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We take our healthcare seriously in Southern Minnesota. To our west, Albert Lea stands out as the first certified Blue Zones community in the U.S., embracing strategies from the world’s healthiest regions to boost community well-being. To our east, Rochester has the world-renowned Mayo Clinic. And right in between is Austin, home to The Hormel Institute, a cutting-edge cancer research center affiliated with the University of Minnesota.

We’re fortunate to live in communities that prioritize healthcare. Our providers and clinics need steadfast support from foundational institutions like the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota’s medical school trains about 70% of the state’s doctors, many of whom practice in communities like ours. That’s why I was thrilled to hear about the potential partnership between Essentia and the University of Minnesota. These two healthcare leaders propose to combine their strengths to build an even greater alliance that will benefit all Minnesotans well into this century.

The university needs partners that help it continue to train doctors and nurses, many of whom serve their residencies in smaller communities. Our health systems rely on these doctors to staff their clinics and on the university’s researchers to discover medical solutions that improve the health of every Minnesotan.

It’s time to take bold action and carve out a clear path forward. I am hopeful and supportive of what the University, Essentia, and hopefully, Fairview and other partners can achieve together.

Mike Clausman

Austin, MN