Long-Running Lecture Series Brings Engaging Conversation to Communities
February 13, 2026
For 17 years and counting, the Your Health Lecture Series has reflected the mission of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine by using community partnership to highlight faculty research and connect with future medical students.
Co-sponsored with multiple higher education partners across the state, the free event series was first developed with collaborators at Northern Michigan University and UP Health System-Marquette.
“The idea was to bring our faculty members who are experts in their fields to share public health topics of interest to the communities where we have campuses,” said Mark Brieve, director of MSU College of Human Medicine Community & Government Relations.
The original concept of the series aimed to deliver the latest research-based health programming for communities in Michigan, provide Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities for residents and physicians, and engage College of Human Medicine faculty with pre-med students at Early Assurance Program university partners.
Highlighting Research That Matters
The Your Health Lecture Series features a presentation from a researcher or expert on a relevant health care topic, such as advancements in Alzheimer’s research, treating unhoused individuals, disparities in health care, cancer prevention, and more.
Brieve explained that topics are driven by each institution based on community interest. “The typical audience includes undergraduate students interested in the health profession, faculty and staff members, as well as community members,” he said. “In 2020, we started providing all lectures virtually and making those recordings available on YouTube, where we can reach an even larger audience.”
Britt Ranson Olson, PhD, professor and pre-professional committee chair at the School of Science and Medicine at Lake Superior State University, recalls a memorable lecture on addiction medicine.
“That subject matter attracted many community members and I remember very poignant questions from the crowd…it provided an important service to our community that year,” she said. “Our campus is isolated, so outside resources that bring these quality experiences to our campus is an absolute treat.”
Connecting with Students Across the State
As a community-integrated medical school, attracting medical students from all over the state of Michigan is imperative to the College of Human Medicine’s success.
“The Admissions team has established Early Assurance Program agreements with a number of higher education institutions around the state, and this is just one engagement opportunity we offer to our partners,” Brieve explained.
“While SVSU does not have a medical school, the Early Assurance Program partnership with the College of Human Medicine allows my students to engage in meaningful ways with the medical school, its administrators and faculty, and the medical students,” said Heidi Lang, a pre-health professions advisor at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), a longtime partner of the series.
During a typical event, undergraduate students who attend have the opportunity to meet with the speaker and MSU medical students at a roundtable discussion prior to the lecture.
“They are seeking entrance into a profession that requires lifelong learning; the lecture series provides them with an opportunity to explore new topics and demonstrate their intellectual curiosity,” said Lang.
Hope College health professions advisor Emily Baker also sees a great benefit in undergraduate students attending presentations in the series.
“The opportunity to engage with professionals gives students professional development for their own growth, preparing them to be strong applicants to their health profession,” she said. “And it allows students to picture themselves in their future health profession interest.”
Katie Mullin, a third-year neuroscience major at SVSU, has attended multiple lectures, including “Linking Autism Diagnosis and Interventions” by Chioma Torres, MD last November.
“Coming from a smaller university, there are not many opportunities similar to this, so it is important to take advantage of the program to expand your education,” she said. “As future physicians, we will be treating the populations highlighted and the lectures allow us a head start on learning how best to serve them.”
A Full Circle Moment
MSU College of Human Medicine alumna Tyler Sadilek, MD, attended many Your Health Lecture Series events as an undergraduate and medical student. “I especially remember several lectures from the ‘COVID years’ and was in awe of the work those physicians were doing to keep communities safe and informed,” she said.
Now an emergency medicine resident (PGY-2) at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, Dr. Sadilek’s experience has come full circle – she will present on the social determinants of health in rural communities on February 25th in East Lansing during the next event in the Your Health Lecture Series.
“Never once did I imagine myself as a Your Health Lecture speaker, but I am beyond excited and deeply honored by the opportunity,” Dr. Sadilek said. “Human connection is the basis for everything we do. I am hopeful that together we can explore why such relationships are as critical a resource as any in closing the rural health gap.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2025-2026 series winds down, Brieve is already looking forward to the next set of lectures.
“There are always new speakers and topics to explore,” he said. “While the components of the Your Health Lecture Series vary based on our educational and health partners’ needs, the focus remains the same – bringing the latest health and medical research to the state of Michigan.”
Learn more about the series and watch previous lectures here.
By Claudia Price