University of Michigan Denies Dr. Bradley Foerster’s FOIA Request and Appeal for 2018 Peer Review Decision (January 2026)
On January 5, 2026, Dr. Bradley Foerster submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the University of Michigan seeking the written decision and basis for a 2018 peer review evaluation conducted by University psychiatrist Dr. Kirk Brower.
On January 13, 2026, the University denied the FOIA request, citing exemptions under Section 13(1)(d) and Section 13(1)(h) of the Michigan FOIA, asserting that the requested record is protected by statutory and peer review privilege.
On January 13, 2026, Dr. Foerster filed a formal appeal of that denial, asserting that federal law, including the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986, requires that a physician subject to peer review receive a written decision and a statement of the basis for that decision.
On January 27, 2026, the University of Michigan President’s Office, through Chief of Staff Steve Yaros, denied the appeal, upholding the original determination.
Significance: The administrative record reflects the University of Michigan’s position that the peer review decision and its underlying basis are not subject to disclosure under state law.
.png "FOIA denial from the University of Michigan refusing release of Dr. Bradley Foerster’s 2018 peer review decision under statutory and peer review exemptions (January 13, 2026)")
%20Peer%20Review%20Evaluation%20by%20University%20of%20Michigan%20Psychiatrist%20Dr.%20Kirk%20Brower%20(dragged).png "FOIA appeal submitted by Dr. Bradley Foerster seeking the written peer review decision and its basis following University of Michigan denial (January 13, 2026) page 1")
%20Peer%20Review%20Evaluation%20by%20University%20of%20Michigan%20Psychiatrist%20Dr.%20Kirk%20Brower%20(dragged)%202.png "FOIA appeal submitted by Dr. Bradley Foerster seeking the written peer review decision and its basis following University of Michigan denial (January 13, 2026) page 2")
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Brad Foerster, MD PhD
Brad Foerster is a FOIA advocate documenting requests, transparency disputes, and accountability investigations involving public agencies, universities, police oversight, and Russia-Gate related inquiries. His work compiles original documents, timelines, and analysis of public records and institutional responses. Brad is also a board-certified radiologist, author of Town & Gown, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Brad lives in Potomac, Maryland with his family and is active in the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.