August 17, 2023
On August 10, Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order calling for a new task force to develop recommendations to support the University of Minnesota’s Health Sciences Programs. It will be led by former health commissioner Jan Malcolm.
“The University of Minnesota’s Health Sciences Programs provide critical education, training, and research to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and provide high-quality care for Minnesotans,” Walz said. “I am calling together this group of leaders and healthcare experts to work to ensure that the future of Minnesota’s academic health remains strong.”
The task force will develop recommendations to support world-class academic health professions education, research, and care delivery by the Health Sciences Programs that advance equity, center primary care, and ensure that Minnesotans can continue to receive the highest-quality care in a financially sustainable way.
Along with Malcolm, the task force will include representatives from the Legislature, and leaders from the Department of Health and Office of Higher Education, and individuals with expertise in health professions education, healthcare finance, and health equity.
If you are interested in applying for the task force, click here. While the MMA does not have a direct appointment, applicants may request MMA support of their application. To have your application considered for MMA endorsement or for other questions, contact the MMA’s Steph Lindgren.
“The MMA applauds Gov. Walz’s plan to create a task force to develop recommendations that will maintain the University of Minnesota’s essential role in health professional education and training in the state,” said MMA President Will Nicholson, MD. “The task force’s focus on improving health equity, elevating primary care, and ensuring statewide access to care reflect important priorities. The current healthcare workforce is strained, and projections suggest significant shortages of physicians and other providers in the future. A strong and reliable healthcare workforce pipeline, including at the state’s largest educational institution, is essential.”
The task force will provide a summary of its recommendations to the governor in January 2024.
October 9, 2025
The MMA is partnering with Hennepin Healthcare to offer an in-person session on “Supporting Patients, Families, and Professionals in the Aftermath of Crisis” on October 21 from 6 to 8 pm in Room RL110 at the HCMC Red Building, 730 South 8th Street, in Minneapolis.
October 9, 2025
The MMA, in partnership with the Wisconsin Medical Society, will lead a panel discussion titled "The Role of Medical and Professional Societies in Supporting Clinicians and Community Health" at the Transforming Community and Rural Healthcare 2025: Bold Innovation and Partnerships symposium, to be held on October 27-28, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
October 2, 2025
The federal government shutdown will affect the Minnesota healthcare system in several important ways.