Aquinas College has announced an agreement with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine that will provide an enhanced opportunity for Aquinas’ premedical students to attend medical school.

On October 25, MSU College of Human Medicine Dean Marsha D. Rappley, M.D., welcomed Aquinas President Ed Balog, Ph.D., along with James E. Bultman, Ph.D., President of Hope College; and Gaylen J. Byker, Ph.D., President of Calvin College, to finalize the Early Assurance Program for admissions.

Preference for the Early Assurance Program will be given to deserving students and students interested in caring for underserved populations from the three institutions.

"Our medical school is looking forward to increasing the number of students from West Michigan’s leading private institutions," said Marsha D. Rappley, M.D., dean, MSU College of Human Medicine. "The students from these mission-oriented colleges share our core values. They bring the rigor of a superb liberal arts and science education along with a passion for serving others that is needed in the physicians of our future."

For the 2010 entering class, the College of Human Medicine received more than 5,900 applicants for 200 seats available for first-year students. With today’s announcement, up to eight admission slots per year will be reserved for Aquinas, Calvin and Hope College students.

MSU currently has 27 students from Aquinas, Calvin and Hope Colleges in its four-year program, averaging seven new students per year from the West Michigan colleges. The intent of the Early Assurance Program is to significantly increase this number, giving more West Michigan students the opportunity to pursue their medical education at MSU.

Candidates for the Early Assurance Program will complete a program of enriching clinical and service experiences, as well as academic advising directed toward admission to MSU College of Human Medicine. During their junior year, students who excel in their premedical program may apply to the College of Human Medicine and selected students will be assured of admission and begin a relationship with MSU College of Human Medicine during their senior year of college.

MSU College of Human Medicine's partnership with the private colleges is part of a growing network of collaborations MSU has established with statewide institutions with a long-term vision for enhancing health care throughout Michigan.