Mary Clare Fischer
Contributing writer

Fischer previously promoted innovations in clinical care and tells patient stories on behalf of the Rogel Cancer Center while also managing external communications for Michigan Medicine’s surgery and urology departments and the Transplant Center. 
Mary Clare Fischer
young man in yellow shirt on left and on right same young man in mask and blue shirt
Health Lab
When donating blood is ‘the kindest thing you can do’
Blood transfusions were the only thing that helped Connor Burke cope with the fatigue of his chemotherapy. Now, amid a national blood shortage, he’s encouraging more people to donate blood
 woman in hospital gown going under scan machine in blue light
Health Lab
Side effects of radiation therapy reduced when computer optimizes treatment, study finds
A multi-center study found that breast cancer patients experienced less pain and skin irritation when a more complex form of treatment planning was used for radiation. 
News Release
Donate blood at the Big House during the largest blood drive at U-M — and save a life
After a year of pandemic pivoting, the largest single-day blood drive on the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus is returning to its signature location at Michigan Stadium.
 drawing in blue ink of organ carrier with yellow badge bottom right in blue text and yellow overlay
Health Lab
Transplants for alcohol-related liver inflammation surge during pandemic
The increased number of deceased donor liver transplants related to alcoholic hepatitis — up more than 50 percent over predicted numbers — was associated with rising alcohol sales.
 nurse and patient at mammogram machine scan close up
Health Lab
Starting mammograms at 40 would reduce disparities in deaths for Black women
Researchers determined that biennial screenings beginning at this age could reduce breast cancer deaths by 57%.
 woman in icu on left and running marathon on right with hands up high in joy wearing red
Health Lab
From the ICU to Ironwoman
A bowel obstruction landed Laurie Svoboda in the intensive care unit. Here are the eight things that helped her compete in an Ironman race less than four months later. 
 Surgery table under light yellow surgery badge
Health Lab
Of two common weight loss surgeries, one is safer but may be less effective
Long-term, sleeve gastrectomy carries less risk of death and complications than gastric bypass, but patients were more likely to need follow-up surgery.
 doctor in mask with clipboard reaching down to patients shoulder sitting with mask on
Health Lab
Study: Cancer centers provide superior end-of-life care to dual-eligible cancer patients
Low-income cancer patients who are older than 65 – and thus considered eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid – are more likely to receive higher-quality care near the end of their lives at  health systems that prioritize communication and
 Father and daughter sitting in office talking to doctor
Health Lab
Meet the team that’s changing cancer experiences for teenagers, young adults
Focused on addressing health disparities, the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program (AYA) at Michigan Medicine centers on more inclusive cancer care for this age group and dedicates its research to health equity for AYA cancer patients.
 lab notes rx money badge yellow
Health Lab
Private equity firms are buying more surgical facilities
The number of investments in surgical centers and practices by private equity firms increased every year in the past two decades.
 Three syringe needles with vaccines on blue background
Health Lab
Why do some people need a third dose of the COVID vaccine?
We know more now about how immunocompromised people — including organ transplant recipients, certain cancer patients and those on medications that severely suppress the immune system — respond to the COVID vaccine.
 doctor patient masks clinic lobby
Health Lab
For cancer care, patients’ relationship with their primary care providers prove crucial
Two studies highlight the important role of PCPs and their communication with patients at various stages of their cancer journeys.
 matches lit in childs hand
Health Lab
Six ways to prevent your child from playing with fire
And what to do if they’re already misusing candles, matches, lighters and more.
 Women in hat holding dog while on oxygen tube
Health Lab
Getting a shot at life
Although Karey Mushenski was reluctant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, she did so before her lung transplant. That decision may have saved her life.
 father drying off daughter on head with white towel with daughter wearing swim cap and goggles.
Health Lab
Keeping afloat during the pandemic
Swimming was how Kara Wolter found solace, especially after her bone cancer diagnosis and leg amputation. But COVID often took away her safe place and delayed her Swim Across America race. Here’s how she ultimately crossed the finish line.
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