Gov. Task Force Makes 20 Recommendations for U of M’s Academic Health System

February 8, 2024

A swift resolution to negotiations between the University of Minnesota and Fairview Health tops the list of 20 recommendations proposed by the Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota. The report, released on February 5, is now with Gov. Tim Walz and the Legislature for consideration.  

The report also calls for an integrated strategic plan across all University of Minnesota health sciences programs, increased emphasis and funding for health workforce initiatives, and continued exploration of the university’s proposals as they are developed within the university and in the legislative process. 

The university is working on three priority proposals in annual funding, financial support for facilities, equipment and technology, and planning for new facilities to be built in future years. These proposals will likely be considered by the Board of Regents, and if approved by the Regents, will be forwarded to the governor and Legislature for consideration. The task force recommends that these strategic investments take place within certain parameters to support the university’s academic health system of today and broader health system and workforce needs of the future. 

The task force recognizes that additional stakeholder engagement on many of its recommendations is needed, including from other key players within Minnesota’s healthcare ecosystem. 

“A strong medical school is imperative for us to meet our workforce needs and continue to meet the healthcare needs of Minnesotans,” said MMA President Laurel Ries, MD.  “This will take an investment of state funds to keep the university strong.”  

 Walz issued an Executive Order in August 2023 establishing the task force charged with developing recommendations for University of Minnesota health sciences programs that support world-class academic health professions education, research and care delivery to help ensure Minnesotans’ access to high quality care, centering primary care, equity and affordability for all communities across the state.  

The 15-member task force appointed by Walz was chaired by former Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm and began meeting in October 2023. It included experts from across the state that have played an active role in healthcare education, policy development, care delivery, workforce issues and health equity. Former Govs. Mark Dayton and Tim Pawlenty served as special advisors to the task force. 

Five physicians took part in the task force: 

• David Herman, MD, CEO of Essentia Health and MMA member 

• Julia Joseph-Di Caprio, MD, MPH, president and founder of Leap Pediatric and Adolescent Care and MMA member 

• Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, University of Minnesota Medical School dean and MMA member 

• Penny Wheeler, MD, former Allina Health CEO 

• Meghan Walsh, MD, MPH, a hospitalist from Hennepin Healthcare