Feb. 6, 2009

Medical school feasibility

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Dear Colleagues:

Last night, speaking to the Faculty Senate, I shared the results of a detailed assessment on the feasibility of launching a medical school in Kalamazoo under the aegis of WMU, Borgess Health and Bronson Healthcare Group.

You will recall that late last spring, the medical consulting firm Larned & Weinberg was hired to do an in-depth assessment to answer the basic question of whether our community, with the leadership of WMU and these two world-class hospitals, could develop and sustain a top-notch medical school. The firm’s answer to that question is “yes.”

The firm’s report provides us with the kind of information we need to take this consideration to the next level and develop the financial, facilities, personnel and accreditation details that will allow us to make a final decision later this year about whether to pursue this opportunity.

This is a community initiative, and the feasibility study was done with the input of a committee of University and community stakeholders. I want every member of our University community to be fully informed and have access to the information that is now available. Because of the intense interest in this topic, news reports about the effort already are appearing. I urge you to take a few moments to become fully informed about this initiative by visiting a Web site that has been constructed. At www.kzoomedschool.org, you will find:

• The Larned & Weinberg report
• A preliminary report done a year ago by DJW Associates
• A document detailing frequently asked questions and answers
• A white paper about the future of medicine in this region
• A number of other items, including a feasibility committee roster, timeline and earlier news stories.

For a variety of reasons, this is a time-sensitive opportunity that could prove transformational for our University, community, state and nation. There is still much to investigate and consider before reaching a final decision. I hope you’ll take this opportunity to examine what has been accomplished so far. Your continuing interest and input are appreciated and welcomed.

Best regards,

John M. Dunn
President