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]
Health Lab
Psychoactive substances and adverse side effects for patients with multiple sclerosis
Psychoactive substances can give immediate relief to people living with multiple sclerosis, but some come with adverse side effects. Research led by University of Michigan Health looks at the positive and negative impacts of using psychoactive substances to manage symptoms.
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Alcohol-Related Liver Disease clinic gives patient new hope
Diagnosed with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis, Jennifer Strohpaul decided it was time for a fresh start with the University of Michigan Health Alcohol Related Liver Disease Clinic. Receiving her liver transplant has inspired her to go back to school for her Master’s of Social Work to help patients like herself.
Health Lab
Kidney transplant recipient celebrates 55-year milestone
Thanks to a living donor kidney from his brother, Bill Crawford gained another five decades of life. Celebrating his 55th kidney transplant anniversary, Crawford is sharing the story of what his transplant was like in 1971.
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Kidney transplant recipient celebrates 10 year anniversary at Transplant Games
University of Michigan Health Transplant Center and U-M Health-Sparrow patient, Tami Skok is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her kidney transplant by participating in the Transplant Games. She will be honoring her donor and his family as she represents Team Michigan.
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Lower firework age restrictions leads to increase in pediatric hand injuries
Loosened firework restrictions across individual states creates an opportunity for minors to suffer serious injuries.
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2-year-old thrives after liver transplant for biliary atresia
Living donor allows 2-year-old to thrive after a liver transplant she needed.
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Sisters celebrate a successful bone marrow donation 15 years later
Two sisters are celebrating 15 years of life after a bone marrow transplant. The transplant treated symptoms of Stage IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and has allowed the sisters to share time together they were not sure they were going to have.
Health Lab
Single-cell RNA sequencing gives insight to dermatomyositis treatment
Comparing skin lesions in dermatomyositis and lupus using single-cell RNA sequencing gives rheumatology researchers at University of Michigan Health new insight into treatment targets for dermatomyositis patients.
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Bringing awareness to cerebral palsy through Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader boots
Two-year-old Ava Young was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant. With the help of physical and occupational therapy, she has been able to make substantial progress when it comes to developing her fine motor skills. In addition to the support from her therapies, Ava also has the support of her family. In the fall of 2025, her aunt featured cerebral palsy awareness on her Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders boot.
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Heart transplant gives 10-year-old cancer survivor new life
After experiencing cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy treatment as an infant, William Goff needed a heart transplant by the age of seven. It’s been three years since he received his heart, and he is more active than ever.
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Lung transplant recipient wins gold in World Transplant Games
A Michigan Medicine lung transplant patient reicbed gold in the World Transplant Games.
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Using gene expression in blood to personalize care for APS
Antiphospholipid syndrome looks different in every patient. By using whole-blood RNA sequencing and machine learning, University of Michigan Health researchers reveal distinct immune patterns that may pave the way for personalized treatment.
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For scleroderma research, patients seen as essential co-creators
As scleroderma research moves forward, involving patients with scleroderma in clinical trials can give researchers insight into what is most important for patients living with the condition.
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Study finds improved quality of life after gender-affirming vaginoplasties
Gender-affirming vaginoplasties is a procedure commonly sought after by transfeminine individuals. Research from University of Michigan Health finds that the majority of these individuals are satisfied after their procedure.
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First U.S.-based study of parents and guardians of kids with pathological demand avoidance
The first United States based study of parents and guardians of children with pathological demand avoidance finds that the Paradigm Shift Program® assists parents in addressing behavioral challenges within their child.
