Overview

The Secchia Center’s Role in Economic Development

Have you ever really thought about the impact a medical school can have on a community?  It is truly far-reaching and complex.  The following text highlights just a few major aspects of this impact.  Once you understand these ideas, you’ll understand why everyone is so excited about the Secchia Center, and why you should be too!

Grand Rapids is one of only six metropolitan areas of its size in the country that does not have a medical school.  This gap was identified as a critical missing link in the plans for the life sciences corridor.  Why?  Quite simply, because world-class physician/researchers need the partnership of a medical school in order to do their work, and the medical school needs the grant dollars brought in by researchers to help fund faculty.  Researchers also need a way to transition research from the lab to new forms of treatment.  It’s a mutually symbiotic relationship.

A top-notch researcher can literally bring in millions of dollars each year in federally-funded research grants.  Not only do those researchers move to town, but they also bring with them a cadre of research assistants and staff.  The economic impact of research is enormous.   This influx of talent and income provides economic stimulus, enhances our tax base, and improves our housing market.

 

The Secchia Center’s Role in Medical Care

Studies show that most medical school graduates tend to live and practice in the cities where they performed their third and fourth year residencies.  This means that a city with a medical school has a definite advantage in luring physicians to live and practice in the community.  The College of Human Medicine retains more physician graduates in the state than any other medical school. 

West Michigan is already experiencing a physician shortage, and the need is forecasted to grow.  The Secchia Center will bring an influx of talented, well-qualified physicians to our community as students graduate.

But right now...today...the Secchia Center is having an immediate impact on the services available in Grand Rapids, thanks to the hundreds of faculty who have been recruited to live here.  Specialists from all over the country are moving to Grand Rapids.  This means that many patients will now be seen here at home, instead of driving to Ann Arbor or Lansing to see the right doctors.

To Learn More

If you would like to learn more about the Secchia Center, we invite you download the campaign brochure, visit the College of Human Medicine website and get connected so that you receive the latest updates and news as construction progresses.