[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today appointed former Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm to lead a new task force that will develop recommendations to support the University of Minnesota’s Health Sciences Programs. The group will be tasked with ensuring that Minnesotans can continue to receive the highest-quality care in a financially sustainable way.

“The University of Minnesota’s Health Sciences Programs provide critical education, training, and research to support the next generation of health care professionals and provide high-quality care for Minnesotans,” said Governor Walz. “I am calling together this group of leaders and health care experts to work to ensure that the future of Minnesota’s academic health remains strong.”

The Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota, created by Executive Order 23-09, will develop recommendations to support world-class academic health professions education, research, and care delivery by the Health Sciences Programs that advance equity, center primary care, and ensure that Minnesotans can continue to receive the highest-quality care in a financially sustainable way. As the Governor’s designee and Chair, Jan Malcolm will lead the task force as it works to make recommendations. In addition to the chair, representatives from the legislature, and leaders from the Department of Health and Office of Higher Education, the Governor will appoint individuals with expertise in health professions education, health care finance, and health equity.

The task force will provide a summary of their recommendations to the Governor in January 2024.