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
Doctor looking at x-ray in white lab coat, blue in background
Health Lab
Artificial intelligence helps physicians better assess the effectiveness of bladder cancer treatment
Artificial intelligence helped physicians more accurately assess whether a patient responded to bladder cancer treatment.
 Surgeons wearing masks, gowns and glasses, light in background
Health Lab
Surgeon organizes medical supply drive for Ukrainian hospitals
When Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, University of Michigan Health plastic surgeon David Brown and several other doctors organized a medical supply drive for Ukrainian hospitals.
 rectal cancer photo cards elicitation
Health Lab
What it’s like to have lived through rectal cancer
Six people share their diverse experiences and emotions along with photos that illustrate their cancer journeys.
 man in hospital bed and man with wife in wheelchair
Health Lab
Meet the man who spent 75 days in the hospital with COVID-19
Andrew Ackerman was the first COVID-19 patient to be treated with an experimental filter that reduced his inflammation, helping to save his life.
 Multi color of microscopic Cancer cells
Health Lab
Melanoma referral centers worldwide adopt systemic therapies, reduce lymph node removal surgeries
Providers quickly integrated systemic medications to treat high-risk melanoma into their care after clinical trial results showed their efficacy while simultaneously forgoing lymph node removal surgeries.
 surgery table
Health Lab
More than one surgery is common for hernia patients
Repaired hernias redeveloped more than 15% of the time in older Americans.
 Women in hospital room with masks on. Man near pond holding a fish.
Health Lab
Man gets new kidney thanks to six-state transplant chain
Jason Gentry needed a kidney. Lisa Clouse wanted to give him hers. When the two weren’t a match, a paired kidney exchange across 6 states ensured Gentry — and 5 others — got the organs they needed.
 Baby onesie surrounded by smores, marshmellows and chocolate, reading adding smore love to our family baby Lail
Health Lab
20 years after vasectomy, reversal helps parents conceive
Nearly two decades later, Joseph Lail and his second wife are starting the family they always dreamed of.
 blue sleep mask eyelashes
Health Lab
How to cope with sleep issues after cancer treatment
An oncology physician gives 5 ideas to try.
 two people bumping elbows in masks in holiday sweaters red and navy
Health Lab
How to navigate the holidays if you’re immunocompromised
It’s another holiday season during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with new variants circulating, tips on how to safely navigate the holidays if you’re immunocompromised are crucial.
News Release
$30M gift to establish the Ronald Weiser Center for prostate cancer at Michigan Medicine
University of Michigan Regent Ron Weiser(link is external) has committed $30 million to Michigan Medicine to establish an innovative, patient-focused program in prostate cancer.
 Woman sitting at desk with doctor on zoom
Health Lab
What is lymphedema?
What is lymphedema, what causes it and how can it be treated? Michigan Medicine lymphedema experts explain the condition and what treatments are available.
 Couple sitting at table with wine, garden in background, woman with arm around man.
Health Lab
Finding your new groove
How to overcome sexual challenges after cancer.
Health Lab
The drive to find a bone marrow donor
Ryder Washington needs a bone marrow transplant. But the five-year-old, like many other African-Americans, doesn’t have any matches in the national bone marrow registry. His parents are out to change that.
 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
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