EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine takes a major step in its expansion into Southeast Michigan on June 30 with the first day of classes for students at its Macomb County and downtown Detroit sites.
In a move that will improve medical education in the state and address a projected physician shortage, the college’s entering class will increase to 300, with 50 new students at each of the sites: the Macomb University Center in Clinton Township and the Detroit Medical Center in downtown Detroit.
Besides classes beginning June 30, there will be a reception at both sites at 5:30 p.m. June 29 with students, faculty and staff. A student orientation will be held earlier in the day at the DMC, which will host the first class — anatomy — for students from both sites. Media are welcome.
“Helping to prepare the next generation of doctors in southeastern Michigan has many benefits,” said William D. Strampel, dean of the college. “In Macomb County, we will be located at a state-of-the-art educational institution situated among a high concentration of osteopathic physicians and partner hospitals. At the DMC, in Wayne County, we will be teaching our students in an environment that will help them to learn how to meet the needs of an urban population.”
Plans for the expansion have been in the works for several years; sites were approved by the MSU Board of Trustees in May 2007, and the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation approved the expansion in September 2008.
“With a shortage of doctors on the horizon in Michigan, it is urgent MSU increase enrollment in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is recognized as among the very best in the country for primary care education,” MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said. “By expanding to two sites in Southeast Michigan, we can significantly enhance the college’s mission while simultaneously serving the area of the state with the greatest population and some of the greatest need.”
In Macomb County, students will study at a new building at the Macomb University Center to be completed in early 2010; for now they are working in space leased from the center.
“We are truly delighted that classes are beginning after many months of planning and preparation,” said Kari Hortos, acting associate dean for the site. “Our site is very fortunate to be located right in the heart of community-based medicine with seven major osteopathic teaching hospitals within 20 miles of the campus.
“There has been overwhelming support from Macomb county area physicians, other health professionals and the community.”
In Detroit, students will study at a renovated Detroit Medical Center building off St. Antoine Street downtown.
“Not only is the state facing extremely difficult financial times, we are also facing a shortage of health care workers,” said Gary Willyerd, acting associate dean at the Detroit site. “The expansion at the Detroit Medical Center provides an opportunity to train additional students, not only from Michigan but also from other areas.
“Since most physicians choose to practice in the area where they train, this expansion is an important strategy for providing Michigan with the physicians that will be needed in the near future.”
For more information on the college, visit http://www.com.msu.edu/.
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