Michigan Cares

In his five years at the University of Michigan, Michael Armstrong, M.D., a former resident in the Department of Pediatrics and now a fellow in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, has learned not just from faculty advisors and mentors, but also from his patients and their families.

“U-M is a rich environment for learning from advisors and colleagues—you are constantly in the forefront of new ideas and new technology,” says Armstrong.

Armstrong says his patients inspire him, and he often learns from their positive example.

“Kids don’t let their diagnosis interfere with their lives or get them down,” says Armstrong. “Two of my patients, after having bone marrow transplants, fought back to play high school varsity sports.”

Other sources of inspiration for Armstrong have been his U-M mentors: Valerie Castle, M.D., chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and the Ravitz Foundation Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, and Laurence Boxer, M.D., director and Henry and Mala Dorfman Professor of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

Armstrong works in Dr. Castle’s laboratory studying the effects of chemotherapy on neuroblastoma. With Castle’s direction, he runs the day-to-day lab operations, and works to develop the managerial skills necessary to run an efficient lab, including designing effective experiments and writing grant proposals.

“Dr. Castle is an outstanding clinician-scientist,” says Armstrong. “She was instrumental in bringing me back to the research mode, and is helpful not just with her lab and being a great physician, but she also gives great career advice.”

U-M Provides Exceptional Fellowship Training

“The residency and fellowship programs at U-M give you a very well-rounded training,” says Armstrong. “We are exposed to many differentpatients, and given the freedom to explore both the clinical side and research side. The experience goes very deep—it is very hands-on.”

Armstrong also says the learning environment at U-M is challenging and stimulating.

“At U-M physicians are not trying to outdo each other; the atmosphere is built on the principle of teamwork. Other labs are helping each other to be more efficient—we are all working toward the same goal.”

For Armstrong and his colleagues that means investigating and fighting for current and future cancer patients on Mott’s hematology/oncology inpatient unit.