Welcome to 2023! More than four years ago, OACA was formed to leverage and broaden interdisciplinary opportunities and support infrastructure for clinical research and training in order to prepare the future health care workforce for interprofessional collaboration.
We do this by:
- bringing together strengths and talents from across the University.
- developing partnerships statewide in clinical research, training and practice.
- preparing learners with interprofessional clinical training.
- driving cross-disciplinary, statewide collaborations that tackle today’s complex health issues.
In the year to come, we will also continue to focus on workforce development and to provide support for our clinical partners across the state. We will do this with greater accountability for the outcomes to which we aspire.
OACA doesn’t exist without each and every one of you. Thank you for your efforts, care, and unique contributions.
As we move through 2023, please reach out and connect with one another, and let us know how we can help you improve care by advancing clinical science, education and training.
Driving Innovation & Discovery
From rural health and trauma-informed care simulation training, to improving health in our communities, here are our top 10 most-read stories from the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs in 2022.
Racial Disparities in Surgery Recommendations for Patients with Brain Tumors
U of M researchers found that a patient’s race may influence recommendations for surgical removal of brain tumors. According to their analysis published in The Lancet, Black patients were independently associated with higher odds of being recommended against surgical resection in the four most common brain tumors compared with white patients. And, patients of unknown race had significantly higher odds of recommendation against surgical resection for pituitary adenoma and vestibular schwannoma.
Students in Research: Plan your Summer Career Development Now
Two summer research training opportunities from the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) are now accepting applications from undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. CTSI’s PReP and A-PReP programs give students the opportunity to gain critical skills, conduct research with a mentor, present their findings, and build camaraderie with fellow students. Applications accepted until Feb. 10.
UMN Collaboration in Kenya Shifts to Support COVID-19 Response on Mfangano Island
Among the many disruptions generated by COVID-19 for rural communities around the world, community-based research reliant on international collaboration and face-to-face interactions has been greatly tested. In a recent report in the Journal of Global Health Reports, U of M researchers and colleagues provide an example of how community-based research collaborations can utilize embedded networks to develop adaptive responses to unexpected public health threats.
Advancing Interprofessional Education & Training
Students: What Do You Enjoy Most About Interprofessional Activities?
“I find interacting with other perspectives incredibly rewarding. I think getting more perspectives helps me get out of thought ruts and also helps me do a better job of empathizing as well as increases my creativity when interacting with others. Without the experiences I've had, I wouldn't be embracing diversity and disagreement in practice.
Partnering with Communities
Global to Local: Empowering Youth to Be Health Leaders
Rahel Nardos, MD, director of global women’s health for the Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, began to notice a trend when her patients from Somali, Latino, and Ethiopian communities came in to see her. They often brought their children to translate health concerns and help them navigate the health care system. Nardos had an idea: What if we empowered these youth, who already serve as cultural brokers and health care navigators for their families, to be effective health advocates and bridges for their communities?
U-Wide Events and Opportunities
42nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert
All are invited to the U of M’s 42nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert on Jan. 15. This year’s concert, hosted and curated by alum G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, will take place at Ted Mann Concert Hall and will also be live-streamed. The program will intermix the words of Dr. King with reflections and musical performances from U of M students and the greater Twin Cities community.
Ethics Grand Round: Physicians’ Experiences with and Perceptions of Caring for Patients with Disability
Join the Center for Bioethics on Jan. 27 for an upcoming Ethics Grand Rounds. After participating in the session, attendees should be able to describe potential cases of health care disparities for people with disabilities; identify major responsibilities of physicians under the Americans with Disabilities Act; and describe barriers people with different disabilities often confront while receiving health care.
Other News
