Reimagining Medical Education for the Next Generation of Physicians

Serving as a satellite campus located 1.5 hours from the main campus, the MyMichigan Health CMU Medical Education Building creates a holistic learning environment within a standalone facility. Located within the region's growing medical district, the four-story facility brings first- and second-year medical students closer to clinical training environments and healthcare partners, further strengthening connections between academic learning, clinical practice and community investment while supporting CMU's vision for the future of healthcare education.

A Connected, Student-Centered Learning Environment

Thoughtfully planned around the needs of today's medical students, the facility integrates active learning, simulation-based education, collaboration and wellness within a flexible academic environment. Developed through extensive engagement with university leadership, faculty, students and healthcare partners, the building fosters stronger connections between education and clinical practice while supporting evolving models of medical education.

The building’s materials and architectural character are carefully integrated with the surrounding MyMichigan Health campus, creating a facility that feels both innovative and connected to its healthcare setting. Inspired by Saginaw’s lumber heritage, strategic use of mass timber introduces warmth, texture and biophilic design principles into student-focused spaces. Expansive glass brings daylight deep into the facility and frames exterior views, strengthening connections to nature and supporting a welcoming learning environment.

Key features:

• A fritted glass pattern, evoking DNA barcoding as an expression of health education, provides solar shading, occupant comfort and improved daylight quality  
• A central stair and transparent circulation paths organize the building around movement, visibility and learning on display
• A standardized patient simulation suite support experiential learning in a realistic healthcare environment
• Two 250-seat multipurpose learning environments, an adjacent pre-function space, an anatomy teaching laboratory and problem-based learning rooms fosters an active and flexible academic environment
• Student collaboration lounges, breakout spaces and wellness amenities integrated throughout all four floors provide opportunities for informal learning and socializing

A Community Anchor

In addition to expanding medical training capacity and supporting growth in residency and fellowship programs, the Medical Education Building increases the number of physicians and allied health professionals serving underserved regions of Michigan, attracting investment and sustained activity in a historically underinvested area of Saginaw. Its downtown location highlights the building as a key part of the Medical Diamond, linking neighborhoods and amenities while actively strengthening city-led initiatives to further integrate the campus into the community.