Back in June, Metro Health announced its plans to join with the University of Michigan Health System. Three months later, the partnership is now one step closer with a definitive affiliation approved by both the board of directors of Metro Health Corporation and the Regents of the University of Michigan.

“We are excited about this relationship that should continually improve the care we can – together – provide residents of the state of Michigan. Metro Health will be essential to helping us move groundbreaking research and discovery from bench to bedside,” said Marxchall Runge, M.D., Ph. D., executive vice president of medical affairs, dean of the U-M Medical School and CEO of the U-M Health System.

Metro Health and U-M Health System will create a clinical care network that builds upon the strengths of the world-class U-M academic medical center and a very successful community-based health system. Together the two organizations will be able to collaborate on new and improved clinical care models across the system, enhancing patient access to physicians and other care providers at both organizations.

The partnership will focus on bringing increased health care innovation to West Michigan and Beyond.

“We are very excited about the opportunities we will have, together, to advance the boundaries of clinical practice and medical science through research discoveries and disseminating knowledge,” added Michael Faas, chief executive officer of Metro Health.

Along with innovation, the affiliation will enable Metro Health to further expand its primary care and speciality services, as well as enhance its use of complex medial technology.

Metro Health and the University of Michigan have no current plans for a satellite medical campus like the partnership with Spectrum Health and Michigan State University.

The deal is expected to be completed by year end, pending final regulatory approvals and completion of the closing process.