of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in 1972 as professor of medicine where he remained until his retirement in 2011. He was among the pioneering faculty of the College of Human Medicine.

Dean's Update

January 19, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

The college’s strategic plan has a cross-cutting theme supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. I want to celebrate two of our departments and their dedication and commitment to supporting LBGTQIA doctoral students. The Department of Translational Neuroscience and the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, both within the College of Human Medicine, have consistently supported outreach efforts to the LBGTQIA+ community.

MSU College of Human Medicine and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services welcome Nagy Youssef, MD, PhD

January 16, 2024

Nagy A. Youssef, MD, PhD, has joined the leadership teams of Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

Dean's Update

January 12, 2024 - Aron Sousa, MD

A new year brings new and exciting things for the college. This Wednesday, the community of Flint celebrated the launch of Rx Kids, the first citywide cash prescription program for mothers and babies in the country. This is also our 60th anniversary year! Over the course of 2024, we will be holding events around the state celebrating our history and the great work of our people.

City of Flint pregnant moms and newborns begin enrolling in Rx Kids

January 11, 2024

Enrollment for Rx Kids is now open to every pregnant mom and newborn in the city of Flint. The program described as “prescription for health, hope, and opportunity” aims to eradicate deep poverty among families with infants in Flint by empowering parents with the freedom to choose how best to use the funds to fit their families’ needs.

A Spartan Changing the Way we Fight Cancer

January 10, 2024

Carolina de Aguiar Ferreira is doing research she can't do anywhere else. She works in the highly collaborative Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, or IQ, and the isotopes come from the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, a U.S. Department of Energy user facility located in the heart of campus.

Introducing the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology

January 9, 2024

The department formerly known as MMG — the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics — has officially changed its name to the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology, or MGI. There are several reasons for the change, although Victor DiRita, the department chairperson, needed just a couple of sentences to summarize why the decision was made.

Fashion show brings MSU medical and textile design students together for charity

December 21, 2023

Last Saturday, 25 College of Human Medicine and College of Osteopathic Medicine students walked the runway in the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre as part of the Anatomy of Fashion: A Runway Show for Charity to raise money for Care Free Medical.

Published Research

December 21, 2023

The latest published research from College of Human Medicine faculty.

Research Grants

December 21, 2023

The latest research grants awarded to faculty at the College of Human Medicine.

December College News Headlines

December 20, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Dean's Update

December 15, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

I’m at a bit of a loss as to what a meaningful summary of the year would look like. Across the state our faculty take care of patients in every imaginable setting from the most technological suite in the hospital to a patch of ground under a bridge. Our students bring energy, talent, and dedication to our communities and join faculty in the work of health care, scholarship, and outreach. Across departments and units, we discover and provide context, we improve policy, and we change brains and transform lives. With the people of our communities as collaborators and colleagues, we have made a real difference to so many.

Philosopher and medical ethicist Leonard M. Fleck named University Distinguished Professor

December 13, 2023

Leonard M. Fleck, PhD, has been named University Distinguished Professor, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a faculty member by the university. Fleck is appointed in both the Center for Bioethics and Social Justice and the Department of Philosophy.

Dean's Update

December 8, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Our students are everywhere! December 16, the Student Council and SNMA will sponsor “Anatomy of Fashion: A Runway Show for Charity.” One of our affected students, Joshua Mills, will be speaking to the MSU Board of Trustees about the health insurance debacle facing our students.

Dean's Update

December 1, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

On a snowy evening this week, I had dinner with a lovely group of alumni and former MSU faculty in Traverse City. We discussed the college as it was and the work we do now as we approach the college’s sixtieth year. Inevitably, people ask about their favorite faculty member or maybe the most memorable.

November College News Headlines

November 30, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Parameswaran appointed senior associate dean for research

November 27, 2023

In his new role as senior associate dean for research, Nara Parameswaran plans to continue a passion that has driven his work for many years: solving problems.

Dean's Update

November 17, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Of all the awards the university uses to recognize excellence, I think my favorite is the Outstanding Supervisor Award. The WorkLife Office arranges surprise celebrations for the handful of winners each year. The college has been fortunate to have deserving recipients in past years, and this year we have two! Congratulations to Jennifer Raffo of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology and to Steve Ondersma, PhD, of the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health and Ob/Gyn.

Medical Students Get Hands-On Wilderness Training in the UP

November 16, 2023

Learn about the Northern Wilderness Emergency and Sports Medicine “COMPASS” elective, unique to MSU College of Human Medicine’s Upper Peninsula Region Campus. Students experience the Upper Peninsula’s environment while learning valuable skills they can use as future physicians.

Mahmoudi recognized as global top researcher

November 15, 2023

Morteza Mahmoudi, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Radiology and Precision Health Program, has been recognized in the “2023 Highly Cited Researchers” list, a ranking organized annually by Clarivate Analytics.

MSU and Corewell Health Fund Nearly $1.4 Million in New Research Grants to Advance Therapies for Patients

November 14, 2023

Corewell Health and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine are funding nearly $1.4 million in new research grants that will tackle potential new therapies for diseases including cancer, coronary artery disease and more.

Creating Community in Military Medicine

November 10, 2023

Recognizing the need for a community of military medicine students and physicians within the College of Human Medicine, second-year students Joshua Rabotnick and Rachel Armstrong founded the Military Medicine Interest Group at the college in March 2023. Read about the group, their motivation for its creation, and the nature of a career in military medicine.

Dean's Update

November 10, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

The college does not take cultural, scientific, or political positions, but our people do. My own opinions can tell you something about me as a person, but as the dean of the College of Human Medicine, I am here for all our staff, faculty, students, patients, research subjects, and community partners even, or especially, if they disagree with me or others in the college. All I ask is that we be good to each other. It is easy enough to be nice to people when you agree, but I especially ask that we be good to each other when we do not agree

Notable Health Care Leaders in West Michigan

November 3, 2023

Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, alumnus and former dean of the College of Human Medicine, and Jack Lipton, PhD, professor and founding chair of the Department of Translational Neuroscience, were named “Notable West Michigan Leaders in Health Care.”

October College News Headlines

October 30, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Dean's Update

October 27, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Sometimes the struggle of moving a project forward is like swimming around in a bowl of tapioca pudding: there must have been a starting point, but after circling for long enough, you have lost track of the beginning and ending; no creature evolved to swim in this stuff; and although you liked tapioca at one time, now you are not so sure. And then there are weeks like this one, when you’ve apparently eaten so much of the pudding, you can climb out of the bowl, and many projects take an important step forward in the same week.

MSU Board of Trustees approves six new departments

October 27, 2023

The Michigan State University Board of Trustees approved six new departments in the MSU College of Human Medicine. The departments – dermatology, otolaryngology, pathology, radiation oncology, urology, and neurosurgery – are being developed as part of the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences partnership.

Did you track lead from work into your home?

October 25, 2023

MSU and other organizations are urging increased awareness during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 22 to 28, designated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New toolkit empowers clinicians and the LGBTQ+ community to make informed decisions on HIV prevention

October 25, 2023

A passion project for third-year medical student Elena Lafata is now an online toolkit for clinicians and members of the LGBTQ+ community to learn about HIV PrEP and make informed decisions about prevention. 

A healthy partnership in Flint includes residents at the table

October 23, 2023

MSU and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation are expanding public health initiatives to improve health and quality of life for the city’s residents.

Dean's Update

October 20, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Last week, I wrote about the violence in the Middle East, and the world overall, and how our students, staff, and faculty experience the violence in the streets and neighborhoods of their families and loved ones. It is frightening, infuriating, alienating, and traumatic.

Celebrating Faculty and Staff Success

October 19, 2023

Congratulations to the recipients of the College of Human Medicine's 2023 faculty and staff awards.

New Scholarships Implemented as part of Indigenous Pathway program

October 18, 2023

In a recent State News article, Dean Sousa discusses two new scholarships to address the shortage of medical doctors serving indigenous communities and reduce health disparities through the Indigenous Pathway program

Everybody is Somebody — Violence is a Public Health Issue

October 17, 2023

Kenyetta Dotson, DMIN, MSW, provides insight into the public health issue of violence. Violence is a doorway to unhealthy outcomes and poor living conditions; violence impacts the lives of thousands of individuals every year. The American Public Health Association officially deemed violence a public health crisis in 2018.

Dr. Charles Hong named Department of Medicine chair

October 17, 2023

Detroit native Charles (“Chaz”) Hong, MD, PhD, has been named chair of the Department of Medicine.

Ask the expert: How harmful is radiation risk from mobile phones?

October 16, 2023

Mark DeLano, chair of the Department of Radiology in the College of Human Medicine and the College of Osteopathic Medicine, shares his perspective on the issue of radiation levels from cell phones.

Dean's Update

October 13, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

A few highlights from the past busy week: the college held the inaugural Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Lecture; we celebrated the renewal of the CHM portion of the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes; we announced a $19 million NIH center grant, Multilevel Interventions to Advance Maternal Health Equity Center, aka, MIRACLE Center and more, in this week's update.

MSU, Henry Ford Health, Corewell Health announce $19M maternal health research center

October 12, 2023

A new statewide center led by researchers at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences and Corewell Health will study ways to reduce an alarming number of pregnancy-associated deaths and complications, particularly among Black, Hispanic and rural residents.

Jayne Ward, DO, FACH, FAAN, appointed chair of the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology

October 10, 2023

Jayne Ward, DO, FACH, FAAN, has been appointed chair of the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology.

Dean's Update

October 6, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

In the next month or so, we will get our summary findings from the LCME. We have seen a draft by the site team, but that draft will change with the review by the LCME committee. I want to express my sincere gratitude for our team of students, faculty, and staff who have done so much great work on this process in the last few years. I’ll note that whole effort was complicated by dealing with COVID during our data collection year. Thank you one and all.

Prominent cancer researcher joins MSU

October 3, 2023

Internationally renowned cancer researcher Olorunseun “Seun” Ogunwobi joined MSU as chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He also serves as the co-director of the forthcoming Center for Cancer Health Equity Research at MSU.

September College News Headlines

September 29, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Dean's Update

September 29, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Adrianne Haggins, MD (‘07), MS is a clinical associate professor of emergency medicine at the University of Michigan, who works on issues of health disparities among other scholarly interests and shares some thoughts in the final installment for Women in Medicine Month.

In-home prenatal support improves birth outcomes, reduces disparities, study shows

September 26, 2023

New MSU College of Human Medicine and Corewell Health research led by Cristian Meghea, Ph.D., lead author and associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, shows that in-home, enhanced prenatal services provided by community health workers, nurses and social workers can dramatically reduce the risk of premature births, the main cause of infant deaths among Black and Hispanic populations.

Eneka Lamb Brings Global Perspective to Rural Health Leadership Role

September 26, 2023

Eneka Lamb, a third-year student, took a break from a surgical rotation in Midland to talk about her interest in rural medicine and her recent election as chair of the National Rural Health Association’s Student Constituency Group.

Celebrating Women in Medicine

September 25, 2023

From clinics to classrooms, women physicians, residents, and med students lead with purpose and inspire those around them every day. Join us in honoring women in medicine this September during #WIMMonth.

Dean's Update

September 22, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Heidi Burns (’13), a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the University of Michigan, writes an excellent piece stretching from her time at the College of Human Medicine through Ghana to the NIH and into the academy.

Dean's Update

September 15, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

As happens all too frequently, I began the week sending out an email to students, staff, and faculty attempting to briefly notify them of opportunities for support available to those impacted by yet another potentially triggering event.

A message from Dean Sousa

September 12, 2023

The news and events of the weekend bring back some of this trauma even as the adjudication of the case is not yet complete. We are going to be in this for a while, but I am glad we have each other. Please be there for one another, and the people in our communities. There are support resources for our students, staff, and faculty, and all of our campuses have psychological support services as well.

Dean's Update

September 8, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

September is Women in Medicine Month, and just as in 2021, I have asked a few women to write a piece for the Dean’s Update reflecting their experience and thoughts related to women in medicine. This week, Candace Smith-King, MD (’03) is writing for us.

Dean's Update

September 1, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

As August turned to September, I passed five years in the dean’s chair(s) at the College of Human Medicine. I’ll grant you this has been spread over eight years, and about three-quarters of that experience was as interim dean. Interim or not, as of today, I have done 133 Town Halls and nearly 200 weekly updates. Based on my experience, interim years are longer than regular years.

$26M NIH grant addresses environmental influences on child health

September 1, 2023

Backed by a $26 million federal grant, researchers at three Michigan universities, a leading health care system, and a state agency will continue a long-term study of how exposure to environmental factors during pregnancy and early childhood can impact health for a lifetime.

August College News Headlines

August 31, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Four College of Human Medicine students receive Oliver Goldsmith, MD, Scholarships

August 30, 2023

Of the 12 Oliver Goldsmith, MD, Scholarships awarded this year by Kaiser Permanente, four recipients were College of Human Medicine students. Enrique Cazares-Navarro, Aldana Garcia, Patricio Ruano, and Melanie Valentin received the scholarship for their commitment to social justice and caring for underserved communities.

Dean's Update

August 25, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

If you are in need of some inspiration, look no further than Thursday’s Fall Convocation welcoming 11,000 new students to the university. There were many highlights: College of Human Medicine faculty member and university president Dr. Teresa Woodruff inducted the new students into MSU, the MSU Drumline was awesome as always, and CHM faculty member Dr. Jack Lipton was the university mace bearer!

White Coat Ceremony begins journey into medical profession for 189 MSU medical students

August 21, 2023

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine welcomed its 2023 entering class at the medical school’s White Coat and Matriculation Ceremony, Saturday, Aug. 19, at DeVos Performance Hall. The 189 medical students participated in the time-honored tradition of donning crisp new white coats and taking the medical student oath.

Rizvi family members find home in both MSU medical schools

August 21, 2023

The Rizvi family's connection to MSU runs deep! Ramsha Rizvi, a first-year student at the College of Human Medicine, is following in her family's medical footsteps. Inspired by her brother Syed, who attends the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and her mother Dr. Humaira Rizvi, a dedicated clinical assistant professor at both MSU medical schools, Ramsha is beginning her own journey in medicine.

Dean's Update

August 18, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Our White Coat Ceremony is tomorrow. Students begin their College of Human Medicine careers as they finish, walking before the community in a special place where a future colleague adorns them with clothing very specific to their future role in life. That sentence could describe the transition ceremonies of countless cultures over human history and to students and faculty of any era.

In Memoriam of Daniel Mazzuchi, MD | 1939 - 2023

August 17, 2023

Daniel S. Mazzuchi, MD, age 84, died August 10, 2023, at Trillium House in Marquette following a battle with cancer. Dr. Mazzuchi was instrumental in developing the Upper Peninsula campus for the MSU College of Human Medicine. A scholarship established in 1983 for Upper Peninsula students was renamed the Mazzuchi Scholarship in 2006 to honor Dr. Mazzuchi.

Dean's Update

August 11, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

We are delighted to have a new class of students and I was able to introduce myself to them, but mostly I talked about the College of Human Medicine and the good work the college does in the world through the remarkable achievements of our students, alumni, staff, and faculty.

Medical Student Confronts Firearm Epidemic with Prevention, Advocacy and Curriculum Changes

August 11, 2023

As the nation grapples with the firearm epidemic, MSU College of Human Medicine students directly impacted by gun violence on their own campus are using their role as future physicians to advocate for change. Read Jasmanpreet Kaur's essay on the topic.

In Memoriam of William Dery, MD

August 8, 2023

William Dery, MD, died Tuesday, August 1, 2023. He was a graduate of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and a former program director for the MyMichigan Family Medicine Residency Program in Midland, where he made significant, lifelong contributions to family medicine resident education, serving as a teaching physician for 40 years.

Dean's Update

August 4, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

You all will know that our strategic plan includes a grand challenge to improve health equity. A program like Rx Kids is a mountainous affirmation of our dedication to the cause, but know I value each step we take to improve health equity no matter the length of the stride.

Michigan as a Model to Address Infant Poverty

July 31, 2023

Rx Kids, the nation’s first citywide prenatal and infant cash allowance program, receives approval of $16.5M from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant in the FY2024 Michigan budget to propel a healthy start for all Flint babies during the critical first year of life.

June & July College News Headlines

July 31, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Dean's Update

July 28, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, I had the pleasure of providing some brief opening remarks at the 2023 MSU Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders Family Professionals Conference and to chat with former university president M. Peter McPherson. And, it is with sadness that I report the death last week of the Hurley Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency director, Dr. Gassan Bachuwa and the decline of Dr. Dan Mazzuchi, who has entered hospice.

Olomu honored for efforts toward improving health care for minority populations

July 28, 2023

Ade Olomu, the Blanch B. and Frederick C. Swartz Endowed Professor of Medicine and chief of the College of Human Medicine’s Division of General Internal Medicine, recently received the Society of Internal Medicine’s 2023 Herbert W. Nickens Award. The Society gives the annual award to those who have “demonstrated exceptional commitment to cultural diversity in medicine or to improving minority health.” Ade Olomu, the Blanch B. and Frederick C. Swartz Endowed Professor of Medicine,

In Memoriam of Georgia Johnson, MD | 1930 - 2023

July 27, 2023

Georgia Anna Lewis Johnson, MD, passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the age 93 years. Dr. Johnson became the first Black female faculty physician in the College of Human Medicine in 1969, serving as an internal medicine assistant professor in the Department of Medicine. She was director of adolescent services and practiced at Olin Health Center.

In Memoriam of George Rowan, PhD | 1943-2023

July 27, 2023

George Thurston Rowan, PhD, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023. He was the founder and director of the David Walker Research Institute in the College of Human Medicine and taught classes to first-year medical students in the college, and was an MSU faculty member for more than 35 years.

MSU study links cadmium levels in women’s urine to endometriosis

July 24, 2023

According to Kristen Upson, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, women with a history of endometriosis had higher concentrations of cadmium in their urine compared to those without that diagnosis.

Dean's Update

July 21, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Thanks to Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, who has been serving as the college’s interim chair of the Department of Medicine and welcome to Charles (Chaz) Hong, MD, PhD, as the incoming chair of our Department of Medicine. I also got to shadow Family Medicine physician for a bit that had me feeling nostalgic.

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha Named Associate Dean for Public Health

July 19, 2023

Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, was recently was named the College of Human Medicine’s associate dean for public health, a new position created to coordinate and expand the college’s efforts to promote and protect the health of entire communities.

Dean's Update

July 14, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

This month our new second-year students have begun their Middle Clinical Experience and are off in clinics and wards. The third years, now rising fourth-year students, are studying for Step 2, and July 1 was the start of the year for new residents and fellows across the country. It may be summer, but our students, faculty, and staff are all working hard.

Dean's Update

June 30, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

In this week's Dean’s Update, Dean Sousa discusses the Supreme Court’s ruling on Affirmative Action, the effects of air pollution from Canadian wildfires, and more.

Building a village around LGBTQIA+ youth

June 27, 2023

Backed by a grant from The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, second-year College of Human Medicine student Mary Finedore created a pilot program to support vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth and those aging out of foster care.

Dr. Amie Hop presents "Gender Affirming Care: Surgical Office Prospective"

June 25, 2023

In honor of Pride Month, Dr. Amie Hop (she/her) joined our DEI Grand Rounds to talk about the importance of gender-affirming care.

Dean's Update

June 16, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, the MSU Board of Trustees has been on retreat in Grand Rapids. In addition to their retreat, the board held their June public meeting in the Secchia Center Friday morning.

MSU Alzheimer’s disease expert bridges gap between ‘bench’ research and community

June 12, 2023

Michigan State University neuroscientist Irving Vega is often found in his lab studying the impact certain proteins have on the development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. But when he’s not conducting research, Vega makes time to go out into the community to talk about Alzheimer’s disease and engage with students about their interest in science.

Dean's Update

June 9, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

This is Pride month, when we commemorate and celebrate the culture and rights of the LGBTQAI+ community.

Dean's Update

June 2, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Periodically, I bring other people into the update to express their own experiences or to write about their community. This week, I am including a few paragraphs written by Man Yee (Tiffie) Keung, a Flint Campus medical student in the Class of 2024.

NIH awards MSU $4M to study rare children’s disease Bachmann-Bupp Syndrome

May 31, 2023

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a prestigious grant to a College of Human Medicine professor and a Helen Devos Children’s Hospital physician to study a rare genetic disease and related disorders that until recently were unknown.

May News Headlines

May 30, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Dean's Update

May 26, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

For all the struggles and challenges in the world, it is heartening and inspiring to be with people actively working to improve opportunity and communication. As I wrote last week, we hosted Black Leaders of Detroit (BLD) and Flint community members at the Flint Journal Building last Sunday.

Celebrating the Class of 2023!

May 25, 2023

On May 13, the Class of 2023 reunited at the MSU College of Human Medicine Commencement Ceremony after spending their third and fourth years of medical school in hospitals and clinics at the college’s statewide community campuses. See all the ways we celebrated them!

Flint Campus student selected for NFL diversity in sports medicine program

May 25, 2023

Tamarandobra (Dobra) Ogeh, a third-year medical student at the College of Human Medicine’s Flint Campus will get to complete one-month clinical rotation with the Detroit Lions and Henry Ford Health sports medicine physicians as part of the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative.

Dean's Update

May 19, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Our peoples suffer war, persecution, and disasters amplified by distrusts we hold dear and fears that hopelessness foments in us. And yet, as I looked out on our graduates last Saturday, and I watched Ben and Anne promise themselves to each other, and as I heard our students respond to Dr. Mona’s call with their own prescriptions for a healthier world, my fears lessened and my hope was kindled.

Bachmann and collaborators named Inventors of the Year for successful treatment of rare disease

May 16, 2023

College of Human Medicine professor André Bachmann and two Corewell Health physicians, Caleb Bupp and Surender Rajasekaran, have been named the 2023 Inventors of the Year for their discovery of a previously unknown disease and development of an effective treatment.

Dean's Update

May 12, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Friday evening we gather with the Student National Medical Association for the college’s annual Diversity Senior Recognition Program. We are honoring a record number of MD students at the dinner this year – the program has outgrown the Kellogg Center’s Lincoln Room, and we will be in the Big Ten A.

Marielle He: Finding a Purpose in Medicine

May 10, 2023

As a young girl in China, the thought of becoming a doctor never occurred to Marielle He. After graduation, she begins her residency in general surgery at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. He says medicine gave her a purpose and serving as a Navy physician is an important way for her to give back. Read more about Marielle's road to residency.

Nick LeMire: Continuing the Family Tradition

May 10, 2023

Nick LeMire comes from a family of doctors with a long history of serving underserved communities in the Upper Peninsula. After graduating from the UP campus, Nick will begin a residency in family medicine through the University of Washington Chelan RTT. While plans could change, Nick has an eye towards returning to the UP to start his own practice. Read more about his road to residency.

Dean's Update

May 5, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

In this dean's update, I share about some of my community experiences, including attending the Community Meeting of the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease and the graduation presentations of ELAM (Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine) in Philadelphia. There will also be updates for the community at the Spring Faculty Meeting on May 9.

Ellie Gschwendtner: The Parallel Between Ceramics and Plastic Surgery

May 3, 2023

While studying for a bachelor’s degree in ceramics, Ellie Gschwendtner worked as an anesthesia technician. While watching a plastic surgeon work, she was intrigued by the similarities between the two fields and believes her experience in ceramics will make her a better physician. Gschwendtner is a Traverse City Campus graduate with a Leadership in Rural Medicine certificate.

Kelvin Lim: Service Through Medicine

May 1, 2023

Kelvin Lim has always been passionate about serving others. He was initially drawn to politics but found his calling in medicine after serving as a medical scribe. Lim was an emergency medical technician in Los Angeles before med school. After graduating from the College of Human Medicine’s Grand Rapids Campus, he will begin a urology residency at University of Rochester Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital.

Antara Afrin: Detroit native heads to Harvard and Yale

April 28, 2023

After graduation, Antara Afrin is first heading to Harvard for a pediatrics preliminary year, then a three-year dermatology residency at Yale. Her passion for serving underserved communities is fueled by her parents’ example and her Muslim faith. Read about her road to residency.

April College News Headlines

April 27, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Kulkarni honored with HTRS Lifetime Achievement Award

April 27, 2023

The Hemostasis & Thrombosis Research Society recently presented Kulkarni, MD, a College of Human Medicine emeritus professor of Pediatrics and Human Development, with its 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health to expand and strengthen community care

April 27, 2023

On a recent episode of “MSU Today with Russ White,” Dean Sousa, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and Ridgway White discuss the visionary partnerships and important community-based research happening within the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health.

Sejal Mehta: From Patient to Pediatrician

April 27, 2023

Sejal Mehta draws on her experience as a patient early in life to provide compassion care to her patients. After graduation, she heads to Baylor College of Medicine for a pediatric residency. Read about her road to residency.

Thomas Barker: Medicine Came Calling 

April 25, 2023

Thomas Barker will carry on the family legacy of practicing medicine and community service. Read about his road to residency.

Blue Ridge ranks MSU OB-GYN #4 in NIH research funding

April 25, 2023

The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology has again ranked among the top recipients of research funding from the National Institutes of Health, according to a report by the nonprofit Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.

Dean's Update

April 21, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

The college and university are economic and health drivers in their communities. Community-focused donors in both Flint and Grand Rapids brought the college and hospitals together to create educational and research opportunities that continue to drive economic growth as well as health. Read about our Inventors of the Year Award and how a $15 million Mott Foundation grant will help shape those communities.

Rx Kids Program Aims to Tackle Poverty to Improve the Health of City of Flint Moms and Babies

April 20, 2023

Thanks to an intended $15 million “challenge” grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Rx Kids will be the first citywide program in the United States to address maternal and infant poverty with the novel approach of unconditional cash allowances to ALL City of Flint pregnant moms and babies.

Dean's Update

April 14, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Over the last several years, the dean’s office and the university have benefited from an energetic and engaged group of faculty in academic governance. Our new strategic plan, our accreditation site visit, our leadership searches, faculty promotions, and our work in the larger university all depend upon engaged faculty on college and university committees.

Winners of the Annie Li Yang Student Essay Contest

April 10, 2023

Three student essays were chosen for the 2023 Annie Li Yang Student Essay Contest. First place winner was Joshua Rabotnick and his essay “Scar Tissue.” Second place winner was Taylor Lombard with her essay “Medical School: Holding Two Truths.” Third place winner was Patricio Ruano with his essay “Como Te Voy A Olvidar.”

Dean's Update

April 7, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

The reach of the College of Human Medicine continues to astonish me. I met with the leadership of the HUDA free clinic in Detroit, met with alumni who have answered the call to provide care and learned some things I'd like to share in this update.

Dean's Update

March 31, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

The LCME can be a consuming effort, but during the process, we have continued with our teaching, patient care, research, and prepared for more growth. As you know, the college has been developing new statewide departments, which will help anchor our partnership with Henry Ford and other partners.

Global genetic study shows link between endometriosis, other debilitating pain conditions

March 28, 2023

Stacey Missmer, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology in the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, discusses a global genetic study that shows link between endometriosis, other debilitating pain conditions. Missmer is the U.S. leader of IEGC for the second phase of the study.

March College News Headlines

March 27, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

MSU scientists create start-up to develop gene therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease

March 27, 2023

A new startup, CavGene Therapeutics, Inc., will further research initiated by Kathy Steece-Collier, PhD, a professor of Translational Neuroscience in the College of Human Medicine. For decades, she has led an effort to reduce or eliminate a frequent side effect of a drug commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s patients.

Dean's Update

March 24, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Our Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) site visitors left Grand Rapids on Wednesday after a good visit. Read more about the process and what we have to look forward to.

Orezime Uyeh: Inspiring the Next Generation of Doctors, One Book at a Time

March 20, 2023

Third-year student Rezi Uyeh, a 27-year old Nigerian American artist, combined her passion for children, health care, teaching and mentorship to write and illustrate her first book, “Girls for Medicine".

Neuroscience Fair Offers a Look Inside the Brain

March 18, 2023

The Department of Translational Neuroscience hosted the event at the Grand Rapids Public Museum where participants experienced 17 hands-on activities like performing deep brain stimulation on a gelatin brain, extracting DNA from a banana and viewing neurons under the microscope.

Match Day 2023

March 17, 2023

184 rising Spartan MDs at seven MSU College of Human Medicine community campuses statewide learned where they matched for residency this summer. 100% of the college's senior students have secured residency placements.

Dean's Update

March 17, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

This year, our students, who experienced the full brunt of the pandemic, had a great Match Day. Today, I am excited to report that our overall residency placement rate for the 2023 graduating class is 100%.

Student research program focuses on reducing health disparities

March 15, 2023

Since 2018, 37 College of Human Medicine students passionate about reducing health disparities in underserved populations have participated in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health’s Research to Reduce Disparities in Disease (R2D2) Program.

Dean's Update

March 10, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

The college is headed into the final work before our accreditation site visit March 20-22 in Grand Rapids. Our team has sent in our updates, we are making videos of our spaces, including the new spaces in East Lansing, and the Academic Affairs team is meeting with people in preparation for each session.

Reach Out To Youth Program Builds Pathway to Medicine

March 7, 2023

This year’s MSU program on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Secchia Center was free and open to children ages 7-11 from public schools in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. The program was sponsored by the Student National Medical Association and the Urban League of West Michigan.

Dean's Update

March 3, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Sharing our expertise with the world is a part of how we make the world better. There are many updates I'd like to share with you this week. Read more.

Black History Month Member Interview: Larry Charleston, IV, MD, MSc, FAHS

March 2, 2023

The American Neurological Association celebrated black history month and interviewed the College of Human Medicine's Larry Charleston, IV, MD, MSC, FAHS. Read the full interview.

February College News Headlines

February 28, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

Med News | February 2023

February 28, 2023

A special message from Dean Sousa

Dean's Update

February 24, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

In the last two weeks, we have seen the best and worst of our society. The trauma, murder, and gun violence reflecting the most callous parts of our world has broken hearts and shaken many of us to our core. Yet our university and the communities surrounding us have responded with overwhelming support and selflessness.

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha: We’re waging war on our children. It has to stop. | Opinion

February 22, 2023 - Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha

We failed our kids, again. But it is worse than a failure. It’s no exaggeration to say we are waging war on our children. A war with many fronts.

Managing the Trauma of Tragedy

February 21, 2023

Zakia Alavi, an associate professor of psychiatry in Michigan State University’s Department of Pediatrics and Human Development in the College of Human Medicine, answers questions about dealing with trauma after a tragic incident, how to deal with returning to normal routines, and how to deal with the feelings of grief, anger and fear that follow.

Message to our Spartan community

February 16, 2023

See the latest updates regarding the tragedy on campus and the dean's messages to our community.

Dean's Update

February 10, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

This week, the college welcomed our LCME consultants to Grand Rapids for our mock site visit. I had the pleasure to meet with the team a couple of times and appreciate their expertise and the feedback they gave us.

MSU study finds pandemic just ‘tip of the iceberg’ for causes of death in pregnant, postpartum people

February 6, 2023

Lead author Claire Margerison, an associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in the MSU College of Human Medicine, finds pandemic just ‘tip of the iceberg’ for causes of death in pregnant, postpartum people.

Dean's Update

February 3, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

The struggles of our society will not be solved by one group of people or one institution, but we can improve the lives of those with whom we work.

January College News Headlines

January 30, 2023

Catch up on news headlines and more updates from the college.

David Klee, MD, named Community Assistant Dean in Traverse City

January 30, 2023

David Klee, MD, has been appointed community assistant dean, following the retirement of Dan Webster, MD, founding dean for the Traverse City Campus. Klee is a family medicine physician with a history of working with students and residents. While he’s always had a strong interest in teaching, it also was the lure of the college’s rural health education program that drew him. 

Dean's Update

January 27, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Some things feel just too big for one of us or seem too big even for a majority of us. On the other hand, each day is a chance to help someone in need.

"Just Breathe" podcast connects through shared vulnerability

January 26, 2023

Third-year College of Human Medicine student Michael Knox started his podcast “Just Breathe Collective” in 2021 with the intention of connecting with others through shared vulnerability. He has since produced seven episodes and plans to continue it throughout his medical career. We interviewed Michael to learn more about his podcast and what the future holds.

Ferreira’s lab explores rare isotopes to detect and stop cancer at the cellular level

January 25, 2023

Carolina de Aguiar Ferreira, an assistant professor in the Colleges of Human Medicine and Engineering, is opening her own lab to study promising new therapies that hunt down cancer cells and kill them with radioactive isotopes. 

Epidemiologist and physician Nigel Paneth retires after nearly five decades of service 

January 24, 2023

After nearly five decades as a pediatrician and an epidemiologist specialized in studying the causes and prevention of neurodevelopmental disabilities in infants, Nigel Paneth retired – sort of. 

Dean's Update

January 20, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

The College of Human Medicine’s Strategic Plan includes a goal to increase the public intellectual work available to our staff, students, and faculty. Specifically, we have a goal to support career growth and development of our people, and one of the strategies is to support and build capacity of our staff and faculty to do public intellectual work.

Words of Wellness: An Antidote for Despair

January 19, 2023 - Claudia Finkelstein, MDCM

This is the season when we begin to notice the return of the light, when we notice that our resolutions have faded or taken hold. It’s the season when the excitement and stress of holiday expectations are behind us. It’s the season when the fields are fallow.

Graduate voice: Iranian-American identity and the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement

January 18, 2023

Yasi Zamani-Hank is a graduate of Michigan State University who recently earned her doctorate in epidemiology. She is currently completing her postdoctoral research in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MSU. Her research focuses on understanding the social determinants of racial and socioeconomic disparities in adverse birth outcomes and the role of adverse life experiences on women’s health.

New model offers powerful tool for studying endometrial cancer

January 17, 2023

A new laboratory model will better enable scientists to study the development of endometrial cancer, the most common gynecological cancer in the U.S.

Dean's Update

January 13, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this coming Monday. As part of the community’s celebration, Fred Gray is the featured guest at the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan’s event at the Lansing Center this Monday.

In Memoriam of Kate Lax | 1984 - 2023

January 12, 2023

Kate Lax, the college's former associate director of development, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023, at the age of 38. She was a friend to many and a ray of sunshine to all. A bridge to donors and colleagues, Kate’s legacy will live on at the College of Human Medicine and at Michigan State University forever, through the students, alumni, and faculty she was so passionate and dedicated to serving. 

Ask the expert: What are nanomedicines?

January 12, 2023

Michigan State University researcher Morteza Mahmoudi studies factors impeding the development of very promising and extremely tiny diagnostics and therapeutics known as nanomedicines.

Dean's Update

January 6, 2023 - Aron Sousa, MD

The last year ended with a flurry of activity: approval of the college’s strategic plan, submission of the LCME materials, approval of the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, and CAC approval of six new departments. The new year will bring implementation of the strategic plan, the LCME accreditation survey team visit, and new opportunities for hope and inspiration.

January 1, 2015