Health Advancement
Health Advancement partners with stakeholders across the organization to develop and monitor health equity, pathways and a thriving culture across patient care, education and research.
About Health Advancement
Health Advancement is a shared services department at Michigan Medicine committed to strengthening patient care, education and research through coordinated support for our people and programs. Our charge is to ensure that the systems supporting our clinical, academic and community missions help individuals thrive, whether they are patients, learners, researchers or team members.
By aligning long-standing institutional efforts and launching new, forward-looking initiatives, Health Advancement helps create a more responsive, innovative and connected academic medical center.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Health Advancement supports the success of Michigan Medicine by:
- Promoting health equity across patient care, research, education, and community partnerships
- Creating structured academic and career pathways that build interest, exposure, and readiness for health professions
- Strengthening workplace culture to support personal and professional growth, teamwork, and well-being
Our Vision
Focus Areas of Health Advancement
Advancing Health Equity Across Our Mission
We work to improve outcomes, access, and experience through strategic collaboration. Learn more below.
Expanding Pathways & Career Growth
We're preparing future professionals and supporting continued growth for our workforce.
Building a Culture of Support & Engagement
We're fostering the environment people need to do their best work.
More About Our Focus Areas
Improving outcomes, access, and experience through strategic collaboration
Achieving the best possible health outcomes requires more than clinical excellence. It requires the ability to adapt, connect, and serve people where they are. Health Advancement supports this through:
- Data-informed projects that address patient access and care gaps
- Training and professional development for those involved in clinical care and research
- Initiatives that support more consistent, effective patient experiences
- Community partnerships that help extend Michigan Medicine’s reach and relevance
This work ensures that our teams have the tools and systems in place to deliver personalized, high-quality care and education that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Preparing future professionals and supporting continued growth for our workforce
Michigan Medicine depends on a strong and capable workforce. Health Advancement helps build that foundation through:
- Career exploration programs for students in K–12, college, and graduate education
- Structured pathway programs that provide academic enrichment and hands-on experiences in clinical and research settings
- Mentorship and leadership development opportunities for staff, learners, and faculty
- Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and other organizations to expand access to learning and training
These efforts help strengthen the talent pipeline for healthcare and biomedical science while ensuring that individuals at every stage have the support to succeed.
Fostering the environment people need to do their best work
Michigan Medicine’s people are its greatest asset. Health Advancement contributes to a workplace culture that values growth, respect, and collaboration by:
- Supporting professional networks and communities of practice across roles and disciplines
- Providing tools and programs that reduce burnout and enhance well-being
- Offering strategies to strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration on teams
- Creating opportunities for celebration, connection, and shared learning
A strong culture helps Michigan Medicine attract and retain exceptional talent, build highly functional teams, and deliver the best outcomes for patients and communities.
Program Spotlight
Youth Summit at the Big House
Each year, Health Advancement hosts a Youth Summit that brings more than 400 middle and high school students to campus to explore careers in health and science.
Students participate in simulations, interactive activities, and career panels alongside physicians, researchers, and health professionals. More than 30 Michigan Medicine departments contribute annually, offering an immersive and inspiring experience.
