between the two organizations that will benefit the region, state, students and residents and communities of the region. CMU’s College of Medicine, one of six fully accredited medical schools in Michigan, prepares diverse, culturally competent physicians to improve access to high-quality health care, especially in medically underserved populations.
Covenant and CMU College of Medicine Sign 25-Year Primary-Site Affiliation Agreement A new 25-year affiliation agreement between Central Michigan University College of Medicine and Covenant HealthCare will strengthen our collective support of medical student education and research. Covenant and CMU leaders marked this historic agreement with a signing ceremony at the College of Medicine Education Building in Saginaw on Tuesday, July 31. “Covenant has long recognized the critical role that medical education plays in community health. This agreement provides our long-term commitment of resources and support for the CMU College of Medicine, and is an affirmation that Covenant will serve as the primary site for medical education in the region,” said Covenant President and CEO, Ed Bruff. “Together we will attract the physicians needed in our communities and elevate patient care through collaboration and advanced research.” Through the agreement, CMU medical students will continue to complete clinical rotations at Covenant facilities under the supervision of physicians who serve as CMU faculty members. It also increases opportunities for clinical research on public and community health issues prominent in the Great Lakes Bay Region. CMU and Covenant increasingly collaborate on education, training, professional development, clinical research, community engagement and public health issues. “Covenant is a regional leader for health care and an important partner to Central Michigan University for medical education and training,” said Dr. George Kikano, Vice President of Health Affairs and Dean of the CMU College of Medicine. “By cementing our long-term relationship with Covenant, communities and residents across our region and beyond will benefit from improved access to health care as we fill the critical need for medical professionals.” CMU President Bob Davies said the agreement marks a significant milestone in the strong and growing relationship 22
The Bulletin | September 2019
Dr. Bishja Joins Covenant Neurology Covenant HealthCare welcomes Mirjon Bishja, MD, as a member of the Covenant Medical Group. Dr. Bishja joins the Covenant Neurology team. Offices are located at 800 Cooper, Suite 11, Saginaw and the team can be reached at 989.583.7090. Covenant Surgery Offers Advanced Colon & Rectal Procedures Jorge Reguero Hernandez, MD, FACS and Tareq Kamal, MD, FACS are part of the Covenant Surgery team. These highly trained surgeons and medical professionals specialize in the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of Dr. Reguero these conditions: Hernandez • Advanced colon and rectal polyps • Anal fissures • Anal fistula • Anal sphincter trauma • Appendiceal tumors • Colon cancer • Colovesival and colovaginal fistula Dr. Tareq • Crohn’s disease, stricture, fistula, perforation Kamal • Diverticulitis • Fecal incontinence • Hemorrhoids • Ischemic colitis • Lower-gastrointestinal bleeding • Ostomy complications • Pelvic floor dysfunction • Pelvic tumors • Perirectal abscess • Polyposis syndromes • Pouchitis and ileal pouch complications • Rectal cancer • Rectal prolapse • Rectovaginal fistula • Severe constipation refractory to medical management • Small bowel cancer • Ulcerative colitis continued on page 23