Why Michigan

As a fellow in the University of Michigan Cancer Rehabilitation program, you will gain a world-class education. You will learn cutting-edge, evidenced-based interventions to improve the lives of people with a history of cancer.

But it’s important to also stay balanced and happy – which is why the fellowship’s faculty members are committed to your wellness. It’s not enough just to teach you cancer rehabilitation. We want to help you develop your career so that you can achieve your goals while maintaining a good work-life balance.

Ann Arbor and the state of Michigan also have wonderful opportunities for recreation and great places to eat and drink. The state is full of beautiful spots to explore and find adventure:

In addition to mentoring you about program development and career goal-setting, we check-in regularly to make sure that you are thriving and able to meet the challenges that comes as a physician as you transition out of training.

Ann Arbor is a bustling city with no shortage of places to eat and drink. There are multiple options for every type of food you can imagine, from restaurants managed by celebrity chefs, a world-famous deli, beer gardens, brew pubs, speakeasies, and everything in between. As a state, Michigan is known as a melting pot of different cultures, and its diverse food options are well represented in Ann Arbor. Michigan is also the best state in the country for craft beer, which is a fact and 100% not up for debate.

Detroit, which has one of the best food scenes on the planet, is just a short drive away and has lots to discover: fine dining, pop-up restaurants, a world famous art museum, sporting events, large music venues, and places to visit rich in culture and history.

Numerous festivals are scheduled in Ann Arbor throughout the year, including the Ann Arbor Art Fair, Summer Fest, African American Downtown Festival, Taste of Ann Arbor, Huron River Days, DIYPsi, and more. For more information on city events, see the Ann Arbor city visitor's guide. 

Ann Arbor also draws big ticket performers to the Ann Arbor Folk Festival – past artists include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Brandi Carlisle, Nathaniel Rateliff and more – and Top of the Park, which features free outdoor concerts in the summer and ticketed indoor concerts with famous international artists.

Michigan is also home to one of the most storied college football teams in history, and the largest stadium in America. The men’s and women’s basketball teams are also consistently competitive and fun to watch, and softball and gymnastics teams have won national championships. Want to play sports? No problem. There are ample opportunities for rec leagues (you can even join one of the PM&R department’s teams, but no promises on how good we will be…)

Ann Arbor itself has over 100 municipal parks and no shortage of cycling trails to explore. It also features the Argo Cascades and other spots to swim or paddle.

Outside of the city, the Great Lakes offer beautiful beaches just a short drive away. You won’t be able to explore all the state has to offer in just one year, but try to at least check out Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the upper peninsula, or the vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula while you are here.

Michigan offers the perfect escapes during winter time. It’s easy to find a good cozy cabin, ski resort, snowshoeing trail, or peaceful hike in one of the state’s “dark parks.” You can often see the northern lights during winter.

Approximately four hours north of Ann Arbor is Harbor Springs, MI(link is external), which makes a perfect weekend ski/snowboard trip.  In the fall, experience the vibrant autumn colors and take a walk along Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes(link is external) in Traverse City, Michigan.  Head west to Grand Rapids(link is external) to experience this upbeat, lively downtown area just minutes from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.  In the summertime, spend a day on one of the hundreds of inland lakes. Explore Michigan.

Got kids? Ann Arbor is a great place to raise children and offers endless opportunities for fun and enriching activities. The Ann Arbor Public Library system offers countless events for families, or check out the Hands on Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and many other places that will engage kids in a meaningful and memorable way. Ann Arbor public schools are among the best in the nation, and there is no shortage in early childhood education centers that follow evidence-based, child-focused learning paradigms.