Meredith E. Adams, M.D., has always had a curiosity for how things work. During high school, she became captivated by cellular biology and neuroscience. “I love to learn about any topic in great depth.”
Dr. Adams' two older brothers graduated from medical school here at U-M. Through them, she realized there was great joy to be found in serving other people. “I enjoy collaborating to solve problems, but I especially enjoy teaching others what I have learned.”
With encouragement from her family and teachers, Dr. Adams considered a career in medicine. She enrolled in U-M’s eight-year Inteflex program, which integrated pre-medical and medical curriculum. “I received an outstanding medical education at Michigan. I had rich opportunities to interact and engage with experts, many of whom continue to be my mentors even though I have gone on to specialize in a field other than their own.”
In her early years of medical school, Dr. Adams was looking for a summer research position when
a resident in otolaryngology suggested a contact with a track record for student research mentorship. “That contact turned out to be Dr. Carol Bradford.” Dr. Adams went on to work with Dr. Bradford for the duration of medical school. “Dr. Bradford was a great role model; she balanced surgical practice with scientific investigation. She had an immense impact on my decision to go into otolaryngology.”
Dr. Adams continued to build upon her academic career, accepting an otolaryngology residency here at U-M. “No other program I visited came close. Michigan offered comprehensive clinical training and research mentorship and had no shortage of strong female surgeons to serve as role models.”
Dr. Adams also completed her neurotology fellowship here at U-M. She attributes her specialty decision to the clinical mentorship of Drs. Telian, Arts and El-Kashlan. “I observed that they had outstanding outcomes in skull base and otologic surgery, and I wanted to keep learning from them. The neurotology program is exceptionally well-balanced. My years as a fellow were among my most enjoyable at Michigan. It felt as though the whole care team were committed to my education.”
Following fellowship, Dr. Adams accepted a faculty position at the University of Minnesota, where she has an active clinical practice and teaches within the university’s otolaryngology residency and neurotology fellowship programs. This year, she will complete her masters in clinical research at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. “The knowledge I have gained allows me to study vestibular diagnostics and treatment from a health services and epidemiologic perspective.” The highlight of Dr. Adams' career thus far is the thorough joy she feels in performing ear and skull base surgery. “It still amazes me that I get to work in such a fascinating field.”
In her spare time, Dr. Adams enjoys skiing and kayaking, as well as canoeing in the Minnesota lakes.