MINNEAPOLIS, May 13, 2008—The first major medical delegation of Chinese physicians to visit Minnesota is here to observe hospital- and clinic-based patient care, learn about health plan and hospital administration, and observe clinical research methodology.

The group are guests of HealthPartners Institute for Medical Education.

The program is designed to promote the spread of best practices in patient care, medical education and research internationally. It also seeks to collect innovative ideas in health care and disease prevention and facilitate worldwide networking among medical experts.

"HealthPartners' integrated care model and reputation for quality provide a great learning opportunity for the Chinese medical community," said Zhou Jiying, M.D., Ph.D., chief physician of neurology at Chongqing University of Medical Sciences.