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
The most effective prevention method for complications post lung transplant
Out of the two most common treatments for chronic lung allograft dysfunction, a condition that can form after lung transplantation that has no treatment, a study from University of Michigan Health found that cyclosporine is not as effective as tacrolimus in preventing the condition.
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.
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.
News Release
University of Michigan Health liver transplant program breaks state record for most liver transplants done in a year and opens new clinic in Grand Rapids
The record setting year comes along with the opening of a new U-M Health liver transplant evaluation clinic on the west side of the state.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
