U-M Regents approve OAM partnership, property sale to expand outpatient surgery at UM Health-West Village

The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved a partnership between University of Michigan Health-West and Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM) to develop a new state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center focused on orthopedic care. As part of the collaboration, the Regents also approved the sale of property at 1900 and 1980 Metro Court SW in Wyoming, Michigan, to an OAM-affiliated entity for $5.99 million.

The new venture positions UM Health-West and OAM to meet the growing demand for outpatient orthopedic procedures by relocating and expanding OAM’s surgical operations. The future facility, to be developed on the University of Michigan Health-West Village property in 2027, will provide convenient, lower-cost surgical options while ensuring continuity of care for UM Health-West patients.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to transforming how care is delivered,” said Margaret Dimond, president of U-M Health Regional Network. “By bringing together the strengths of OAM and UM Health-West, we are improving access to high-quality orthopedic services and delivering better value for our patients.”

The newly formed ambulatory surgery center company will be established through a joint venture, building on longstanding collaborations between UM Health-West and OAM to meet the orthopedic and sports medicine needs of patients in west Michigan. The company will be jointly governed by representatives from both organizations. UM Health-West will hold a minority ownership interest once the center is operational. 

“Our shared vision is rooted in providing patients with timely, expert orthopedic care in the most appropriate setting,” said Kenneth Easton, M.D., president of Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan. “This partnership allows us to expand access while maintaining the high standards of quality, safety, and service our patients and referring providers expect.”

The Regents’ approval allows UM Health-West to proceed with finalizing investment and operating agreements, as well as complete the sale of the 8.9-acre Wyoming property, which includes a 30,767-square-foot office building constructed in 2008.

“Orthopedic surgeries continue to move to outpatient settings, and this joint venture ensures we’re leading that shift locally,” said Ronald Grifka, M.D., president of UM Health-West. “It’s an opportunity to deliver expert care in a modern facility designed with patient convenience and safety in mind.”

About Michigan Medicine and University of Michigan Health
At Michigan Medicine, we advance health to serve Michigan and the world. We pursue excellence every day in our 11 hospitals and hundreds of clinics statewide, as well as educate the next generation of physicians, health professionals and scientists in our U-M Medical School.

Michigan Medicine includes U-M Medical School and University of Michigan Health, which includes the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital, University Hospital, the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan Health-West, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow and the Rogel Cancer Center. The U-M Medical School is one of the nation's biomedical research powerhouses, with total research awards of more than $777 million. More information is available at michiganmedicine.org.   

About University of Michigan Health-West
University of Michigan Health-West is a nonprofit multispecialty medical provider that is relentlessly advancing health to serve West Michigan as part of the state’s top-ranked health system. Founded in Grand Rapids in 1942 by a group of osteopathic doctors, our organization today serves more than 250,000 patients annually at 30 locations across four counties, including a 208-bed teaching hospital in Wyoming, Michigan. More than 61,000 emergency patients are treated each year at the hospital, a Verified Level II Trauma Center, certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and accredited Chest Pain Center. Our physician-led medical group, University of Michigan Health Partners, drives excellence and convenient access to primary and specialty care, including the expertise of University of Michigan Health, consistently ranked among the nation’s top academic medical centers. In addition to earning top grades for safety and quality, University of Michigan Health-West is consistently recognized as a leader in the use of technology and as an inclusive employer of choice. It supports the health and wellness of all in the community, offering free Live Healthy education programs as well as outreach clinics to underserved areas. Learn more at www.uofmhealthwest.org.

About Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan
Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan (OAM) is proud to be West Michigan’s most established and comprehensive independent provider of musculoskeletal care. For more than 85 years, our physicians and care teams have delivered exceptional, individualized treatment to patients of all ages—from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and recovery.

OAM brings together a team of board-certified orthopedic specialists, including experts in spine care, joint replacement, sports medicine, trauma, and more. With over 300 clinical and support staff, we offer a full continuum of services that includes physical and occupational therapy, cost-effective onsite imaging (MRI and X-ray), orthopedic bracing, and a dedicated Bone Health Clinic. Patients also benefit from convenient access to the OAM Now Urgent Orthopaedic Care Clinic and the physician-led OAM Surgery Center at Midtowne—recognized for its clinical excellence, safety, and patient satisfaction.

At OAM, we are committed to restoring health and optimizing outcomes so patients can return to the activities they love—at home, at work, and at play. From neck to toe, and from traumatic injuries to chronic conditions, our coordinated care model ensures a smoother, faster recovery and a better overall experience. Learn more at www.oamichigan.com.