MERC is a consortium of two hospitals, Spectrum Health and Saint Mary's, and two universities, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and Grand Valley State University. It coordinates education and research activities for students and for nearly 300 doctors taking residency programs in their specialties. Given the development of Michigan State's new medical campus in Grand Rapids, MERC will be in a critical position to assist and collaborate with the partners in bringing this venture to reality.
In addition to serving as the interim President and CEO, Kindschi will also be appointed as the interim Vice Provost for Health at Grand Valley State University. These positions were previously held by Kent Bottles who is leaving the Medical Education and Research Center for a position at Spectrum Health.
Kindschi noted that the greater Grand Rapids community is entering an exciting new phase in its commitment to life science research and education. He said the development of the medical school program in Grand Rapids along with the major new developments at the hospitals and the Van Andel Institute will bring significant expertise and talent to our region.
"Grand Valley will be a partner in these developments and I am pleased to assist all of the member institutions of the Medical Education and Research Center in the agenda for education and research cooperation," said Kindschi.
