Leaders push medical education, research

BYLINE: Aaron Harris

The Detroit Regional Chamber and Detroit Renaissance have announced the formation of a panel that will focus on developing medical education and research in Southeast Michigan.

``The business community believes medical education and research can play a major role in driving economic growth,'' Doug Rothwell, Renaissance president, said in a news release.

The panel's main objective is to cultivate more doctors in the region by increasing collaboration among local health care providers, medical schools, and research facilities.

Chairing the panel is former U.S. Rep. Joe Schwarz.

``The purpose of this panel isn't about creating competition,'' Schwarz said at a press event Thursday. ``It's not about good guys versus bad guys. It's about bringing all the good guys together to better our region.

Some of the ``good guys'' that Schwarz is currently in talks with include Wayne State University, The Detroit Medical Center, Michigan State University, St. John Health System, Oakwood Healthcare System, Henry Ford Health System and Beaumont Hospital.

Richard Blouse Jr., president and CEO of the chamber, said that Gov. Jennifer Granholm also supports the panel.

``The governor told us that she would send anyone we want from her office to assist Joe,'' he said.

Members of the panel include:

* Jon Barfield, chairman and president, The Bartech Group, Livonia.

* Richard Gabrys, interim dean, Wayne State University School of Business Administration, Detroit.

* Daniel Loepp, president and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Detroit.

* Florine Mark, president and CEO, WW Group, Farmington Hills.

* Leslie Murphy, group managing partner, Plante & Moran, Southfield.

* Cynthia Pasky, president and founder, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Detroit.

* Daniel Ponder, CEO, Franco Public Relations Group, Detroit.

* Richard Russell, CEO, Amerisure Insurance Co., Farmington Hills.

* Randolph Agley, chairman, Talon L.L.C., Detroit.

* Alfred Glancy III, retired chairman of the former Michigan Consolidated Gas Co., Detroit.

The panel expects to complete its work by Aug. 1.