Morgan Granzow: Healthcare Collaboration Featured

A collaboration between U‑M medical student Courtney Burns and Stamps student Morgan Granzow (BFA ​’25) is featured in a new Michigan Medicine article. Burns’ project, completed through the RISE Innovator Development Program (IDP), focuses on using community-engaged art to help healthcare professionals address the emotional toll and traumatic stress of practicing medicine.

A key aspect of Burns’ project is collaboration with Morgan Granzow, a talented medical and scientific artist from the Stamps School of Art & Design. This partnership has brought Burns’ vision to life in the form of a deeply meaningful art piece designed to engage healthcare workers on an emotional level.

The standout piece is a painting created by Granzow — a first aid kit symbolizing the need for mental health support in healthcare settings. Drawing from Burns’ qualitative study interviews, the artwork incorporates messages of empathy and solidarity, such as ​“I’ve been there too,” ​“You are a good doctor,” and ​“Your feelings are valid.” Burns hopes that the painting will provide a source of encouragement and affirmation for healthcare professionals, counteracting the stigma often surrounding the discussion of mental health.

Bridging Art and Medicine: Courtney Burns’ Transformative RISE Journey | Michigan Medicine