The MSU College of Human Medicine could make a move to the West side of the state, but all conversations about the possible relocation are in the preliminary stages, officials say.
"We always have to be talking to people on how we might serve the state better," MSU spokesman Terry Denbow said.
Denbow said medical officials from MSU and Grand Rapids are talking about the possibility of the medical school's relocation.
"At this point, all we're willing to say is we're having ongoing discussions to improve our relationship with Michigan State," said Bruce Rossman, spokesman for the Grand Rapids-based health care system Spectrum.
"We're not pushing one way or the other. We are in discussions with Michigan State, but that's nothing new. We have a long-standing relationship with them here in Grand Rapids."
Many MSU medical students participate in residence programs in Grand Rapids, and Rossman said the students' services are highly regarded.
"The benefit to us is these residents provide high-quality medical care at an affordable cost," he said. "A lot of these students also help clinics for the underserved in our community. They have distinguished themselves over the years."
But a relocation might not mean the entire school will move to the other side of the state, Denbow said.
"Even the term 'moving' needs to be defined," Denbow said. "The talks have all been about possibilities, collaboration, challenges, efficiencies and effectiveness in the areas of medical education, medical research, health care delivery and outreach."
According to its Web site, the College of Human Medicine has six Michigan clinical campuses; Flint, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Saginaw and the Upper Peninsula. Medical students have the opportunity to work in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices and other health care venues in the area of the particular campus.
Lansing's Sparrow Hospital maintains a strong partnership with the school, and spokeswoman Lorri Rishar said the possible move could hurt Sparrow.
"We hope the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine remains in Lansing for the benefit of the people in our community, but we are not familiar with all of the complex issues facing MSU," she said.
Ingham Regional Medical Center spokespeople declined to comment until they had further information.
But the switch wouldn't change pre-medical sophomore Jaimi Stapf's decision to attend MSU's medical school.
"I would probably still go there if I was accepted," she said. "It would change the atmosphere. It wouldn't be like being in East Lansing, but you would still get the same education."
Denbow said the possible move wouldn't harm relationships or partnerships with local health care providers.
"Our health presence and our health care delivery in Mid-Michigan will not change," Denbow said.
"This would not be about ending relationships, it would be about forming them.
"We won't do anything that isn't in the win-win category."
