Gov. Mark Dayton has appointed a blue-ribbon commission to raise the "national prominence" of the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Dayton announced the panel Friday, saying it will advise him and the state Legislature on how to ensure that the medical school "is a national leader in medical training, research and innovation."
"The future of health of Minnesotans depends on what we do now to train the next generation of medical professionals in our state," he said in a news release.
The panel will be charged with making recommendations for the 2015 Legislative session on four goals:
1. Retaining and attracting world-class faculty, staff and students.
2. Sustaining research on health care innovation and "groundbreaking discoveries."
3. Expanding clinical services "to serve as a statewide health care resource."
4. Addressing the health workforce needs of Minnesota, especially in key areas such as primary care, aging and chronic conditions.
The 18-member panel will include Minnesota Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger; Higher Education Commissioner Larry Pogemiller; and Dr. J. Brooks Jackson, dean of the U medical school.
Maura Lerner
