College of Medicine launches new affiliation

Central Michigan University’s (CMU) College of Medicine isexpanding its footprint into southwest Michigan through a new affiliation withSpectrum Health Lakeland.

College of Medicine students now will be able to completetheir clinical rotations at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph and LakelandHospital Niles, along with other surrounding facilities. Last year, CMU medicalstudents began taking part in family medicine rotations at Lakeland.

“The addition of Spectrum Health Lakeland as an affiliate ofthe College of Medicine allows us another opportunity to train students inMichigan, with a focus on rural and underserved communities,” said Dr. SteveVance, CMU associate dean of clinical education.

Twenty-four CMU medical students eventually will be based atSpectrum Health Lakeland for the third and fourth years of their training. Theywill be exposed to high-quality care and have the opportunity to learnalongside residents in internal medicine, family medicine and emergencymedicine, Vance said.

Southwest and central Michigan face many of the same healthcare challenges, such as poor access to and a shortage of physicians, he said.

“Lakeland adds a wealth of clinical, teaching and researchopportunities,” Vance said. “The alignment of our missions provides afoundation for a long-standing, mutually beneficial partnership.”

Dr. Michelino Mancini, chief academic officer for SpectrumHealth Lakeland said, “Over the past few years, the graduate medical educationdepartment at Spectrum Health Lakeland has focused diligently on trainingfuture physicians in our community through program growth and strategicpartnerships.”

“We are confident that our affiliation with Central MichiganUniversity will help further align similar cultures with a shared focus oncaring for our communities and educating future leaders in health care,” he continued.

“Working together, we will supply a pipeline of top-quality providers for the region, research support, faculty development and continuing medical education opportunities,” said Dr. George Kikano, dean of CMU’s College of Medicine.

Source: CMU