Proposed Grand Rapids heart institute would provide total cardiac care, including heart transplants

The convergence of research opportunities, cardiac care facilities and a medical school has renewed discussions of establishing a cardiac institute in Grand Rapids that would provide total cardiac care, including heart transplants.  The opportunity comes just as several cardiac osteopaths look to leave West Michigan Heart in order to strengthen ties to Metro Health.

According to excerpts from the story:

Discussions about establishing a cardiology institute have intensified this year between West Michigan Heart and Spectrum Health, sources said last week. Most of the cardiologists who now comprise the private group of 34 physicians would become members of the cardiology institute, which would tie together clinical practice, research and teaching activities at the Meijer Heart Center, Van Andel Institute and the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, WHM CEO Suzette Jeskie said.

Jeskie said the idea for the institute has been floating around since the heart tower was built. With 330,000 square feet, eight floors and 164 patient beds, it opened next to Butterworth Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids in 2004. “That’s a huge part of our relationship. That’s where our relationship would be centered,” Jeskie said. “I hope its time has come.”


Read the complete story here.

 

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