GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Michigan State University will provide forensic pathology services to the Kent County medical examiner’s office under a new partnership that officials say will help address a “critical shortage” of forensic pathologists.

On Thursday, Sept. 25, the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved a $703,404 contract with MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine to provide services to the county including the performance of medical and forensic death investigations, completing death certificates, testifying in court, and more.

The county’s new partnership with MSU will replace its longstanding contract with Michigan Pathology Specialists, which told the county last year that it is discontinuing its forensic pathology services at the end of 2025.

Mandated by law, the medical exa

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