Michigan State University’s medical school will reserve some spots in its incoming classes for the top graduates from Grand Valley State University.

The pilot program will begin with five spots open for students entering GVSU in the fall of 2010. Those undergrads will get some instruction at the new MSU College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids. If they meet certain standards during their undergraduate years, they’ll have a guaranteed spot in med school.

GVSU President Thomas Haas says the idea is to find students who are interested in practicing medicine in “under-served” rural and urban areas — places where there are few if any doctors.

The five spots could grow if the program proves to be successful. Haas and MSU President Lou Anna Simon say more collaborations are to come. Roughly a year and a half ago, the two universities signed a memo pledging cooperation. University leaders say future collaborations will include some team teaching of students involved in medical professions between the two universities.

This fall, MSU opened the Grand Rapids campus of its College of Human Medicine as construction is underway on its permanent campus facility along the Medical Mile.