Last week, we announced the University’s third Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA), one of the largest federal research grants the University has ever received. This award allows us to build on our work and successes over the past 12 years to find better, faster ways to bring scientific advances to real-world use. Efforts funded by the CTSA award will include teaming up with partners and collaborators to reduce research barriers, providing high-quality services for researchers, fostering and training a diverse research workforce, broadly sharing findings, and building sustainable relationships with our Minnesota communities.
The Masonic Cancer Center also recently received its sixth consecutive designation as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute, receiving an “Outstanding” rating. This recognition highlights the center’s exceptional contribution to cancer research, prevention, treatment, and survivorship. The NCI designation ensures ongoing support for their cancer research initiatives.
The appointees to the Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the U of M were also recently announced. Appointees representing the U of M are Penny Wheeler, retired CEO of Allina Health and a member of the University’s Board of Regents, and myself. Connie Delaney, dean of the School of Nursing, will also serve on the Task Force for her expertise in health professions education and health care workforce issues. The task force’s charge is to support the future of world-class academic health professions education, research, and care delivery in Minnesota.
This is an exciting time and opportunity for the health sciences. Whether you are a student or a staff or faculty member, you are a part of the process. Your voice is valued. I invite your feedback on how we work together to uplift what we do here to impact the health of communities across Minnesota.
Driving Innovation & Discovery
CRSC Celebrates Five Years
This month marks the fifth anniversary of the Clinical Research Support Center, which unites clinical research experts from 20 distinct units to help investigators and study teams conduct clinical research more efficiently and effectively. The CRSC has helped more than 1,000 U of M study teams improve their study designs, advance projects, and set their studies up for success.
M Simulation Hosts Summer Simulation Share Day
M Simulation recently hosted approximately 40 simulation professionals for the first ever Summer Simulation share day to connect, share best practices, inspire one another, and build community. “Healthcare simulation professionals need to stay current. An event like this enables us to share our expertise and get a diversity of thought and practice. When we come together, it makes each of our programs stronger,” says Lou Clark, PhD, MFA, executive director for M SImulation.
Advancing Interprofessional Education Training
Community Teachers Provide Students with a Deeper Understanding of Communication and Teamwork
The Community Teacher program at the University is a unique program and is a rarity in the country. It is also one of the largest. Through this experience, health professions students practice working on an interprofessional team to further develop and refine the necessary skills they will need as future health professionals on collaborative healthcare teams. Students get the opportunity to interact with real people in their community to learn about their experiences as a patient navigating chronic conditions in the healthcare system.
CHIP's 7th Annual Health Professional Student Leadership Conference
This conference on Nov. 4 features insightful keynote presentations by influential figures in the field, ample opportunities for networking and collaborative team-building, and an engaging poster session showcasing research contributions from CHIP faculty and affiliated organizations.
Check Out Collaboration Insights: A Health Professions Blog for Effective Collaboration
This student-led health professions blog is a hub for information on interprofessional education and collaboration. In the latest entry, recent School of Public Health graduate Elena Tran shares about interprofessional collaborative leadership. Previous entries focus on a variety of teamwork-related topics, including self-advocacy, curiosity, vulnerability, and implicit bias.
Partnering With Communities
Mini Medical School: Food, Nutrition & the Effects of Substances on Health
Join our Fall virtual series, "Food, Nutrition & the Effects of Substances on Health," on Oct. 25, Nov. 1, and Nov. 8, exploring the complex world of nutrition, the environment, and the effects of different substances. Discover the connections between food, aging, and environmental health, get answers about cannabis, psychedelics, opioids, and alcohol, and learn to aUssess diets, processed foods, and supplements. This event is free and open to all.
U-Wide Events and Opportunities
IEM Otto Schmitt Distinguished Lecture
The IEM Otto Schmitt Distinguished Lecture Series presents its second 2023 installment with the upcoming lecture on Oct. 17.
THRIVE Cancer Survivorship Class
The Thrive Cancer Survivorship Class Series is a free, weekly virtual program offering education and resources on cancer survivorship, featuring local experts.
Get Your Flu Shot - No Appointment Needed
Through the Immunization Tour course, pharmacy and nursing students will host two walk-in flu clinics Mondays, Oct. 2 and Oct. 9, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Mayo D199. New this year, everyone attending a flu vaccination clinic will need to fill out registration forms and show their insurance card.
Other News
