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
Getting a shot at life
Although Karey Mushenski was reluctant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, she did so before her lung transplant. That decision may have saved her life.
Health Lab
Keeping afloat during the pandemic
Swimming was how Kara Wolter found solace, especially after her bone cancer diagnosis and leg amputation. But COVID often took away her safe place and delayed her Swim Across America race. Here’s how she ultimately crossed the finish line.
Health Lab
Heated chemotherapy can help some children with cancer
Known as HIPEC, the therapy has been available for adults for years at Michigan Medicine. Now it’s an option for kids here, too.
Health Lab
Financial barriers fell for some cancer survivors after Affordable Care Act
Adult patients under 65 were less likely to delay treatment and had less trouble paying for medications or dental care after key features of the landmark health care law were implemented.
Health Lab
Transgender couple fulfills dream to become parents
Gender-affirming health care is essential for transgender patients. When Jesse Ballard and Maria Ortiz decided to become parents, Dr. Daphna Stroumsa and their team helped them navigate transmasculine pregnancy and birth.
Health Lab
Woman runs half-marathon on one-year anniversary of complex cancer surgery
Robin Schroeder was determined to continue her active lifestyle, even after she underwent a Whipple, a taxing operation with a difficult recovery period.
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Chemotherapy does not affect complication rate or patient satisfaction for breast reconstruction
Among those who underwent a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, there were no significant differences in complication rate or patient well-being for women who received chemotherapy as an additional treatment compared to those who did not.
Health Lab
How the Pandemic Shaped One Man’s Cancer Journey
In 25 years, Chris Cauley had never taken two weeks off of work. As health services were shutting down because of COVID-19, he had to learn how to be a patient.
Health Lab
When Art Therapy Goes Virtual
One patient transcends her ‘moat’ against COVID-19 while her art therapist finds unexpected benefits to teaching online.
Health Lab
If I’m Immunocompromised, Should I Keep Wearing My Mask Once I’m Vaccinated?
Immunocompromised people may have lower efficacy rates of protection against COVID-19 after vaccination. Herd immunity from the immunocompetent remains essential to helping protect this population.
Health Lab
The New Age to Get Your Colorectal Cancer Screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has lowered the recommended age of colorectal cancer screenings to 45 due to a rise in colorectal cancer cases among the younger population.
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Routine Testing Before Surgery Remains Common Despite Low Value
A wealth of evidence suggests these tests are often unnecessary, costly, and can lead to adverse effects.
Health Lab
Nursed Back to Health
Olivia Goff was diagnosed with cancer twice before age 21. But she kept her goals in sight, eventually becoming a nurse on the same floor she received treatment.
Health Lab
‘Why I Became a Nurse’
Nurses share why they chose to go into nursing and how they dealt with the unique challenges the pandemic presented.
Health Lab
What is HPV?
Your guide to that and other frequently asked questions about the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.
