Mary Clare Fischer
Contributing writer
Fischer previously promoted innovations in clinical care and tells patient stories on behalf of the Rogel Cancer Center while also managing external communications for Michigan Medicine’s surgery and urology departments and the Transplant Center.
Health Lab
The drive to find a bone marrow donor
Ryder Washington needs a bone marrow transplant. But the five-year-old, like many other African-Americans, doesn’t have any matches in the national bone marrow registry. His parents are out to change that.
Health Lab
When donating blood is ‘the kindest thing you can do’
Blood transfusions were the only thing that helped Connor Burke cope with the fatigue of his chemotherapy. Now, amid a national blood shortage, he’s encouraging more people to donate blood
Health Lab
Side effects of radiation therapy reduced when computer optimizes treatment, study finds
A multi-center study found that breast cancer patients experienced less pain and skin irritation when a more complex form of treatment planning was used for radiation.
News Release
Donate blood at the Big House during the largest blood drive at U-M — and save a life
After a year of pandemic pivoting, the largest single-day blood drive on the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus is returning to its signature location at Michigan Stadium.
Health Lab
Transplants for alcohol-related liver inflammation surge during pandemic
The increased number of deceased donor liver transplants related to alcoholic hepatitis — up more than 50 percent over predicted numbers — was associated with rising alcohol sales.
Health Lab
Starting mammograms at 40 would reduce disparities in deaths for Black women
Researchers determined that biennial screenings beginning at this age could reduce breast cancer deaths by 57%.
Health Lab
From the ICU to Ironwoman
A bowel obstruction landed Laurie Svoboda in the intensive care unit. Here are the eight things that helped her compete in an Ironman race less than four months later.
Health Lab
Of two common weight loss surgeries, one is safer but may be less effective
Long-term, sleeve gastrectomy carries less risk of death and complications than gastric bypass, but patients were more likely to need follow-up surgery.
Health Lab
Study: Cancer centers provide superior end-of-life care to dual-eligible cancer patients
Low-income cancer patients who are older than 65 – and thus considered eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid – are more likely to receive higher-quality care near the end of their lives at health systems that prioritize communication and
Health Lab
Meet the team that’s changing cancer experiences for teenagers, young adults
Focused on addressing health disparities, the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program (AYA) at Michigan Medicine centers on more inclusive cancer care for this age group and dedicates its research to health equity for AYA cancer patients.
Health Lab
Private equity firms are buying more surgical facilities
The number of investments in surgical centers and practices by private equity firms increased every year in the past two decades.
News Release
After Surviving Hodgkin Lymphoma Twice, Olivia Goff Nurses Others
After surviving Hodgkin Lymphoma, Olivia Goff became a cancer nurse so she could share her experiences with other people dealing with cancer.
Health Lab
Why do some people need a third dose of the COVID vaccine?
We know more now about how immunocompromised people — including organ transplant recipients, certain cancer patients and those on medications that severely suppress the immune system — respond to the COVID vaccine.
Health Lab
For cancer care, patients’ relationship with their primary care providers prove crucial
Two studies highlight the important role of PCPs and their communication with patients at various stages of their cancer journeys.
Health Lab
Six ways to prevent your child from playing with fire
And what to do if they’re already misusing candles, matches, lighters and more.
