Contact: Terrance Lerash, Synergy Medical Education Alliance, (989) 583-6820; or Darrell S. Pressley, University Relations, (517) 355-2281, pressley@ur.msu.edu
11/10/2003
SAGINAW, Mich. � A new partnership agreement between Michigan State University and the Synergy Medical Education Alliance has resulted in the continuation of MSU�s medical student program for third- and fourth-year students next year in Saginaw.
The new agreement will allow MSU�s College of Human Medicine to provide its third- and fourth-year students the opportunity to train in a health care system focused on improving the health and well-being of patients who have limited access to medical services.
The medical student program, scheduled to begin in July 2004, will feature a new curriculum, �Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved.� In addition to meeting rigorous requirements for physician training, the curriculum centers on serving patients in rural and international settings.
�The new curriculum builds on the strengths of existing programs in Saginaw for international medicine and rural health,� said MSU Provost Lou Anna K. Simon. �Our ongoing partnership with Synergy will enhance the quality and value of health care to the Saginaw community, continue to make affordable health care accessible to residents and will advance the overall quality of life in the Saginaw Valley.�
Leaders from MSU, Synergy Medical and the Saginaw community joined in an official announcement of the new agreement today at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Officials worked for months to create a continuing partnership after concerns that the university�s budget constraints would not allow the program to move forward next year.
�MSU is excited to be able to continue a program that features highly committed and very accomplished students who have chosen to train in Saginaw and participate in leadership in medicine for the underserved,� said Glenn Davis, dean of the College of Human Medicine.
Because the college is a community-based medical school, its students complete their last two years of training in various communities. The MSU College of Human Medicine has affiliations in six Michigan communities, including Saginaw, Flint, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and the Upper Peninsula.
�Synergy Medical, along with St. Mary�s Regional Medical Center and the Covenant HealthCare System, is committed to providing health care to those with limited access to medical services,� said Terrance Lerash, CEO and chairman of the Synergy Board of Trustees. �We are excited to be able to continue to partner with MSU to train future physicians here in the Saginaw community.�
The new agreement maintains the 30-year partnership between the MSU College of Human Medicine and Saginaw hospitals and is an example of how universities and communities can work together, several Saginaw leaders said today.
�I applaud Michigan State University for the attention and concern that they gave to the student medical program in the city of Saginaw,� said state Sen. Michael Goschka. �Clearly, they run a top-notch program of which we are all proud. The fact that such a major university was willing to take the time to reconsider its position demonstrates the quality school and people that Michigan State University is all about.�
Said state Rep. James Howell, �It was heartening to see two great institutions come together to continue this program for the citizens of Saginaw County. I appreciate the cooperation between Synergy Medical Education Alliance and Michigan State University.�