Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved

Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved (LMU) is a certificate option for students whose goals include serving medically underserved and vulnerable populations in urban, rural, and international settings. Applicants apply to the LMU in the College of Human Medicine secondary application.

Our Mission to Enhance Medical Education

The Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved (LMU) program,based in Flint, Michigan, was designed in 2004 by MSU College of Human Medicine to provide medical students with the opportunity to work with and learn from underserved and vulnerable populations. In addition to traditional clinical medical education, LMU focuses on the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to address the varied medical needs of urban, rural, and international underserved populations. This enhanced training consists of community involvement at local organizations, core clerkships at underserved clinics, and urban/international electives.

Our mission is to assess and address the explicit medical needs of underserved and vulnerable populations through leadership, culturally competent medical care, community assessments, and health education. We achieve this by developing leadership acumen via experiential learning and candid discussions around finances, ethics, and data-based decision making.

LMU provides experiences for medical students to help them care for underserved and vulnerable populations with sensitivity and expertise, whilen helping communities address public health needs. Students gain expanded local, domestic, and international perspectives on health and healthcare.

Interested in Joining the Program?

LMU students are selected via a supplemental application process at the time of admission to the college. The program has grown in size from 3 to 15 students per class.

We Welcome Donations

As part of the LMU program, MSU-CHM students work with The Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) to provide care to underserved populations outside of the United States. During the fourth year, students will travel to gain knowledge about medicine in international settings and employ public health methods in meeting population needs.

Students participate in community public health efforts and receive didactic sessions on clinical and public health topics. Please consider making a donation to the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved. 100% of your donations will go towards the purchase of medications, medical and dental supplies for the patients and families in need. Visit our website to learn more about LMU and how to donate. 

Program Contact 

Mieka Smart, Dr.P.H., M.H.S.