Metro Health is denying a rumor that osteopaths will be eased out of its health care system in the wake of the merger with the University of Michigan.

Last week Metro and U-M announced they have reached a definitive agreement to form an affiliation.

“We expect the deal to close before the end of the calendar year,” said Metro spokewoman Ellen Bristol. “I’ve told co-workers here to think of it like a real estate sale – when you buy or sell a home, you reach an agreement and sign, final details are ironed out (such as home inspections) and then you go to a closing (where you sign papers and money is exchanged) which finalizes the deal. We are in that in-between state waiting for the closing now.
“As for no longer having osteopaths – that’s not true. Our medical staff is currently split about 50/50 DO and MD. We also have osteopathic residencies. Metro Health was founded as an osteopathic hospital. While there is less and less difference between DOs and MDs, we will not abandon our heritage. I’m also sure that University of Michigan Health System includes DOs on its medical staff. “