About OACA
Reimagining health by driving innovation and discovery through collaborations across the University, advancing interprofessional care and training, and being a strong partner to the state, industry and community.
The Office of Academic Clinical Affairs (OACA) advances the University of Minnesota’s clinical
mission by:
- serving as the front door for clinical work, research and training
- bringing together and leveraging the strengths and talents across the University
- connecting statewide to develop partnerships in clinical research, training and practice
- offering the opportunity to expand how we think about health and health care to impact health and wellness across Minnesota.
OACA is a liaison to the Minnesota Department of Health and works to integrate disciplines in health systems across the state. In partnership with the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of the Provost, the three units are responsible for ensuring collaboration across the health sciences at the University of Minnesota.
Interprofessional Training, Research and Care
The Office of Academic Clinical Affairs provides leadership of and is home to these centers and institutes that facilitate clinical research and training at the University of Minnesota:
Center for Bioethics
The Center for Bioethics helps students, professionals, policy makers, and the public confront and understand ethical issues in health, health care, new biomedical technologies, the environment, and the life sciences.
Center for Global Health & Social Responsibility
The Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility facilitates transdisciplinary partnerships and collaborations across the University of Minnesota and worldwide to create a global portfolio of research, education, and engagement.
Clinical and Translational Science Institute
CTSI is one of approximately 60 medical research institutions working together to improve the way clinical and translational research is conducted nationwide, enhancing its efficiency and quality.
Community-University Health Care Center
The Community-University Health Care Center is transforming urban health care and educating the next generation of health care professionals.
Institute for Cell, Gene, and Immunotherapy
The Institute for Cell, Gene, and Immunotherapy is accelerating the development and testing of novel cell, gene and immune-based therapeutics that hold promise in the treatment of life-threatening diseases.
Institute for Health Informatics
The Institute for Health Informatics leads the interprofessional discovery, application, and teaching of health information sciences to improve the health of individuals and communities.
Institute for Molecular Virology
The Institute for Molecular Virology (IMV) seeks to improve the health of the citizens of Minnesota through education, outreach, and research (basic, clinical, and translational).
Masonic Cancer Center
The Masonic Cancer Center creates a collaborative research environment focused on the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer.
Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain
The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) brings together University of Minnesota experts in pediatric medicine and research to diagnose, prevent and treat neurodevelopmental disorders in early childhood and adolescence.
Health Sciences Education Center
A new state-of-the-art facility home to interprofessional education and training for health profession students opening in spring 2020 (co-led with the U's Provost's Office).
Institute for Engineering in Medicine
IEM is an interdisciplinary research organization that strengthens collaborative efforts between the disciplines of engineering and biomedicine at the University of Minnesota, and fosters collaborations with medical device industry.
M Simulation
Our leaners use simulation to develop clinical expertise by practicing skills, applying knowledge, and learning from their mistakes without risk to actual patients. Interprofessional and team-based simulations build bridges between disciplines and help prepare professionals for collaborative practice.