The mission of the Office of the University Physician is to oversee areas at MSU where there is a requirement or need for specific programs or policies that impact the health and safety of the people who work, learn, and live at MSU.

The university physician is a senior adviser to the president and the chief public health officer of the institution, with responsibility for planning and preparing for major public health issues affecting the campus community. The university physician also is responsible for the management of urgent medical issues involving education abroad programs.