College of Medicine Dean's Welcome

The Central Michigan University College of Medicine was shaped by strong leadership and a clear vision – one centered on comprehensive education, excellent clinical training, and outstanding medical care to meet the needs of our region and our state.  Over the last decade, we have established a solid foundation and advanced our mission in ways that have elevated our reputation and earned national recognition in areas directly related to our mission.

The college is now transitioning to new leadership, and it is my honor to serve as the interim dean during this period.  As we move forward, we are focused on strengthening our partnerships, improving our curriculum and expanding our programs to best serve our current and upcoming learners.  Our mission remains at the heart of what we do, and it will continue to guide our priorities.

We educate.  The college offers an accredited M.D. program where students participate in innovative pre-clerkship coursework and hands-on clinical training, both in our state-of-the-art simulation labs and at a variety of clinical affiliates throughout mid-Michigan and beyond.  CMU Medical Education Partners provides graduate medical education through accredited residency programs, including emergency medicine, family medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and podiatric medicine and surgery.  Faculty physicians and more than 1100 volunteer community educators provide real-world experiences for our learners, often in rural and underserved areas where health care access is limited.

We research.  Our faculty and learners develop and initiate a wide variety of research studies to advance medical knowledge and technology.  With explorations into basic and translational research as well as clinical and public health research, our students and resident physicians are trained in modern research methodology and evaluation in the pursuit of improving health outcomes for all.                          

We collaborate.  The college has many clinical affiliations with hospitals, health care systems and physicians in the Great Lakes Bay Region and throughout Michigan.  Through these partnerships, we utilize the existing community infrastructure to offer invaluable hands-on clinical experiences.  Beyond education and training, the college works closely with public and social wellness organizations on initiatives in areas such as women's and children’s wellness, mental health concerns, suicide prevention, and opioid use prevention.  CMU also houses the Mid Central and Western Area Health Education Centers and the Rural Health Equity Institute which works to remove disparities in rural medical care and improve access to telehealth and other health care services.

We serve.  Learners from the college provide excellent, patient-centered care in the Great Lakes Bay Region and the surrounding communities.  Our health care system, CMU Health, is a trusted name in the region, with more than 70,000 patient visits annually.  These clinics provide primary care services from preventative care, chronic disease management and urgent, same-day care.  CMU Health is also home to leading medical specialists in endocrinology, infectious disease, obstetrics and gynecology, podiatry, and psychiatry, as well as subspecialties such as sports medicine and cosmetic services.

Looking ahead, the College of Medicine will continue to improve health through education, research, service and outreach. I am privileged to work alongside our dedicated and talented faculty and staff. Together, I am confident we will continue to move our mission forward and uphold the values that make our college such a distinctive and impactful institution.

Kind Regards,

Tina L. Thompson, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, CMU College of Medicine