PhD Programs in Biomedical Science
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PIBS

An interdisciplinary gateway program with numerous possibilities to make your path flexible and adaptable.

 

Flexible Pathways

The Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) is designed to offer students maximum flexibility during the first year of graduate studies. PIBS students receive full funding and benefits and can immediately begin training in one program or take a course of study compatible with several programs while completing research rotations. You can rotate with any of our 500+ faculty that make up one of the largest and most vibrant research communities in the country. At the end of the PIBS year, you choose a permanent program and will continue to be funded through defense and graduation.

Our team of support staff, program directors and academic advisors will help you pursue a career path of your choosing. From initial course selection, to exploring certificates and dual degrees, and finding a postdoc, we’re here for you!

Points of Blue Read more Points of Blue Anita Valanju Shelgikar
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Anita Valanju Shelgikar, MD, MHPE: Training physicians of the future
Anita Valanju Shelgikar (she/her/hers), MD, MHPE, is a professor of neurology at the University of Michigan Medical School and the director of the sleep medicine fellowship at Michigan Medicine.
Dr. Paul Fine stands with four members of his hospital team.
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Paul Fine, MD: Healing through music and medicine
Paul Fine, MD, is a clinical associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. He earned his medical degree and completed his residency in internal medicine at Michigan Medicine. Here, he shares how he loves to help others, his passion for piano (make sure to check out his music!) and his advice for students.
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Jasmyne Jackson, MD, MBA: Connecting Innovation and Equity
Jasmyne Jackson, MD, MBA, is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow at Brown University and an Emergency Medicine Healthcare Leadership and Administration Fellow at Brown Emergency Medicine.
A photo of Kahli Zietlow
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Kahli Zietlow, MD: Building interprofessional teams
Kahli Zietlow, MD, is a clinical assistant professor of internal medicine who specializes in geriatric medicine. Originally from Michigan, she earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan before attending Duke University, where she earned her medical degree and completed her residency and fellowship. Dr. Zietlow returned to U-M in 2020 and is currently the interim director of Interprofessional Education (IPE) at UMMS and the associate program director of the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship. She is passionate about IPE, geriatric medicine and medical education. Read on to learn more about Dr. Zietlow, including her talent as a wildlife photographer!
A woman, Alli Ruff, holds a maize and blue sign that reads #ProudToBeGIM, General Internal Medicine
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Alli Ruff, MD, MHPE: Helping students succeed
Alli Ruff, MD, MHPE is a clinical associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. Originally from Florida, she came to Michigan after earning her MD from the University of Miami and completing an internal medicine residency at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Dr. Ruff loves working with learners at all levels and fills many roles around the medical school. Find out how she faces challenges as a physician and her most important advice for medical students.
Three people smiling for the camera
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Gabriela Leticia Maica: Breaking through language and cultural barriers
Gabriela Leticia Maica (she/her/ella), pictured far right above, comes from Staten Island, NY.