group of volunteers

Answering the Call

Author
VP Jakub Tolar

In a crisis, we all want to help. Sometimes, we don’t know how. One thing the pandemic taught us is that it doesn’t take big heroic acts to help alleviate the suffering around us or to create change. Help comes in all forms, and small actions add up to make a large difference. It can be as simple as reaching out or showing up.

In a crisis, we all want to help. Sometimes, we don’t know how. One thing the pandemic taught us is that it doesn’t take big heroic acts to help alleviate the suffering around us or to create change. Help comes in all forms, and small actions add up to make a large difference. It can be as simple as reaching out or showing up.

During this pandemic, everyone has stepped up beyond the call of duty. We have seen stories of incredible humanity and generosity. Perhaps less visible are the people behind the scenes—the pharmacists, dentists, funeral service practitioners, veterinarians, and many others—working around the clock to ensure those around them get the care they need and that services continue to run smoothly.

Across the health sciences, students, staff, and faculty have volunteered their time and energy in the COVID response. Whether it is developing the science and technology to fight the virus, adapting to working from home, helping in vaccination efforts, learning and educating in new ways, filling the gaps in the need for child care, or partnering with underserved communities to provide free testing and promote vaccine confidence, we all have a role to play.

Showing patience, flexibility, and kindness to others always helps. We don’t always know when we will be called to go above and beyond the norm, but we can do our best to be there for one another every day. 

Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD
Vice President for Clinical Affairs

Clinic event

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

CUHCC, Disparities in COVID Response Task Force, & Somali Faith Leaders Combine Forces to Encourage Vaccine Confidence
On March 18, elder Imams from across Minnesota came to Community-University Health Care Center to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Imam Sharif Mohamed from Dar al-Hijrah Mosque helped to organize the event to encourage vaccine confidence within the Somali community. Imam Sharif and other Somali faith leaders saw the need to help promote and advocate for increased COVID-19 vaccination and decided to lead by example. Sixteen Imams volunteered to get the vaccines. The partnership between CUHCC leadership, staff and medical providers, the Disparities in COVID Response Task Force, and the Somali community and faith leaders made this event possible. “Having close relationships between community leaders and Somali medical providers helps in the fight against COVID,” said Imam Sharif.


Gold sparkles

CLINICAL IPE TRAINING NEWS

Faculty Elected as Distinguished Fellows of National Academies of Practice
Numerous UMN faculty were recently inducted as Distinguished Fellows of the National Academies of Practice. This prestigious honor recognizes those who have excelled in their profession and are dedicated to furthering interprofessional practice, scholarship and policy in support of interprofessional care. Class of 2021 Fellows were welcomed into the National Academies of Practice as part of a virtual awards and induction ceremony on March 20.


Elderly person wearing mask

The Upper Midwest Nursing Home COVID-19 ECHO Collaborative Advances Preparedness, Safety and Infection Control During COVID-19
To address the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact to nursing homes in Minnesota and the region, the University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare formed the Upper Midwest Nursing Home COVID-19 ECHO Collaborative, which is supported by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. This is a first-of-a-kind partnership between the School of Nursing, College of Continuing and Professional Studies, and the Medical School.


Dental Students

OACA Interns Spotlight: Dentistry Students Engage In Interprofessional Collaboration
Two School of Dentistry students are members of the first Interprofessional Education Intern cohort through OACA. Kaushik Mukherjee, MSc, PhD, DDS ’22, and Trang Nguyen, DDS, PhD, join 13 other health sciences students as inaugural interns. Each student works with a team of two to three fellow interns on an interprofessional project to improve an aspect of practice and education. Nguyen’s project consists of developing student-driven interprofessional experiences within Greater Minnesota, using virtual technology to provide a toolkit and structure for students interested in being part of interprofessional experiences. Mukherjee’s team works with Community-University Health Care Center to improve interprofessional practice care models, bringing clinics together to study how data, practice, and education can be improved.


Walleye tank

U-WIDE EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Wallyeye Tank Life Science Pitch Competition

Join Technology Commercialization on April 16 for the spring 2021 Walleye Tank pitch competition, a startup tradition highlighting Minnesota innovators and community leaders. The event provides an educational and promotional opportunity for emerging and established medical and life science companies, featuring pitches from leading entrepreneurs in three categories. The competition is overseen by a panel of judges assembled from experienced entrepreneurs and investors from the local area. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from some of the most exciting new companies in our state and region!


Nurse and patient

Volunteers Needed for COVID Vaccination Team
The University's Medical Reserve Corps program is recruiting new members to assist with COVID-19 vaccination efforts on campus. The MRC is looking specifically for individuals licensed to provide IM injections. Join the MRC COVID-19 Vaccination Team.


 


CTRS Pilot Funding Program

Clinical Translational Research Services Pilot Funding Program
The Clinical Translational Research Services (CTRS) Pilot Funding Program provides funding to help University of Minnesota faculty prepare and implement prospective clinical pilot studies. Letters of Intent are due April 19.

Other News

Golden star with golden on dark blue background with lighting effect and sparkle
The prestigious honor acknowledges their outstanding achievements and recognizes them as leaders in their professions.
Mini Medical School 25th Anniversary
A beacon of health education, bridging the gap between the University health sciences and the broader community.
partnership as ropes shaped as a circle in a group of diverse strings connected
Angela Botiba was initially drawn to the program because of its explicit focus on interprofessional education and collaboration.