Todd Allen

The monthly meeting featured an update on the Disability Scholarship Initiative project at Michigan Medicine, highlighting survey completion and plans for subsequent interventions, including accessible resource sharing, workshops, and a mentor-mentee matching service. Additionally, the leadership discussed the 2026 meeting schedule and upcoming internship application timelines. A presentation was delivered by Dr. Johnson Hooper regarding healthcare access barriers for individuals with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities, with a focus on the new Generational Resilience Opportunity and Wellness Center.

The meeting featured presentations by summer interns regarding their research initiatives. Topics included a narrative review on the healthcare experiences and outcomes of deaf and hard-of-hearing pregnant women, research into traumatic spinal cord injuries and their relationship to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and a discussion on the necessity and impact of disability policies in graduate medical education. Additionally, the meeting included announcements regarding recent research publications, awards, and upcoming symposia.

The Rogel Cancer Center's strategic plan, titled 'Discoveries to Cures to Communities,' aims to reduce the burden of cancer and advance innovations in prevention, early diagnosis, optimal treatment, and care through transdisciplinary collaboration. The plan is structured around six strategic pillars: Research, Clinical Research and Patient Care, Training and Education, Community Outreach, Cancer Health Opportunity and Impact, and Infrastructure. It prioritizes research in cancer initiation, progression, resistance, treatment and care delivery, and risk reduction, with an emphasis on improving equity, outcomes, and value for the Michigan community.

This discussion outlines the future strategic direction for the Department of Surgery, focusing on its evolving role within the University of Michigan Health System's transition to a statewide network. Key strategic areas include expanding clinical operations, fostering academic development and mentorship, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through programs like the Michigan Promise. The department aims to realize its vision over the next five years by making substantial progress in creating an inclusive environment, continuously innovating clinical programs, and leading in educational advancements, particularly through competency-based education and progressive autonomy.

This document outlines Michigan Medicine's strategic priorities, categorized under the acronym BASE: Belonging, Access, Safety and Quality, and Experience. It details key enterprise initiatives including diversity and anti-racism training, the 'Care at Home' program, improving sepsis outcomes, enhancing patient communications, and expanding strategic growth and revenue management. The plan's vision includes advancing health through innovative patient care, with 'Care at Home' highlighted as the initiative of the year to bring hospital-level care to patients' residences and increase capacity.