


CentraCare and the University of Minnesota Medical School are exploring a stronger relationship to realize their shared vision to improve the health of Greater Minnesota residents and to address the shortage of medical professionals in Minnesota’s small towns and rural communities.
Collaborating in pursuit of better health for Minnesotans is not new for these two organizations. The Medical School and CentraCare have several long-standing relationships, including a family medicine residency, an orthopedics practice, and a new rural training track grant. Together, the two organizations have a history of collaborating to provide superior clinical care and educating future physicians to meet the needs of cities and towns of all sizes. An expanded relationship would build upon this foundation.
Our Vision:
A Healthy Rural Minnesota
For more than a century, CentraCare and the University of Minnesota Medical School have each cared for Minnesotans across the state. And for decades, we’ve done so together. Through the University of Minnesota/CentraCare St. Cloud Family Residency Program and other collaborations, together we have educated and trained many physicians who now serve our rural communities.
We imagine a day, not far away, when excellent access to physicians—no matter where in Minnesota you live—is the norm. We see a time when the quality of care is equally superb in our largest metropolitan areas and our smallest town. All Minnesotans deserve the best.

“This is going to be incredibly important, not just for healthcare, not just for training physicians who will practice in rural Minnesota, but for the society in general.”
While 20% of the U.S. population lives in rural communities, only 11% of physicians practice in such areas.
Rural Americans are at greater risk of death from heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic respiratory disease, and stroke.
“If not us, who? And if not now, when? There will never be a better time than today for the University and CentraCare to serve the health needs of rural Minnesotans.”

News & Media
Vision for improving health in Greater MN outlined to regents
A targeted Rx for rural health care
CentraCare seeks partnership with U of M for rural medical school
CentraCare, U of M share plans to attract more doctors to rural communities
University of Minnesota, CentraCare plan St. Cloud medical school to focus on rural health
CentraCare CEO Releases More Details for Proposed Medical School in St Cloud
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