FAQ/Ask us anything!

Q. What are some fun outdoor activities in and around Ann Arbor?

• Kayaking down Huron river

• Casual hiking in one of the numerous local parks. Bird Hill Nature Area is popular and close to campus

• Biking (Ann Arbor is bike-friendly town)

• Outdoor events on undergrad campus (pre-COVID) including free concerts and street fairs

Q. Where can you live/what can fellows afford?

• Downtown Ann Arbor is right by Main Street and many of the popular bars/restaurants but can be more expensive and potential additional noise since close to undergrad campus

• Ypsilanti is a good option for affordable housing, especially if planning on buying a house/condo.

• North Ann Arbor (bordered by US 23) is also a quieter area with affordable housing that is popular with fellows. There are several apartments and rental properties within walking distance of the hospital (10-20 min)

• Burns Park area in south Ann Arbor is popular, but can be more expensive.

• Kerrytown is another area that is convenient and walkable (10-15 min) to both the hospital and downtown Ann Arbor. The housing is a bit older though there is a good mix of residents and graduate students that live here. Kerrytown is also home to the famous Zingerman's Deli, several boutique shops and the Farmer's Market.

Q. What are the best places to visit in Michigan?

• Lake Huron and Lake Michigan - many public beaches and also camping

• Traverse City - great food, outdoor activities (kayaking, biking, hiking), Short's Brewery

• Mackinac Island - famous vacation destination for celebrities, known for its fudge, horse-drawn carriages, Grand Hotel and scenic walking/bike paths

• Sleeping Bear Dunes - famous sand dunes, scenic views and popular hiking destination

• Detroit - lots of activities, especially waterfront, art museum and Detroit Eastern Market, along with amazing restaurants

• Undergrad Campus/Downtown area - just a short walk away from the hospital! Free world-class art museum, open outdoor areas to picnic/hang out, restaurants, bars, etc.

Q. Do I need a car in Ann Arbor?

• A car is highly recommended, especially given the possibility of needing to come in overnight while on call during 1st year. Buses run throughout major campus areas, the UM medical campus and the VA hospital, but not always at reliable times.

Q. What are Michigan winters REALLY like?

• Definitely cold with all the ice/snow! However, both the hospital campus and the city are quite capable of dealing with even the worst blizzards and making it relatively safe. Careful driving in the snow, down jackets and giving yourself extra time to get to work are a must. Snow tires are usually not necessary since roads are plowed promptly.

Q. Who are the notable faculty and what are their accomplishments?

• Dr. Daniel Hayes - former American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) president, national expert in breast oncology

• Dr. Samuel Silver - past president and current board member of the Michigan Society of Hematology/Oncology (MSHO), editorial board of the Hematologist, national expert in porphyrias

• Dr. Pavan Reddy - president of the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT, formerly ASBMT), national expert in microbiome research

• Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian - associate program director, former chair of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Small Cell Lung Cancer Guideline Panel, national expert in lung cancer

• Dr. Laurence Baker - former chair of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG), national expert in sarcomas and survivorship

Q. Is there enough support staff for fellows in terms of prior authorizations, scheduling, patient calls?

• Yes. Fellows are not expected to work on prior authorizations, patient scheduling or routine patient calls, unless physician input is needed. However, attendings maintain oversight of all clinic-related tasks and fellows help as needed.

Q. How much autonomy do fellows have in patient care?

• As much as desired. Fellows' role is to be an avid learner, not to be a "workhorse" for faculty. Fellows are expected to discuss critical findings with attendings and communicate effectively with patients.

Q. How does program help you find research projects/mentors?

• All incoming fellows are set up with a faculty member on our Program Education Committee, who can help fellows identify areas of interest and potential mentors.

• Faculty research database with mentor names, types of research, project examples and accomplishments.

• Regular meetings with program leadership to help fellows solidify their research portfolio and offer guidance.

Q. University of Michigan House Officers are part of a House Officer's Association (HOA), what does this mean for me?

• All residents/fellows in ACGME accredited programs are in the HOA, with contract renegotiated every three years. Benefits tend to be more competitive than other institutions without house officer unions.

• HOA fees are $25/month, though this is far less than the benefits provided to us,

• Benefits include: cellphone stipend ($50/month), parental leave (6 weeks), gym membership and increased overall salary.

• Of note, Michigan is a right to work state which means you are not required to join the union as a condition of employment but by joining the union you are entitled to the benefits and representation of the union in work matters. (Read more about the union on the GME page and the Salary and Benefits page)