Michigan State University President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., today, announced the One Team, One Health initiative, a bold and strategic vision for MSU Health Sciences that will harness the university’s educational, research and clinical assets, while bolstering stronger connections between MSU’s human, animal and environmental health programs as well as better prepare the next generation of providers.

The initiative, still in the planning stages, is the result of a seven-month assessment of the university’s health sciences structure conducted by the Health Sciences Council appointed by Guskiewicz in July 2024. 

“Michigan State is uniquely positioned to lead and shape the future of medical education and biomedical research through integration and collaboration,” said Guskiewicz. “One Team, One Health will catalyze new opportunities for students, faculty, researchers and staff in ways that will elevate our reputational excellence as a leading global public research university. Through the creation of forward-thinking medical education and research programs, we have an opportunity to address health care workforce shortages in both Michigan and the nation — and equip the next generation of providers to meet society’s unmet and evolving needs and provide the highest quality care.”

The Health Sciences Council was convened to guide and support the organization of MSU health entities, including curriculum, interprofessional education, clinical care, and biomedical and public health research. Work began in July 2024, and the council’s process included weekly meetings, retreats, a survey and a town hall webinar.

The council’s report offers several bold options for reimagining MSU’s health sciences strategy, positioning the university as a model for addressing complex health challenges and advancing health and wellness as one team.  

College of Medicine

This option envisions one MSU College of Medicine with two unique degree pathways. The initiative would unite the College of Human Medicine and College of Osteopathic Medicine under a shared structure while maintaining the identities and strengths of each medical degree. This new structure would continue MSU’s trajectory in attracting top-tier medical students and faculty while preparing the next generation of health care professionals.

The benefits of a combined college include a unified research agenda with the potential to grow MSU’s impact through joint administration, enhanced clinical research infrastructure, increased patient volume and new interdisciplinary opportunities. A combined school also presents opportunities for integrated curriculum development and collaborative clinical integration and care. And importantly, student experiences would be enhanced through shared services and clinical training.

“At MSU, we are embracing a bold new future — one where collaboration replaces competition, and silos give way to synergy,” said Joyce deJong, Health Sciences Council co-chair. “MSU is forging a stronger, more connected community. One Team, One Health isn’t just a slogan — it’s a commitment to working together across disciplines, accelerating innovation and transforming health care. By breaking down barriers, we will achieve more than we ever could alone, improving lives and advancing medicine in ways never before imagined."

College of Health Professions

One Team, One Health envisions the creation of a College of Health Professions, encompassing current health programs to better harness the power of collaboration and address current workforce needs. Students would be empowered with transformative, interdisciplinary education through pathways exploring diverse and impactful career opportunities in fields such as physical and occupational therapy and pharmacology, preparing them to excel in a global, dynamic health care landscape.

The creation of the college would also further strengthen MSU’s commitment to outreach and engagement by continuing critical work in improving the well-being and health outcomes of the communities served by the university. A College of Health Professions would advance MSU’s legacy of engagement, innovation and excellence in health professions education.

“Our work is focused on identifying challenges, assessing opportunities and developing strategic options that will strengthen integration across research, education and clinical care,” said Jeffrey MacKeigan, Health Sciences Council co-chair. “By engaging stakeholders across MSU, we are creating a roadmap to ensure that MSU is positioned to lead in health innovation, drive groundbreaking discoveries and improve health outcomes for communities in Michigan and beyond.”

Collaborative research

One Team, One Health provides an opportunity to create a unique interdisciplinary institute of collaborative biomedical research, bringing multiple campus units together with medical and industry partners. A more unified approach to medical education supports the creation of a critical mass of talented clinician scientists to enable high-impact research, attracting funding and increasing institutional reputation. 

The Health Sciences Council membership is comprised of:

• Joyce deJong (co-chair), dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Jeffrey MacKeigan (co-chair), senior advisor, Office of Research and Innovation
• Kris Allen, chief operating officer, MSU Health Care
• Christopher Contag, director, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering
• Kimberly Dodd, dean, College of Veterinary Medicine
• Walt Esselman, associate vice president of research, MSU Health Sciences
• Norm Hubbard, senior vice president for MSU Health Sciences and president, Henry Ford Health + MSU Health Sciences partnership
• Jerlando Jackson, dean, College of Education
• Jennifer Johnson, chair, Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health, and chief translational officer, Office of Health Sciences
• Steve Kalkanis, executive vice president, Henry Ford Health, and CEO, Henry Ford Hospital, and CEO, Henry Ford Medical Group
• Leigh Small, dean, College of Nursing
• Aron Sousa, executive dean for MSU Health Sciences and dean, College of Human Medicine
• Michael Weiner, chief medical officer, MSU Health Care

The possibilities included in the council’s report represent any and all reasonable options for meeting identified goals. Over the next weeks and months, MSU will engage stakeholders both internally and externally to ensure a comprehensive consideration of each potential option. Additional information, updates and future communications are available on the Health Sciences web page.