Valerie Goodwin

Goodwin covers communications for rheumatology, orthopaedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, general surgery, and the Transplant Center. She assists with communications for C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital. She is passionate about making medical research and storytelling accessible to help keep patients informed about what is happening in healthcare. Goodwin graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Public Relations in 2022. Contact: [email protected]

Valerie Goodwin
ultrasound scan on yellow background with red dot found in two images
Health Lab
Using ultrasound technology to quickly diagnose giant cell arteritis
Ultrasound technology at University of Michigan Health is helping diagnose giant cell arteritis in patients to begin potentially moving away from using invasive surgical biopsy methods.
drawing on orange background of colorful pills floating with body parts in them in pain
Health Lab
Cerebral palsy medications given to adults may not match needs
Prescribing medications that treat the most obvious parts of adult cerebral palsy pain and symptoms without examining for the underlying cause is a common experience for adults with cerebral palsy. This means that proper treatment is being overlooked and these medications can cause further complications later in life.
nurse in maroon at patient bedside
Health Lab
Studying interventions to help type 2 diabetes patients avoid hospitalizations
Research from University of Michigan will be looking at the way social determinants of health can have an impact on the health of people living with type 2 diabetes.
two men flying blue airplane outside in helmets
Health Lab
Celebrating a kidney donation, to his best friend, a decade later
When Greg Scohy was in need of a kidney transplant, his lifelong best friend Stephen Lambert stepped in to give him one of his. The friends were able to navigate the kidney transplant journey together and 10 years later are still healthy and have a strong friendship.
hands up in to sun blocking it in shadowy area under tree
Health Lab
Decoding mechanisms of photosensitivity in autoimmune diseases
Photosensitivity is a common occurrence in patients with autoimmune disorders, especially lupus and dermatomyositis. The only treatment for this currently is diligent sunscreen use, but research is leading to new insights in how photosensitivity is created on a cellular level.
hospital bed
Health Lab
Medicare reimbursement codes for hernia procedures have small impact on patients
A change to Medicare reimbursement coding for hernia procedures states that hernias must be three centimeters or larger for full reimbursement. Researchers at University of Michigan examine the impact this has had on reported hernia sizes.
doctor looking into robotic set up in scrubs and scrub hat
Health Lab
Are robotic hernia repairs still in the “learning curve” phase?
As robotic hernia repairs grow in popularity, patients may be at a higher risk for hernia recurrence.
woman walking sleeping in photo above her.
Health Lab
Sleep health may impact mobility for women with chronic conditions
Women diagnosed with chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis and diabetes, experiencing poor sleep are at a higher risk of needing mobility aids sooner in life. Addressing sleep issues in these women may be crucial to better mobility.
News Release
University of Michigan Health names executive director for new integrated statewide sports medicine network
ANN ARBOR, MI – University of Michigan Health is launching an aggressive vision for integrated sports medicine capabilities across the state and has recruited a nationally renowned expert to lead the efforts.
mom and son and dog in front of the survival flight helicopter
Health Lab
Therapy dog supports teen through recovery after serious dirt bike accident
Evan Sanders had a dirtbike accident which left him with fractures across the left side of his body. During his hospital stay, service dog Barney helped Evan with his rehabilitation goals, including a visit to the Survival Flight helicopter.
red spot in shoulder pulsing red with circle around it on black background and see-through to shoulder bone and joint
Health Lab
How do you treat rotator-cuff tears?
Rotator-cuff tears appear most in adults over the age of 40. These injuries are typically treated with physical therapy and surgical intervention as a last resort.
white cream being put on finger close up with blurred red shirt in background of person using cream
Health Lab
Topical Mupirocin lowers lupus inflammation
J. Michelle Kahlenberg, M.D., Ph.D., led a team of researchers looking at an alternative treatment for lupus rashes with a topical treatment called mupirocin. 
News Release
University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness teams up with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to fund safety net organizations
The collaboration aims to assist safety net medical and dental clinics providing free or discounted health care to improve care for disabled or vulnerable groups in Michigan
two pictures side by side one in virtual reality going over beam and the other of the person in real life doing it with VR technology
Health Lab
Using virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation
Researchers at University of Michigan Health are using virtual reality technology to aid in mirror therapy physical therapy routines for stroke survivors.
Health Lab
Finding independence after spinal cord injury with inpatient rehab
One woman's successful inpatient rehabilitation at Chelsea Hospital after experiencing a fall that left her paralyzed.
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