University of Minnesota shares healthcare proposal update, what’s at risk

Clinics and Surgery Center offer is important element of an all-Minnesota proposal to reshape health of Minnesotans 

The Board of Regents received an update at their March meeting on the all-Minnesota solution for healthcare, including the University’s offer to acquire Fairview’s 50% interest in the Clinics and Surgery Center Joint Venture, which expires at the end of 2025.

Healthcare challenges are growing increasingly complex nationwide, particularly in rural communities. Closer to home, the University of Minnesota’s current agreements with Fairview Health System will expire at the end of 2026, leaving the future of the University of Minnesota Medical School and the University’s ability to train physicians and other healthcare providers at risk. 

The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health are focused on interdependence and the power that comes with working together to deliver a healthier state, next generation healthcare workforce and ground-breaking research. The proposal would bring $1 billion to addressing these challenges without requiring taxpayer dollars. 

“Minnesotans are looking for new healthcare ideas and sustainable solutions for today and for years to come — it’s leadership that the University of Minnesota is uniquely equipped to provide in strong partnership with local policymakers and health systems,” said University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham. “We are proposing a bold, integrated approach that combines people, systems and capabilities to deliver a new level of seamless, expanded healthcare for all Minnesotans.”

Drs. Catherine Bendel, lead pediatric fellowship programs director in the University of Minnesota Medical School; and Abraham Jacob, chief quality officer at M Health Fairview, joined the presentation to the Board of Regents to emphasize the critical need for innovative-thinking and deeper collaboration in statewide healthcare delivery.

"Limits to our facilities mean we’re turning patients away. In our practice, we see specific ways that key investments and statewide partnerships would allow us to better share resources and scale best practices," said Drs. Bendel and Jacob. "Ultimately, we all want to improve access to world-class patient care. This new approach would help get us there."

After consistent lack of investment under the current health partnership, continuing with the status quo carries significant risk — limiting the number of new physicians and healthcare graduates, deploying fewer specialists in rural and Tribal areas, and reducing the scale of life-saving research and discovery. 

In contrast, the all-Minnesota healthcare solution represents the best solution to build a truly integrated system that provides essential care close to home with increased capacity and modern practices for patients throughout the state and beyond. Looking ahead, the University will continue to invite Fairview into conversation on the Clinics and Surgery Center and our broader partnership. 

“Fairview is a valued and important partner, but without their full engagement and investment, our mission as a university and a practice will be negatively impacted for decades,” said Bevan Yueh, vice dean for clinical affairs and CEO of University of Minnesota Physicians.

As one of the nation’s leading research universities and home to programs that develop over 70% of the state’s healthcare professionals, it is the University’s duty to drive a healthier Minnesota. The presenters outlined the danger of continuing with the status quo, including: 

• significant risk to the Medical School’s mission,
• training fewer physicians and healthcare professionals,
• deploying fewer specialists in rural and Tribal areas, and
• reducing the scale of essential and life-saving research.

“Let's make no mistake, the fate and the future of the Medical School and the practice is in the balance,” said Jakub Tolar, vice president for clinical affairs and dean of the Medical School. “This is a state of urgency and crisis. We need partners who will really support us in this all-Minnesota vision to elevate what we do and change the state of healthcare in Minnesota and beyond. If we lose the ability to provide innovative research, clinical care and health education, we will never get it back.”

The Board also:

• Toured the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, Urban Research & Outreach-Engagement Center and Elmer L. Andersen Library as part of their Engagement & Active Learning Day.
• Approved a resolution to establish guiding principles related to institutional speech.
• Received the annual report from the Student Representatives to the Board of Regents.

The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments. 

The Board of Regents is scheduled to meet next on May 8-9. Visit regents.umn.edu for more information.