Driven to Support Health in Rural Minnesota

rural road

The Office of Academic Clinical Affairs advances rural health through collaborations and partnerships, leadership development, and workforce training and professional development.

Our programs focused on rural health are designed to positively impact — in clear and measurable ways — the health and wellbeing of people and communities in rural Minnesota.

Advancing Rural Health in Greater Minnesota

Led by Associate Vice President for Global and Rural Health Dr. Shailey Prasad, we are developing strategies to address the needs of rural Minnesota — including access to health care — and increase our ability to support the providers and teams who work there.

Developing and Strengthening Minnesota’s Health Care Workforce

Like much of the U.S., Minnesota faces a growing shortage of health professionals—particularly in our small towns and rural communities. We are driven to prepare and train Minnesota's newest health care professionals who are ready to meet the changing needs of communities across Minnesota and around the world. We partner with community leaders and clinical partners to expand training options across the state, as well as provide professional development for current health professionals throughout Minnesota with knowledge and skills that can be directly applied in health care and clinical learning environments.

Rural Health Initiative

Led by Dr. Katy Kozhimannil, the Rural Health Initiative includes:

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