Introducing the 2024-2025 AFP Jay Siwek Medical Editing Fellow: Dr. Michelle Nelson

Lilian White, MD
Posted on June 3, 2024

Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Nelson, MD, FAAFP, for being selected as this year’s medical editing fellow! Below are a few of the highlights of our interview.

1. Tell us a little about yourself. What was your journey into family medicine like?

I went to school with the goal to work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I was excited about finding cures for diseases, and I ended up in Boston working on the development team for Telaprevir, a hepatitis C treatment; however, I found that I wanted a closer connection to patients and to learn about their stories. This, combined with my undergraduate degree in Celtic studies, led me to attend medical school in Ireland. My interest in history dovetailed well with my interest in hearing people’s stories, leading me to pursue a career in family medicine.

When I came back to the United States for residency, I experienced some culture shock. In medical school, we were still using paper charts and paper to write prescriptions. Medication names were different. But overall, clinical and examination skills were similar to those in the United States. I completed my residency at Michigan State University/MyMichigan Medical Center Alma and stayed on as faculty. I am currently the associate program director and enjoy giving back to the community that helped train me.

2. How did you become interested in medical writing and editing?

After college, I earned a master’s degree in medical sciences. While I was working on my thesis, my advisor noted my knack for academic writing. I enjoyed researching articles to support my thesis and then sharing knowledge with others. I published several papers while working on our hepatitis C project. During my residency, I became more interested in research, specifically on evidence-based medicine that would have a broader effect on the community. I also conducted research on transitions of care and how to prevent readmissions to our hospital. Our team won second place in the Michigan State University Statewide Campus System research contest. A year later, we received first place in that statewide competition for our research in identifying and reducing postpartum hemorrhage rates in our community. I enjoy the idea of writing as a way to contribute to the medical field for generations to come.

3. What excited or interested you to apply for the fellowship position? What are you hoping to learn or do with your additional skills after the fellowship?

I’m interested in learning how to appraise articles and more about what makes an article a high-quality, worthwhile contribution. I’m looking forward to bringing the skills I learn into my training of resident physicians and perhaps spark their interest in research, editing, and writing!

4. What's something you're currently learning or passionate about?

I’m currently focusing on a quality improvement project for inclusivity in wellness examinations. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a big focus topic for our residency program. Eneka Lamb, a third-year medical student, and I created handouts with organ-based language (e.g., “uterus-owner” rather than “female”). I enjoy working with students on these projects because it allows both of us to learn and keeps me on my toes! Students ask valid questions and push you to consider how evidencebased your recommendations really are.

5. Is there anything else you'd like AFP readers to know about you?

1. I recently became certified in professional coding (i.e., billing and coding for medical appointments). I think it’s essential to ensure that we, as family physicians, are being appropriately compensated for the valuable work we’re doing. I’m board certified by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and have enjoyed learning how to make more tasty, whole food, plant-based recipes. I am married, and my dog, a Doberman, kindly volunteered for POCUS training. I am a first-generation physician and couldn’t have gotten this far without my family and supportive community. I’ve already appreciated how welcomed I’ve been to the AFP community and look forward to the year ahead!
   

Michelle Nelson, MD, FAAFP, can be reached at michelle.nelson@mymichigan.org.