University leaders issue statements on The Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota

Earlier today, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 23-09, creating the Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota. University of Minnesota Board of Regents Chair Janie Mayeron, Interim President Jeff Ettinger, and Dr. Jakub Tolar, vice president for clinical affairs and dean of the Medical School, issued the following statements about this news. 

Board of Regents Chair Janie Mayeron 

“I want to thank Governor Walz, legislative leaders, and those who will undertake the work of this critically important task force. The University of Minnesota has one of the most comprehensive collections of health sciences schools and partnerships in the nation, including a leading Medical School and clinical enterprise. These public assets have been at the center of addressing Minnesota’s critical health education, research, and outreach needs for more than a century. The University stands ready to ensure our academic health enterprise remains a strong and vital partner in the health of Minnesotans for generations to come.”

Interim President Jeff Ettinger

“We are grateful to Governor Walz, House and Senate leaders, community partners, and all who understand and advocate for the value of academic medicine. We know academic medicine delivers advances in primary care, treatments and cures, as well as training the health professionals who see and treat Minnesotans every day and provide the highest quality of care. Academic medicine will play a critical role in ensuring a healthy future for our state, but achieving our shared vision for a healthy, vibrant Minnesota is only possible when we collaborate across sectors, disciplines, and industries with an unwavering focus on the wellbeing of all Minnesotans. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance plans that prioritize the health of all Minnesotans, now and into the future.”  

Jakub Tolar, vice president for clinical affairs and dean of the Medical School 

“Academic health at the University of Minnesota is dedicated to serving the entire State of Minnesota. As one of America’s leading research universities, we continue to be committed to bringing life-changing innovations and life-saving care to Minnesotans in ways only academic health and medicine can. We are unique in the state and nation for the range of health professionals we train, the legacy and impact of our research, and integration of these into the care we deliver. We are well-positioned to help solve Minnesota’s health care challenges and we are eager to partner with the state and communities to do so.  We are excited to bring that perspective to the Governor’s Task Force.”