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College of Human Medicine

Dean Rayamajhi’s Weekly Rundown

January 16, 2026

Greetings friends,

The new year is well underway, and many of us have likely already made, and perhaps abandoned, our New Year’s resolutions. With that in mind, I’d like to share insights from Arthur C. Brooks, one of the world’s leading experts on the science of human happiness. I was struck by his address this week to the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, where he explored the three “macronutrients” of happiness: enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning. Brooks challenges the common belief that happiness is simply a feeling, offering a more durable framework grounded in purpose and fulfillment. 

MSU Research Foundation

Members of the MSU Research Foundation with Dean Rayamajhi


I had an enlightening visit to the MSU Research Foundation. According to the foundation’s 2025 Impact Report released this week, it designated $75 million in support to the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign and awarded $11.6 million in grants to advance research, technology commercialization, and entrepreneurship. The foundation works to help researchers advance technologies from discovery to commercialization. There’s so much promise that comes with the support and partnerships of a Big Ten university like MSU.

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

Dean Rayamahji, Nathan Carlton, MD (‘19), alongside Benjamin Bruinsma, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and chief medical officer at Mary Free Bed, and Associate Dean Nara Parmaswaran.


When our partnership with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital began in 2014, it marked the start of not only the hospital’s evolution as a research and teaching institution, but also a powerful collaboration that allows our future Spartan MDs to play a direct role in patient rehabilitation just blocks from the College of Human Medicine’s headquarters. That partnership was on full display during a recent tour of Mary Free Bed’s facility now under construction for a major renovation that will become the Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital — a meaningful connection, as Secchia is also the namesake of our own headquarters and a shared symbol of commitment to advancing care for children and families. Pictured here are Spartan alum Nathan Carlton, MD (‘19), alongside Benjamin Bruinsma, MD, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and chief medical officer at Mary Free Bed, whose leadership reflects the strength and continuity of this collaboration.

Midland

Dean Rayamahji with some students at the Midland campus.

 

Dean Rayamahji with some faculty and staff at the Midland campus.


As a community-based medical school within a public university, the College of Human Medicine’s impact extends across Michigan through a truly statewide footprint. During our visit to the Midland campus yesterday, we spent time with community assistant dean David Buzanoski, MD, leaders at MyMichigan Health, and our medical students.

Midland is part of our Leadership in Rural Medicine Program, where third- and fourth-year students learn and serve in community-based settings at MyMichigan Medical Centers and surrounding rural clinics. This experience provides hands-on training and encourages graduates to practice in underserved areas, including the Thumb and northeastern Michigan, such as the Alpena area.

We also toured the AXIA Institute, which works to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, to learn more about our growing research partnerships. It is inspiring to see, once again, how education, clinical care and discovery come together to serve communities across our state.

May your 2026 be full of happiness, no matter how you define it. And may we continue to find meaning in our work, strength, in our partnerships and purpose in advancing research and care together.

In Spartan Spirit,

Supratik Rayamajhi, MD, FACP
Interim Dean, MSU College of Human Medicine