GVSU, MSU sign agreement to help students and underserved areas of medicine

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Grand Valley State University entered into an agreement today that provides a link between premedical students at Grand Valley and MSU's medical school.

The presidents of both universities finalized the Early Assurance Program for admission which will help both disadvantaged students and underserved areas of medicine.

The program provides an enhanced opportunity for admission to medical school to qualified premedical students who wish to practice in the underserved areas. Preference for admission will be given to students who are the first generation to attend college, students who graduated from a low-income high school, those eligible for Pell grants, or those who express interest in a high need medical specialty area.

"By developing students who meet these qualifications, Grand Valley serves not only those students, but the entire West Michigan health care community," said Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas. "We are pleased to further our partnership with MSU's College of Human Medicine and to launch a program that will enhance medical care for this region and beyond."

"MSU is committed to ensuring a continuous pipeline of well-qualified students from Grand Valley State University to the College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids," added Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon. "This is a continuation of our partnership between our institutions with a long-term vision for enhancing health care in our community, as many of these students will likely return to West Michigan to practice."

Grand Valley students interested in caring for underserved populations will complete a program of enriching clinical and service experiences as well as academic advising directed toward admission to MSU College of Human Medicine. The emphasis on care for the underserved is at the core of the College of Human Medicine's mission.

During their junior year, students who excel in the Grand Valley program may apply to the College of Human Medicine and be assured of admission by the MSU admissions committee, as long as the students maintain their academic performance. There will be five admissions slots available for this program. This is a three-year pilot program that will be reviewed annually by both universities.

For information contact: Mary Eilleen Lyon, GVSU's News and Information Services office, (616) 331-2221. Geri Kelley, MSU College of Human Medicine, (616) 350-7976.