[MMA News Now, Jan. 17, 2013] At its Jan. 12th meeting, the MMA’s Board of Trustees approved the formation of a task force that will explore ways to increase Minnesota’s primary care physician workforce.

Based on initial Board feedback, the task force will likely begin its work by defining “primary care” physicians and whether they include more than those in family practice, pediatrics and internal medicine.

“Another important task this group will address is planning and convening a Summit to identify and share strategies on this issue,” said Juliana Milhofer, MMA policy analyst. The Summit will likely take place during the second quarter of 2013.

In addition, the task force will work to:
• Understand the various drivers affecting the capacity and future supply of Minnesota’s primary care physician workforce;
• Identify strategies for increasing the workforce in the state;
• Determine roles for the MMA, as well as other potential stakeholders, in advancing specific strategies to increase the workforce;
• Recognize the relationship between workforce expansion efforts and other non-physician primary care workforce initiatives; and
• Partner with others, as needed, to increase visibility and importance of the issue of workforce capacity among policy makers and the public.

MMA staff is meeting now with representatives from the University of Minnesota and Mayo medical schools to discuss potential participants on the task force. The group will include a mix of academic and community leaders, Milhofer said.

The task force, which will begin meeting during the first quarter, is expected to convene six times over the next 12 to 15 months.