Mission & History

MFit is dedicated to educating, motivating, and empowering individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices that improve overall quality of life.

The history of the MFit Health Promotion Division of the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) began in 1989 with the formation of a committee to develop a proposal for an employee wellness program for University of Michigan Hospital and Health Center employees. After conducting a thorough needs assessment of employees, the committee proposed a wellness program to meet those needs. The proposal was accepted and rolled out to all health system employees under the slogan, “Let’s get M Fit!” The MFit name was born!

In 1992, the MFit employee wellness program became the MFit Health Promotion Division and was expanded to serve not only UMHS employees, but also corporations and the Ann Arbor community. The breadth of MFit services grew to include a broad range of wellness programs: nutrition and fitness programs, fitness center management, health fairs, health screenings, and flu shots. Since that time, MFit has achieved many milestones:

In 1994 the UMHS MFit Health Education Resource Center (HERC) located at the East Ann Arbor Health Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan was opened. This center offers free library privileges to UMHS patients, UMHS staff, and M-CARE members.

In 1996, MFit opened its first medically-based fitness center at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube. This fitness center assists individuals with special needs or health concerns, and provides customized exercise programs for children, adults, and athletes.

In 1997 the MFit Healthy Dining logo began appearing next to healthy menu choices in area restaurants.

In 1997 MWorks Occupational Health Services was established and MFit became a part of this occupational health and disability management group to provide health promotion services to employers in Michigan in a broader and more integrated way.

Also in 1997, MFit began working with the newly created UMHS Community Health Services (CHS) to promote healthy communities.

1998, the UMHS Tobacco Consultation Service (TCS), a service of MFit, was established to create a smoke-free environment at UMHS. It is dedicated to assist individuals who wish to be free from tobacco addiction.

MFit continues to expand its outreach and services to improve the health and well-being of UMHS employees, community members, corporations and patients at UMHS. Recent new programs include; Fit-Script, a medically-based exercise program for people with special needs; a new Weight Management program; and Personal Training Services.

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Staff Credentials

At MFit, our people are our greatest asset. When you participate in an MFit program, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of highly educated and experienced health professionals.

MFit program staff are required, at a minimum, to have a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field such as exercise physiology, exercise science, nutrition, health education, or nursing. All program staff are certified in CPR, and many have advanced degrees in health disciplines or hold additional health and fitness certifications.

As the Health Promotion Division of the University of Michigan Health System, MFit's ability to recruit and retain top-notch health professionals is greatly enhanced. This means that you can count on an MFit health professional to have the knowledge, education and experience necessary to guide you where it counts most in achieving your personal health goals.

Fitness Staff Credentials

MFit’s fitness staff are required, at a minimum, to have a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, exercise science, adult fitness, health education, or another health related specialization. All MFit staff are CPR and AED certified, and many have advanced degrees in health disciplines or hold additional health and fitness certifications. Required and monitored continuing education is mandated to maintain certification status.

MFit health and fitness professionals have strong interpersonal communication skills, a thorough knowledge of health education and exercise physiology, in addition to sport specific training skills, and intense motivation and enthusiasm.

MFit staff will guide you in achieving your fitness goals.

Nutrition Staff Credentials

MFit’s registered dietitians have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, human nutrition, or an other related field. In addition to a college degree, supervised field experience is required and a rigorous examination must be passed before one is eligible to become a registered dietitian. Required and monitored continuing education is mandated to maintain the status of registered dietitian. Several of MFit’s registered dietitians have advanced degrees and contribute additional experience and expertise.

MFit’s culinary staff have a minimum of an undergraduate degree and extensive experience working with culinary notables, writing cookbooks, presenting culinary classes and workshops, developing recipes, and membership in the International Association of Culinary Professionals. The culinary staff are co-authors of two cookbooks, High Fit - Low Fat and High Fit - Low Fat Vegetarian.

Tobacco Consultation Service Staff Credentials

Tobacco Consultation Service staff have masters level degrees in nursing, health education, or psychology.

Alcohol Moderation Staff Credentials

Each Alcohol Moderation staff member has a master’s degree in either social work, nursing, or health education and has had extensive training and experience in alcohol education.

Health Behavior and Health Education Staff Credentials

MFit health educators have a master's degree in either health education, social work, or nursing. In addition to a college degree, a supervised field experience is required. Many of our staff hold additional health certifications that can assist consumers in making informed decisions about their health.

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Join the MFit Team

If you have an interest in public health, fitness, or nutrition, MFit may have a place for you. In addition to occasional job openings, MFit often has opportunities for interns. Check this page for a list of current openings at MFit. To apply for any of these positions, you must submit your application through the University of Michigan Employment Office.

As part of the University of Michigan Health System, MFit offers excellent benefits and the opportunity to be part of one of Michigan’s finest health care systems. MFit is an equal opportunity employer.

MFit also has internship possibilities for currently enrolled college students. Prospective interns click here to apply.

MFit Culture

At MFit we are passionate about helping others. We care deeply about the people we serve. MFit staff are enthusiastic, creative professionals. Teamwork and programs based on proven health practices, delivered in a createive way are key to MFit’s success.

MFit maintains a small-company, entrepreneurial spirit within the secure and established environment of a large health system. We have the ability to draw on the vast resources and expertise of the University of Michigan Health System, while remaining flexible and innovative.

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