.webp)
The high quality of any health care system depends upon the skill, expertise, training, and knowledge of its clinical staff. Munson Healthcare offers many clinical education opportunities in northern Michigan.
From a robust family practice residency program and clinical rotations for third and fourth year medical students, to nursing and pharmacy residencies, EMS education, and a respiratory therapist program, quality clinical education and career advancement takes place within the Munson Healthcare system.
In many cases, you can achieve your clinical education goals while living and working in beautiful northern Michigan.
Integrating medical students into small communities allows for significant, meaningful patient contact that best prepares them for real-world situations. Students are connected to an array of health care settings including hospitals, clinics, and physician offices. All students are exposed to clinical settings that are rich with opportunities for learning, hands-on experience, and engaging medical practice.
With a shortage of physicians in rural areas, the Traverse City Campus opens additional opportunities to train and retain physicians for small-town practice. The medical community in northern Michigan enjoys access to sophisticated, advanced health care facilities in a region that provides exciting year-round recreation and a balanced, relaxing lifestyle.
The Munson Healthcare system includes eight award-winning community hospitals: Cadillac Hospital, Charlevoix Hospital, Grayling Hospital, Kalkaska Memorial Health Center, Manistee Hospital, Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord, and Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital in Frankfort. Additional participating hospitals include MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena and Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.
.webp)
The campus is based in Traverse City, home to Munson Medical Center - a 442-bed regional referral center. Munson Medical Center consistently receives national recognition for superior quality care. Munson Healthcare's 787 physicians represent 76 specialties, including award-winning cardiac, orthopedic, and bariatric services. Munson Medical Center hosts third- and fourth-year medical students from MSU's College of Human Medicine and MSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine for training, as well as medical students from other institutions. It also hosts a Family Practice Residency program that trains resident physicians from both allopathic and osteopathic medical disciplines.
Known for scenic beauty and recreational bounty, the Traverse City region is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The area has 180 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline - even during the summer it is possible to hike along a deserted beach. More than 300 lakes, rivers, and streams offer crystal clear water for your favorite sport, from kayaking to wind surfing. In winter, grab cross-country skis or snowshoes and move silently through a white wilderness or race down alpine runs.
Located near the 45th parallel, Traverse City is often mentioned as "a cool place that nobody has heard of" because of its blend of sophistication, edgy fun, and beauty, as well as a food and wine scene that is gaining national and international attention. Midwest Living named Traverse City its number two pick among five cities named "Five Star Food Towns."
Set against a backdrop of woods, water, and hills, northern Michigan golf is, in a word, incomparable. Known as Michigan's Golf Coast, the region was selected by Golf Magazine as one of the top six golf destinations in the country.
Munson Medical Center is proud to be one of Michigan State University’s base hospitals for its College of Osteopathic Medicine clerkship program. The third and fourth-year medical students based at Munson Medical Center are on a rural primary care track and have the opportunity to work side-by-side with experienced, dedicated physicians.
The program includes 12 weeks of ambulatory primary care rotations in pediatrics and either family medicine or internal medicine scheduled in rural northern Michigan clinics, followed by 36 weeks of hospital based core rotations at Munson Medical Center. After completing these core rotations, students are able to customize their program to obtain further training in specialties of their choice.
Munson Medical Center has welcomed and worked with MSU-COM students since the 1990s. Many of these students have returned to northern Michigan to practice medicine after graduation and residency. Students are able to work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, physician offices, and clinics. And, by working and learning in small communities, students have opportunity for plenty of hands-on experience and patient care that best prepares them for real-world situations.
Osteopathic medicine focuses on a holistic, whole-person approach to health care. Doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.s) embrace healthy lifestyles and work with patients as their partners in health. Many D.O.s practice osteopathic manipulative medicine, a hands-on diagnostic and therapeutic technique that stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself. This nonsurgical therapy is used to treat conditions such as migraines, back pain, asthma, and arthritis.
Contact the Graduate Medical Education office at Munson Medical Center for more details on clinical clerkships by emailing sjohnston6@mhc.net.
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSU-COM)
MSU-COM Clinical Clerkship Program Quick Links