As we heard from the Governor's Task Force on Academic Health, it is vital that we continue to produce a health care workforce reflecting the state’s diverse populations. Our goal is to build teams of health care professionals who not only provide high-quality care, but also understand and embrace the unique backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of the patients they serve.
One way we're doing this is through innovative pathway programs designed to engage and guide future health professionals. Here are just a couple of the programs that are opening doors for underrepresented groups and strengthening our commitment to diversity and inclusion in health sciences education:
- The Health Profession Pathways program supports students from diverse backgrounds as they develop into future health professions leaders. This program provides mentorship, academic support, and hands-on experiences to help them thrive in their chosen fields.
- Launched in 2017, the BA/MD Scholars Program provides a unique pathway for a small cohort of high-achieving high school seniors to become physicians. The program invites students from rural areas and medically underserved communities, first-generation college students, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who express an interest in meeting the health care needs of Minnesota’s diverse patient population to apply.
We are committed to continuing to produce a health care workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities across Minnesota. By focusing on these initiatives and others like them, we aim to ensure that health care is delivered in a way that better meets the needs of all Minnesotans. We'd love to hear how you're working to engage future health professionals.
Driving Innovation & Discovery
Research Technical Staff Award Nominations Open
The Research and Innovation Office is seeking nominations for its Research Technical Staff Award, which recognizes research staff for their significant contributions and distinguished service to the U of M research community. Ten personal honorariums of $2,000 will be awarded.
Training Module on Equity-Grounded Community-Engaged Research Now Available
The Clinical and Translational Science Institute is offering a new training module designed to help build a foundation for community-engaged research. This free module covers principles and tools for success, and offers guidelines for supporting authentic, equity-grounded research collaborations.
Registration Open for Mentoring Excellence Training Academy
This free training program is designed to help U of M faculty members improve their research mentorship skills. Participants attend virtual sessions derived from evidence-based curricula focused on mentoring core competencies. Registration is due by July 19.
Advancing Interprofessional Education & Training
OACA Interprofessional Internship Highlight: Collaborative Mental Health Training at Allina Health
Tess Burley, BS, from the School of Nursing, and Guldamla Kalender, BA, from the Medical School, are working with Allina Health to develop and conduct mental health and wellbeing training for employees and assist in the evaluation of results.
An Educational Continuum for Professionals Interested in Interprofessional Teaching and Innovation
The Center for Interprofessional Health’s Affiliate Faculty & Ambassador Program has brought together health professionals from the community and the University to enrich their understanding and experience in interprofessional education, practice and research. This year’s participants enjoyed getting to know other health care professionals and participating in the many interprofessional programs that reinforce the benefits of collaboration.
OACA Interprofessional Internship Application Now Open
The Office of Academic Clinical Affairs is now accepting applications for the fifth year of its interprofessional internship program. Selected students will be part of an interprofessional intern team with a partner organization to engage in a project focused on advancing health and education. Interns can be enrolled in any University health professions program. Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will be accepted through June 2, 2024.
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, Master of Public Health student Kevan O’Hanlon and medical student Saliha Chaudhry reflect on the past two years of their project working to create a more sustainable health care workforce in Greater Minnesota.
U-Wide Events and Opportunities
COMET Training Available
COMET™ (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) is a free two-hour course that teaches a simple set of seven questions anyone can use to engage with somebody who may be experiencing moderate depression or anxiety before a crisis occurs.
Swipe Right On You! Social Media and Your Mental Health
Join the Bakken Center on May 22 for a webinar exploring social media fundamentals and the influence social media has on your cognitive abilities and mental health, relationships, and how you can impact your community using social media.
Other News
