DETROIT — Leaders from two public universities today signed a partnership agreement that provides Grand Valley State University premedical students enhanced opportunities for admission to Wayne State University School of Medicine.
The Early Assurance Program was introduced by leaders from Grand Valley and Wayne State's School of Medicine at the GVSU Detroit Center, during a Grand Valley Board of Trustees meeting.
Jean Nagelkerk, vice provost for health at GVSU, said the program reserves up to five medical school spots for qualified Grand Valley students who are interested in practicing medicine. Recruitment will begin this spring for students who would be admitted to medical school in 2018.
Richard S. Baker, M.D., vice dean for medical education and professor of ophthalmology at WSU, said the program also acts as a recruitment initiative that supports groups that are underrepresented in medicine, including students from underserved high schools or those who are first-generation college students.
“Our partnership with Grand Valley is an important step toward our commitment to recruiting the best and brightest students from throughout the state of Michigan whose career goals align with our mission as a nationally recognized top-tier medical school known for urban clinical excellence," Baker said.
Nagelkerk said the program will provide enhanced opportunities for students who are interested in practicing in underserved areas or who are dedicated to careers in medicine.
An added benefit of the program, Nagelkerk added, is students will not have to submit multiple applications to medical schools, which affords them an opportunity to concentrate on broadening their knowledge base and skill set while engaging in high-impact learning experiences.
About Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University attracts more than 25,000 students with high-quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is a comprehensive university serving students from all 83 Michigan counties and dozens of other states and foreign countries. Grand Valley offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 200+ areas of study from campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids and Holland, and from regional centers in Detroit, Muskegon, and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships.
About Wayne State University
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering nearly 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 27,000 students. Founded in 1868, the Wayne State University School of Medicine educates more than 1,000 medical students annually in Midtown Detroit. In addition to undergraduate medical education, the school offers master’s degree, Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. programs in 14 areas of basic science to about 400 students annually. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @waynemedicine | Facebook/WayneStateMedSchool.
Media note: photos from the signing are available.