Michael Contarino

Michael Contarino, MD is a Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine, where he serves as Program Director for the Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program within the Department of Medicine's Division of Hospital Medicine. His academic career spans multiple disciplines with significant contributions to both clinical practice and medical education.

Dr. Contarino completed his undergraduate studies at Duke University, earned his MD from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and completed his residency training at the same institution. This educational trajectory has provided him with deep institutional knowledge and clinical expertise that informs his current academic roles.

His research interests span a remarkably diverse range of medical disciplines, with significant work in neurology (particularly movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and dystonia), microbiome research as it relates to neurological conditions, medical education methodology, preventive cardiology, and healthcare communication. His publication record demonstrates a unique interdisciplinary approach that bridges clinical neurology with innovative treatment modalities like deep brain stimulation and fecal microbiota transplantation.

As Program Director for the Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Residency Program, Dr. Contarino plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of physicians through innovative scheduling approaches like the X+Y model and addressing fundamental questions about medical training efficacy. His work on licensing examination scores and fellowship selection reflects his commitment to evidence-based approaches in medical education.

Dr. Contarino's collaborative research extends across multiple institutions and international boundaries, as evidenced by his numerous multi-institutional publications. His work often involves complex interdisciplinary teams addressing challenging clinical questions at the intersection of neurology, gastroenterology, and medical education.