Michigan State University (MSU) has signed an agreement with Henry Ford Health System to improve care options for families experiencing dire medical situations and to eliminate health outcome disparities.
This partnership between a prestigious national university and an influential healthcare provider seeks to coordinate in areas as diverse and wide-ranging as scientific research, professional development, advancing cancer treatment, expanding diversity among healthcare providers, and increasing healthcare access in Michigan’s underserved communities.
“Our two institutions have a shared commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which means addressing and eliminating historic inequities in health care across our state,” said Henry Ford Health System President and CEO Wright L. Lassiter. “If we bring additional focus to traditionally marginalized communities, we believe that will lead to improved clinical outcomes for all.”
Closer Look
With the potential synergy latent in two such established institutions, diversity, equity, and inclusion may be steps closer to becoming a reality in the state.
The partnership’s objectives include providing cutting edge medical research, addressing the low level of diversity among the next generation of health care professionals, and providing greater health care access to those — especially rural and inner-city residents — formerly shut out of quality health care services.
With such backing, the recruitment and retention of the best talent needed to accomplish these goals can be better ensured.
“Moving the dial on society’s most intractable health challenges requires the broadest of expertise, the education of whom is the purpose for a land grant institution like MSU. The scale of Henry Ford Health System provides innumerable venues for collaboration and innovation,” said Michigan State University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D.
Government officials also expressed their excitement over the project. US Senator Debbie Stabenow said, “Both institutions are at the forefront of cutting-edge medical research, education and patient care. I am confident that this partnership will mean even greater innovation and access to quality health care for Michigan residents.”