The Detroit Medical Center and the Wayne State University Physicians Group on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement on a five-year contract for clinical and medical administrative services.

A finalized agreement is expected in late September, according to a DMC email sent to Crain's. It would reverse course on what had seemed to be a disintegrating relationship between the two organizations after a century-long partnership.

The deal would allow more than 300 Wayne State physicians to "continue to provide patients with clinical care for select adult services and select medical leadership for DMC services," the email said.

The deal comes amid Wayne State University's talks with Henry Ford Health System over a potential affiliation. Rose Glenn, Henry Ford Health senior vice president of communications and chief experience officer, said the deal between Wayne State and DMC will not impact the university's talks with Henry Ford over a potential affiliation.

DMC's new deal with the Wayne State physicians group includes a new operating model with performance-based metrics "designed to achieve the best outcomes for patients."

DMC and the Wayne State University School of Medicine are also continuing negotiations to continue the teaching and research relationship among the organizations.

"Through these discussions, DMC and WSUSOM are focused on developing a long-term partnership that would allow each organization to continue providing leading education and training to current and future students and medical residents, as well as the administrative services to support an effective operating structure," the email said.

DMC says there are no changes or disruptions to the existing agreement as talks continue.

"This is a positive move forward to ensure that we can continue to bring outstanding services to the patients and community served by WSUPG and continue to support our academic and community service missions," said Charles Shanley, CEO and president of the physicians group, in a written statement.

Shanley added that the preliminary deal with DMC does not affect agreements with the university's other partners.

"While this is a great first step, there is still more work to be done as we work with DMC to develop a Definitive Agreement to be signed in late September," he said.