U-M, MSU announce collaboration to form Neuro Care Network in mid-Michigan

At least when it comes to neurology treatment and neurosurgery, the deep-seated rivalry between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University is being cast aside to make way for a partnership that both institutions say will boost the medical care they can provide to people in mid-Michigan.

The U-M Board of Regents approved a joint operating agreement Thursday with MSU Health Care to create the Neuro Care Network, which will offer neurosurgery and neurology services in Lansing and surrounding counties at MSU Health Care sites and at U-M Health-Sparrow sites.

As part of the deal, which begins immediately, three U-M Health neurosurgeons will work full-time at U-M Health-Sparrow in Lansing. In addition, the referral system will open up across MSU Health Care and U-M Health and the doors will open to medical research and innovation between both organizations.

"With this agreement, our top research institutions are aligned on expanding our clinical work and seeking more opportunities for research in the neuroscience area," said Margaret Dimond, president of the U-M Health Regional Network, during a Thursday evening news conference. "The collaboration will provide access to more comprehensive and coordinated experiences for patients in Michigan who require specialized care for any neurologic condition ... keeping those complex care patients closer to home in mid-Michigan.

"We couldn't be more excited."

Dr. John Goudreau, a neurologist and interim chair of the MSU Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, said the joint venture will improve access for patients to a broader group of specialists and services, and "really open up care referral options to providers and accelerate innovations that are available within each system."

That's especially true, he said, for people in need of stroke care and referrals within pediatric neurology, neurosurgical care, and epilepsy care.

"It's a very exciting development and a long time coming," he said.

“As our population ages and the rates of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, stroke and dementia increase, the demand for neurology specialists will continue to outpace the supply. Working collaboratively strengthens our position to recruit top neurological talent and care for our patients.”

U-M Health and MSU Health Care also plan to collaborate to identify the community need for more neurology services and recruit specialists to the region to boost accessibility.

Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press.