Detroit Mercy joins MSU’s Early Assurance Program

Detroit Mercy joins MSU’s Early Assurance Program

Signing of the new agreement with Michigan State University (MSU) College of Human Medicine and Detroit Mercy representatives.

A new agreement with Michigan State University (MSU) College of Human Medicine will provide positions for Detroit Mercy students at MSU’s medical school. Officials of Detroit Mercy, MSU College of Human Medicine and University partners in medical education programs came together June 25 to sign this agreement at Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield.

Detroit Mercy, Lawrence Technological University and University of Michigan-Dearborn will join 12 other universities and colleges throughout Michigan as part of a statewide pipeline of med students to MSU.

The EAP agreement was signed by officials from each institution, including:

  • Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., dean of MSU’s College of Human Medicine.
  • Virinder K. Moudgil, president and CEO of Lawrence Technological University.
  • Pamela Zarkowski, provost, professor and vice president for Academic Affairs at University of Detroit Mercy.
  • Mitchel A. Sollenberger, associate provost for undergraduate programs and integrative learning at University of Michigan-Dearborn.

The Early Assurance Program assists qualified premedical students from traditionally underrepresented populations, as well as areas that are underserved by medical professionals.

“This program strongly supports who we are and what we want to do,” said Pamela Zarkowski, provost, professor and vice president for Academic Affairs. “As an institution rooted in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, Detroit Mercy is committed to education, service in our community and student success.”
The EAP offers an enhanced opportunity for admission to medical school for premedical students. Preference for EAP admission will be given to those who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • First generation college student.
  • Graduate of a low-income high school as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Eligible for, or a recipient of, an undergraduate Pell or institutional need-based grant.
  • Graduate from an underserved (health professional shortage) urban or rural area.
  • Demonstrates interest in a high-need medical specialty or practicing in a medically underserved community.

Students who excel at Detroit Mercy may apply to the MSU College of Human Medicine during their junior year. If accepted, they will be assured of admission and begin a relationship with MSU College of Human Medicine during their senior year.

Nationally, medical school admission is highly competitive. The MSU College of Human Medicine this year received 7,983 applications for 190 seats available this fall — including 19 entering through the EAP.

“Michigan State is committed to bringing well-qualified premedical students from Michigan’s higher education institutions to the College of Human Medicine,” said Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., M.D., dean of the MSU medical school. “As a community-based medical school with seven campuses statewide, EAP is part of our long-term vision for enhancing health care throughout Michigan. This includes training doctors who come to medical school with a focus on making a difference in the lives of the medically underserved.”