MMA Board of Trustees Approves 2027 Advocacy Priorities

September 17, 2026

At its September 14 meeting, the MMA Board of Trustees (BOT) approved the organization’s advocacy priorities for 2027. These priorities will further the MMA’s mission to make Minnesota the healthiest state and the best place to practice.  

Five priorities deal with improving health equity: 

• Diversify the Minnesota physician workforce:  

• Increase the exposure of Minnesota youth from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, including youth from rural communities, to careers in medicine. 

• Reduce the non-tuition financial, and other, barriers associated with medical school and residency for students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. 

• Address social drivers of health:  

• Advocate for policies and/or resources to improve access to care for people experiencing homelessness. 

Two priorities are to help physicians be valued and trusted: 

• Preserve trust in science, medicine, and the patient-physician relationship. 

• Maintain physician-led healthcare. 

Four priorities are aimed at improving patient and population health: 

• Increase the number of physicians and other clinicians trained in serious illness communication. 

• Improve vaccination rates and maintain access to medically necessary vaccinations. 

• Reduce firearm injuries and deaths, including suicides. 

• Improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. 

Two priorities will address professional satisfaction and well-being: 

• Improve access to support for physicians experiencing symptoms of burnout or career fatigue and combat stigma. 

• Mitigate the practice, hospital, and systemic factors that contribute to physician burnout and dissatisfaction.  

Three priorities will empower physicians to navigate evolving systems and changing roles: 

• Leverage technology to enhance patient care and optimize team-based practice. 

• Increase leadership skills among Minnesota physicians. 

• Preserve access and advocate for policies that ensure high-quality and compassionate healthcare for all people who live in Minnesota.