Courtesy CMUSAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -
Central Michigan University's College of Medicine announced the final step in the transition of Synergy Medical Education Alliance to CMU Healthcare with the unveiling of new signage Wednesday.
Officials said the name change is a milestone in CMU's progress toward launching its medical school in 2013. CMU Healthcare also increases the university's medical footprint in Saginaw and the central Michigan region.
"CMU has provided undergraduate and graduate degree programs to Saginaw-area residents since the 1970s through its local Global Campus facility. We're pleased to expand that commitment today through medical education and clinical practices," said Ernie Yoder, dean of CMU's College of Medicine.
CMU gained interest in the alliance in 2010 through a partnership with Covenant HealthCare, St. Mary's of Michigan and Synergy, according to officials. Synergy was formed in 1968. It provides undergraduate medical education, training for resident physicians and continuing education for all Saginaw physicians.
The now-named CMU Healthcare has nearly 200 employees, including 120 faculty, physicians and residents. It serves about 10,000 area residents — in fields such as emergency medicine, family and internal medicine, general surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Its medical staff members also address international health issues, pediatrics, psychiatry, medical skin care and rheumatology. The entity's annual net operating revenue is about $26 million.
CMU Healthcare in Saginaw includes five fully accredited residency programs at its clinics and the parent hospitals. Between 26 and 30 resident doctors graduate from its programs each year.
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