Week in Review: Ghaferi sets UMMG on a transformative path; Physician makes an impact in Kenya — and more!

It’s Friday! This week at Headlines, the newsletter highlighted how faculty, staff and learners are making an impact both at home and across the globe.

For instance, readers heard from new U-M Medical Group Chief Clinical Officer Amir Ghaferi, M.D., M.S., who outlined his desire for a structural and technological transformation at Michigan Medicine. There was also a feature on Akbar Waljee, M.D., who is helping to establish Eastern Africa’s first-ever data science hub; and postdoc Isha Verma, Ph.D., explained what drew her to Ann Arbor after receiving most of her training in India.

For all that and more, here’s the Week in Review!

Ghaferi sets UMMG on a transformative path

Last year, Amir Ghaferi, M.D., M.S., took over as chief clinical officer for the U-M Medical Group. Since then, he has been focused on improving access through innovative technology and services, and increasing attention to preventive care and population health. Check out a full Q&A with Ghaferi, who shared his vision for the future.

Finding your roots: Project allows physician to bring his passions back home

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Akbar Waljee, M.D., knew at an early age that he wanted to be a doctor. But he also took a keen interest in computing. Now, those two careers have intersected, as the Michigan Medicine gastroenterologist is helping establish the first-ever data science hub in his home nation. Read Waljee’s remarkable story!

Points of Blue: Isha Verma, Ph.D., brings global perspective to Michigan Medicine

Through her studies in India, Isha Verma, Ph.D., fell in love with scientific research. Eventually, that interest grew more specific — to stem cells and how they impact disease progression. Wanting to pursue opportunities to further her stem cell training, coupled with a desire to work in a diverse environment, Verma was drawn to Michigan Medicine. Learn more about this rising scientific star.

Roses are red, violets are blue, send a valentine to a Little Victor or two!

Valentine’s Day is coming up fast — and you have a chance to make the day a little bit brighter for patients at Mott. Beginning this week, you can personalize and send free cards to Little Victors. And the best part? The cards can be brought to life with the help of augmented reality! Click here for details.

Last week, you were introduced to “The Spark,” an inspiring music video created by U-M students in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Those three students appeared on The Wrap employee podcast this week to describe how they got involved in the project, what went into writing the song, and how it’s been received by the U-M community.

Check it out via the YouTube video at the top of the page or media player below. Please note, the media player is not compatible with Internet Explorer, so open this story in a new browser or search for The Wrap on your personal device to take a listen.