Medical and dental schools team up to earn bicentennial grant

A Medical School project involving the U-M Student-Run Free Clinic is among several University-wide initiatives that will share more than $415,000 in grants awarded to faculty, staff and student groups to support a wide range of programs and events for U-M's bicentennial.

With the theme of "Always Leading, Forever Valiant," the university will celebrate its 200th anniversary throughout 2017. Funding from the Bicentennial Office will support initiatives ranging from museum exhibits and academic conferences to concerts, dance performances and public readings, all with a connection to U-M's legacy as a leading public university.

“From scholarly to celebratory, the funded proposals are exciting, thoughtful and uniquely Michigan. It should come as no surprise that there are many different perspectives on how to explore and commemorate the university's impact. We are pleased to support such an array of initiatives that will engage all three campuses,” said Gary D. Krenz, executive director of the bicentennial.

Following is a description of the funded Medical School project:

Interprofessional Healthcare

Student organizations: Bridge of Disciplines, U-M Student-Run Free Clinic

Grant: $15,600

Bridge of Disciplines and the U-M Student-Run Free Clinic will work to begin transitioning the clinic in Pinckney from a traditional primary-care clinic to a holistic, interdisciplinary health center for the underserved population of Livingston County. Starting with the medical and dental schools, the project's long-term goal is to provide hands-on interprofessional education for students from all seven professional schools.

To read more about the Bicentennial grants, including a list of all University-funded projects, click below.