On Monday, February 13th, President Obama submitted his FY13 budget proposal to the U.S. Congress. The President's budget request did not include funding for the Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program.

We have until March 20th for House members to request AHEC funding, and we have until March 29th for Senators to recommend AHEC funding in their FY13 budget requests. If Members of Congress do not request funding for AHEC, there will be no federal funding available for AHEC programs nationwide.

Please be sure to reach out to your legislators, as well as your students, board members, community members and the many others who may be willing to call on behalf of the AHEC Program. Thank you for your continuous advocacy efforts in helping the MN AHEC Network to be eligible for funding in order to continue their excellent work in improving health by leading the nation in the recruitment, training and retention of a diverse health workforce for underserved communities.

The Pat Tillman Foundation has chosen the University of Minnesota as a University Partner in support of the Tillman Military Scholars program, which provides educational scholarships for veteran and active servicemembers and their spouses.

With its selection, the University of Minnesota is recognized by the Pat Tillman Foundation as being among the nation's leaders in support services for student veterans, active servicemembers and their spouses on campus.

Applications are now being accepted for Tillman Scholars, until Friday, March 16, 2012

Who is eligible to apply to become a Tillman Military Scholar?
> Veteran and active duty military servicemembers Of both pre- and post-9/11 service, from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, including service in the National Guard and Reserve.
> Spouses of active or veteran servicemembers, including surviving spouses
> Servicemember or spouse seeking assistance to pursue an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate degree as a full-time student at a public or private, 4-year U.S.-based accredited institution

Criteria
Members of each class of Tillman Military Scholars represent a rich and diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and ambitions, and were selected based on strong leadership potential and a drive to make a positive impact on others through service.

The MN AHEC Network is available to assist veterans interested in seeking health careers education and health professions students who have been servicemenbers to find support and resources, like the Tillman Scholars, to continue their path to a health care career.

The University of Minnesota 11th annual Public Health Institute offers courses for everyone practicing in or studying public health or fields related to public health.

The Public Health Institute includes a collection of fast-paced and interactive courses in nine public health areas with an emphasis on theory-to-practice, with opportunities for field trips, case studies, hands-on labs, and simulations.

The courses are available May 21-June 8, 2012.

Registration is open for professionals seeking Continuing Education Units. Registration for Graduate credit opens , enrolled University of Minnesota Students can register beginning April 10th and to the public on April 17.

Course topics include:
Culturally Responsive Public Health Practice
Environmental Health Sciences
Food Protection
Global Health
Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Public Health Leadership and Management
Public Health Preparedness, Response and Recovery; Research Methods
Women and Child Health and Nutrition.

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) is pleased to announce two pilot funding opportunities designed to support the broad spectrum of translational science research at the University of Minnesota and in our communities.

Community Collaborative Grants Program
The Community Collaborative Grants Program supports research that solves problems in translating clinical and health-related scientific knowledge into meaningful changes in practice, with the goals of improved health outcomes and/or reduced costs. This funding is intended to stimulate outstanding new pilot research that 1) involves strong community-university collaborations and 2) addresses important issues identified by community and 3) holds the promise of developing into long-term research and evaluation projects that will attract larger grants from NIH or other federal, state, or private funding agencies.

Grants are awarded in three areas: health disparities, systems for health improvement, and rural health.

Translational Research Grants Program
The Translational Research Grants Program supports and facilitates the highest quality translational research, with a goal of making definitive progress toward positively impacting human health in Minnesota and the nation. Applications must be focused on T1 human research, or human-relevant translational or clinical research with the potential to impact human health and/or disease. T1 research tests findings derived from basic research for clinical effects and/or applicability, and yields knowledge about human disease origin and progression and the potential for prevention and/or treatment.

The MN AHEC Network is proud to partner with the CTSI Office of Interprofessional Workforce Development.

Poster abstracts are currently being for the 2012 Health Equity Conference poster session to be held April 23rd.

The agenda 2012 Health Equity Conference will focused on eliminating health disparities. Posters may be on any topic related to health equity and health disparities.

The deadline to submit poster abstracts is Monday February 15, 2012 at 5pm.

Awards will be given in each of the following submission categories: Students, fellows, faculty, staff and community members.

The event will be co-hosted by the Center for Health Equity, Program in Health Disparities Research and the Minnesota Center for Cancer Collaborations.

The CTSI 2012 Summer Advanced Research Program provides research training through a structured core curriculum, mentored research projects, weekly research seminars, and a final mini-symposium to present research to other scholars and mentors. With input and oversight by the faculty mentor, the scholars will design a mutually acceptable research-training plan, according to his or her career interests and the ongoing research programs of the faculty mentor.

•Download the Request for Applications
•Download the Application Cover Sheet
•View a list of potential mentors

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•Open to current University of Minnesota health sciences professional students (from the six health sciences colleges and schools) with an interest in clinical and translational research
•Offers an 8 - 12 week mentored summer research opportunity
•Provides a weekly stipend during the course of the program
•Opportunity for outstanding projects to receive travel funding to present research at a scientific conference
•Includes interdisciplinary learning and networking opportunities through weekly research seminars
•Applications from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged
•All health sciences students are eligible, regardless of citizenship or immigration status
•Up to ten students will be selected
•Applications due January 16, 2012; start date in summer 2012

Medical students interested in health equity research should visit the Center for Health Equity website for more summer research opportunities

MN AHEC Director Barbara Brandt is the Director of the Office of Interprofessional Workforce Development in the CTSI.

AHEC funding for FY12 has been finalized at $30,142,000. This does reflect a $3 million decrease over FY11; however it is far, far better than zero, as initially proposed by the House.

Please be sure to reach out and thank your legislators, as well as your students, board members, community members and the many others who called on behalf of the AHEC Program. Thanks to your continuous advocacy efforts the AHEC Network is well positioned to continue its excellent work in improving health by leading the nation in the recruitment, training and retention of a diverse health workforce for underserved communities.

Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) has released a call for abstracts for their 2012 Research Forum. Abstracts are due January 27, 2012. The Research Forum will take place on March 31, 2012.

Abstracts should contain original research and be relevant to family medicine. All categories of research will be considered, including practice-based, community-oriented and participatory projects, and descriptive studies. Quality Improvement projects, clinical case presentations, and literature reviews are acceptable if they generate original conclusions.

Research can be presented as a poster rather than as a live presentation. Poster submissions do require an abstract.

Abstracts can be submitted by medical students, residents, practicing physicians, academic physicians, and researchers.

Please visit the MAFP website for details on submitting an abstract.

Northwest MN AHEC board member Ray Christensen, MD is the treasurer of the MAFP House of Delegates.

BrainU is a grant-funded professional development program that teaches educators neuroscience principles and effective methodology for teaching neuroscience in the middle to high school classroom.

BrainU's web site contains professional development resources and lesson plan materials for grades 5 through 12 science teachers.

Science teachers from Minnesota and Wisconsin have utilized BrainU training and resources since the program's inception in 2000. Content ranges from 2-week-long teacher training sessions to 1-hour student assemblies, hands-on activities, student/teacher guides, handouts, and other materials.

BrainU is developed by the University of Minnesota Department of Neuroscience and Department of Curriculum and Instruction and is a resource in the STEM Education Center in the College of Education and Human Development.

Strength in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects is an important part of preparing students for continuing education in health professions.

The project is funded by SEPA (Science Education Partnership Award), supported by the National Center for Research Resources, a part of the National Institutes of Health, with additional funding from SEDAPA and ARRA.

The MN AHEC Network hosted a booth at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) 2011 National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The conference is held annually and there were over 1,800 attendees from across the nation. MN AHEC staff from across the state enjoyed attending presentations and talking with a wide range of high school, college, and graduate students and educators about AHEC resources in health careers exploration - not only in Minnesota, but across the country.

MN AHEC Network staff were also pleased to meet Iva GreyWolf, Executive Director of the Southeast Alaska AHEC. Her AHEC was also exhibiting at the conference. The 2012 AISES National Conference will take place in Anchorage, Alaska.

American Indian health careers promotion is one of seven focus areas identified by the MN AHEC Network as a priority for programming and effort.

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Loan Repayment Program pilot application cycle is now open.

The Students to Service Loan Repayment Program provides loan repayment assistance to medical students (MD and DO) in their last year of school, in return for a commitment to provide primary health care services in eligible Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) of greatest need.

This and other NHSC programs are seeking applicants who have an interest in serving in rural and urban communities with limited access to health care and in providing care through their initial service commitment and beyond. MN AHEC Network staff across Minnesota serve as NHSC Ambassadors and are available to assist interested students in their application process.

The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has launched an Alumni Network and a redesigned website this week. Visit the site to learn more about opportunities with the NHSC, link to Corps resources, and obtain the latest news and information from the NHSC.

The NHSC, through its providers and sites, plays an important role in helping to address the country's primary care shortage. The NHSC provides scholarships and loan repayment The NHSC is a Federal government program that is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The MN AHEC Network is also a HRSA program.

NHSC alumni include thousands of providers who have served in the Corps and made a significant contribution to the health of the nation's underserved communities. The primary purpose of the NHSC Alumni Network is to offer former members a means to stay connected with the Corps. For those alumni interested in playing a more active role, the NHSC welcomes the support to increase awareness about the NHSC, primary care and working in underserved communities.

There are several MN AHEC Network staff who are NHSC Ambassadors and they are glad to help address questions about the NHSC and qualifying for funding.

The Minnesota Department of Health has begun the 2011 Minnesota e-Health Connectivity Grant Program for Health Information Exchange (HIE) application process.

The HIE Cooperative Agreement Program, known as Minnesota e-Health Connect, is funded by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) through the HITECH Act to build capacity in all states for exchanging health information across the health care system both within and across states. The cooperative agreement specifically requires states to use their authority, programs and resources to:

• Ensure the development of state level directories and enable technical services for health information exchange
• Convene stakeholders to ensure trust and support for a statewide approach to health information exchange
• Ensure an effective model for health information exchange governance and accountability
• Coordinate an integrated approach with Medicaid and public health
• Develop and update privacy and security requirements for health information exchange
• Remove barriers and create enablers for health information exchange

On Sunday, October 9, Glacial Ridge Health System in Glenwood, MN hosted a reception honoring Senator Al Franken on his National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health Rural Healthcare Legislator award.

Mark Schoenbaum, Director of the Minnesota Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, presented the award to Senator Franken. The award is given annually to recognize an outstanding legislator for his or her work on, and support of, rural health initiatives. Those selected have introduced or supported legislation that addresses an identified rural health need or issue; made a special effort to effect change in rural health policy; and/or demonstrated leadership in the rural community.

Schoenbaum said Senator Franken received the award in recognition of his continued efforts to ensure that Minnesotans in rural communities receive the quality medical care they deserve. "Senator Franken is a member of three panels, the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions; the Indian Affairs Committee; and the Senate Rural Health Caucus, where he has tirelessly advocated for rural health improvements. He has written and co-sponsored several important rural health bills," said Schoenbaum. He continued to say Senator Franken joins past recipients of this award such as Senator Max Baucus, Senator Kent Conrad, Representative Gabrielle Giffords and Senator Ted Kennedy.

Over 1300 high school students from across the Southern MN AHEC region attended the Southwest Minnesota Career Expos at Southwest State University in Marshall, MN and Minnesota West College in Worthington, MN.

Southern MN AHEC provided simulation and training equipment for local health care professionals to use to offer hands-on demonstrations of their work to engage the students. Over 40 southern Minnesota school districts had students participating in these annual expos hosted by the Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative.

Photos from the Southwest Minnesota Career Expos and more information can be found on the Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative website.

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) presented its 2011 awards to five well-­‐respected rural health leaders and a deserving State Office of Rural Health (SORH) on September 8 during the organization's 2011 Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado.

The Minnesota AHEC Network is happy to congratulate our colleague Mark Schoenbaum on receiving the 2011 Distinguished Service Award. Schoenbaum is Director of the Minnesota Office of Rural Health and Primary Care at the Minnesota Department of Health.

NOSORH presents the award each year to a member who has made an outstanding contribution or contributions to NOSORH and is actively involved in a State Office of Rural Health.

The Minnesota AHEC Network (MN AHEC) was selected to be showcased as a part of University of Minnesota President Kaler's tour of the Academic Health Center(AHC) on Monday, September 19.

Barbara Brandt, MN AHEC Director and Associate Vice President for Education for the Academic Health Center, hosted the visit. The event was held in the Health Careers Center, an AHC Office of Education program and MN AHEC partner designed to help undergraduate students prepare for advanced health profession education.

Topics covered during the visit included teaching Health Professional Collaborative Practice to health professions students and practitioners. The the Right Side Up in Otter Tail County interprofessional practice and education team participated in the event via interative television to showcase their team-based work in geriatric fall prevention. Central MN AHEC is a part of the Right Side Up team.

Similar interprofessional education and practice teams supported by MN AHEC and the Office of Education were also highlighted to show how new models of health care provide best practices for collaborative care. Teams include faculty, community-based health professionals, and students from medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.

During his tour of the AHC, President Kaler also visited MN AHEC collaborators in the School of Public Health, the simulation center in the Interprofessional Education and Resource Center, and the School of Dentistry.

The changing population of K-12 education in some rural Minnesota communities is represented in an article by Mila Koumpilova titled "Worthington schools' growth defies rural trends, but its struggle to help minority students succeed does not".

The Pioneer Press article covers how the Worthington, MN school system has had an increase in students, which is the opposite of most rural school districts. The community has also had major shifts in student demographics, with the 45% of students being Hispanic in origin and a growing population of African and Asian immigrants.

Worthington is a town of about 12,800 people. It has an economy based on farming and manufacturing, which makes it a drawn for people seeking employment. Worthington is in Nobles county and Southern MN AHEC serves the community with resources to promote the primary care health professional workforce.

The Disabled American Veterans Mobile Service Office will be making stops South Central Minnesota communities this week.

The fully functioning mobile office travels around the country to make it easier for vets to get help with available benefits and services. The schedule for the week:
9/19/2011: Mankato: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Nichols Office Center, 410 E. Jackson St.;

• 9/20/2011: Blue Earth: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Faribault County Office Building, 412 N. Nicollet St.;


• 9/21/2011: St. James: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign War Post, 4 S. Seventh St.;


• 9/22/2011: New Ulm: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at New Ulm Chapter 14, 1522 S. Valley St.;


• 9/23/2011: Gaylord: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Sibley County Service Center, 111 Eighth St.

Jon Retzer, a DAV National Service Office supervisor for Minnesota, told the Mankato Free Press that the office can help veterans with all kinds of issues, from filing claims for benefits and pension assistance to problems with VA medical centers. "People can ask questions about anything and everything."

The University of Minnesota Office for Business and Community Economic Development is now accepting applications for the 2011 Community Health Initiative (CHI) Student Consulting Projects. This program is designed to support students interested in working with community-based organizations that work to address public health issues impacting traditionally underserved communities.

The CHI program matches organizations with undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in either the School of Public Health, Social Work or the School of Medicine, Carlson School of Management or Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs or other graduate programs within the University.

Complete eligibility requirements and online applications for community-based organizations can be found by visiting the CHI website. Applications are due Wednesday, September 14, 2011.

CHI Student Consulting Projects are experiential learning opportunities for students to work on specific projects that have been identified by local nonprofit organizations or businesses involved in addressing public health issues.

These projects attempt to deal with a business need of the organization and may focus in areas including but not limited to market research, marketing, feasibility studies, implementation planning, implementation, health administration, and outreach. Each consulting projects lasts 50-60 hours after which each participating student is paid a stipend of $700.

University of Minnesota Extension is currently accepting applications from community leaders across Minnesota for the 2012 U-Lead Advisory Academy.

The mission of the U-Lead Advisory Academy is to grow Extension stakeholders' leadership skills, knowledge and networks, and link Extension stakeholders to University of Minnesota resources.

The U-Lead Advisory Academy is a dynamic educational experience featuring an online component, four in-state sessions, and a five-day national study tour to Washington D.C..

More information and the program application can be are available from the U-Lead Advisory Academy staff. The application deadline is 10/31/2011.

December 1, 2011 is the deadline for MN Health Professional Loan Forgiveness Programs through the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care at the Minnesota Department of Health.

Minnesota's Loan Forgiveness Program recruits and retains health care professionals to needed areas and facilities within Minnesota.

The program is designed for health care professional serving in health care facilities and communities experiencing a shortage of access to primary health care services in rural and urban areas of Minnesota.

Contact Deb Jahnke for information on these programs at 651-201-3845.

The Office for Equity and Diversity's Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Awards program honors and acknowledges diverse students who are doing outstanding work at the University of Minnesota, both in and out of the classroom.

SEED award recipients demonstrate a deep understanding of and commitment to issues of equity, diversity, and social justice through their academic work and/or service to the community.In addition, SEED awardees will demonstrate experience with or commitment to serving or working with underserved, underrepresented or marginalized populations.

There are two SEED award types; an undergraduate SEED award and a graduate or professional student SEED award. Applicants must be enrolled as students on one of the five University of Minnesota campuses.

The undergraduate SEED applications are due September 26, 2011 and the graduate & professional student SEED applications are due October 10, 2011.

Details on the grant criteria and how to apply can be found on their website.

The awards are presented annually at the University of Minnesota Equity and Diversity Breakfast, which will take place on Wednesday, November 16, 2011.

Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) offered the third installment of conversations about rural health care with nine rural Minnesota health care providers. The piece is called WEIGH IN: Is rural health care going to get better or worse?

The conversation is a part of an ongoing focus in their Ground Level series focused on the future of Rural Health in Minnesota communities.

The UMNews has released a feature piece on University of Minnesota professor and physician Therese Zink. The piece is titled A love of country and it highlights Dr. Zink's passion for and contribution to primary care medicine in rural areas.

Dr. Zink is engaged with MN AHEC through her work in the Rural Physicians Associate Program (RPAP) and her advocacy for rural health care in all primary care fields.

In June, 2011, Dr. Zink received the 2011 Rural Health Hero Award at the Minnesota Rural Health Conference.

She has also shared her career experience and that of others by editing The Country Doctor Revisited, a collection of essays, poems, and short stories written by rural health care professionals.

Thirty-nine middle school students from southern Minnesota attended the second annual Avera Marshal Health Careers for Kids SCRUBS Camp on August 9, 2011 at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall, MN.

In addition to other topics, the middle school aged attendees learn about ultrasound technology and careers in radiology and Imaging.

Avera Marshall staff introduced the students to numerous areas of the hospital, including the emergency room. Simulation training equipment was used to offer students a hands-on experience in multiple health professions.

Southern MN AHEC was grateful to help support the arrangement of this camp. The MN AHEC Network is available to help with similar opportunities across Minnesota.

The physicians in the Preparation for Residency Program will be beginning their residency. The program is designed for international medical graduates seeking U.S. clinical experience required to qualify to practice in Minnesota. The MN AHEC Network is providing financial and community-engagement support for these physicians.

Three doctors from Somalia, Liban Hired, Jibril Elabe, and Liban Farah, are the first beneficiaries of the U's Preparation for Residency Program. Having completed the seven-month training program , Hired is currently a resident at North Memorial, and Elabe and Farah are residents at Smiley's Clinic. After completing their residency, they are committed to work for one year in an underserved community in Minnesota.

From the Youth Work Institute Update:

STEM on the Web! August 5, 2011

The Youth Work Institute has added a new specialty topic to our website: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) will help you find programming resources and activities that draw young people in through interactive, experiential learning. The process of inquiry begins with gathering information and data, applying the human senses; it's a natural fit for incorporating science into your program's curriculum.

Registrations is currently open for the Inquiry-based Science with Kids-It's a chemical attraction! training on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011 at the Wadena County Fairgrounds in Wadena, MN.

Strong STEM skills are an important part of the education of a health professional.

The Minnesota Department of Health Office of Rural Health & Primary Care will post the Rural Hospital Planning and Transition Grant application on August 5th, 2011. Completed applications are due September 19, 2011.

Hospitals have used transition grants to prepare strategic plans, implement new uses for hospital space and develop community services.

The Office of Rural Health & Primary Care administers grants to help small rural hospitals preserve access or respond to changing conditions.

Contact Doug Benson, 651-201-3842, for more information.

Southern MN AHEC Program Coordinator Wendy Foley visited with the Organizational Learning Team from Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall, MN.

The Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center has been active in hosting University of Minnesota Academic Health Center students in clinical experiences and rotations. The Organizational Learning Team works with Southern MN AHEC and partners in the Academic Health Center to establish appropriate experiences for students.

To date, students from the Medical School, the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program, and the College of Pharmacy have been engaged at the facility.

Seventy-five families from around the state, one from each participating county, have been named a "2011 Farm Family of the Year" by the University of Minnesota.

Families from all six MN AHEC regions have been recognized. The full list of honorees was announced this week.

For more than 20 years, the Farm Family Recognition Program has honored farm families from throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities. All of the honored farm families have made significant contributions to Minnesota agriculture and their communities.

The formal 2011 Farm Family Recognition program will take place on Thursday, August 4th beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Farmfest in Redwood Falls, MN.

The Minnesota AHEC Network supports health careers exploration activities for students across Minnesota throughout their educational path. Job shadows at local health care facilities is one option offered for students in high school and college with an interest in a health career.

Watch this Avera Medical Minute: Observing Medicine First-Hand in Marshall to see what a job shadow experience can be like.

Visit our website more information on a wide range of health careers and contact Minnesota AHEC in your area for more information.

Southern MN AHEC Program Coordinator Wendy Foley recently visited University of Minnesota Program in Physical Therapy student Alissa Pauly during her physical therapy rotation at Murray County Medical Center in Slayton, MN.

Alissa was in her 5th week of an 11 week rotation and was enjoying the variety of patients and the diverse opportunities for physical therapy practice that rural areas have to offer.

Dana Decon, PT, has really enjoyed working with Alissa and other physical therapy students from the University of Minnesota. He said, "It is a privilege to be a preceptor for these students and to help the University to bring students to rural Minnesota for learning opportunities."

Yesterday, March 17, 2011, more than 26,000 medical school seniors across the United States discovered where they will spend the next three to seven years for their residency training

On Match Day 2011, more than half of the class of 225 University of Minnesota Medical School students were matched with residency programs in Minnesota.

In addition, more than half of the students are expected to go into primary care residency programs (internal medicine, family practice, or pediatrics). Primary care is the area of focus for MN AHEC as there is a great need for these practitioners in rural and urban areas. This year, all of the family practice residency slots filled across the state.

Match Day is coordinated by the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), a private, not-for-profit organization established in 1952 at the request of medical students to provide an orderly and fair mechanism to match the preferences of applicants to U.S. residency positions with the preferences of residency program directors for those applicants.

On February 3rd, 2011, Minnesota AHEC hosted the second annual Faces of AHEC event at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Faces of AHEC was an opportunity to share information about the role of MN AHEC in community-based primary care workforce planning efforts to address health professions workforce issues across Minnesota with state legislators and stakeholders.

Six health professions students from Minnesota kicked off the program by sharing their home cities across the state and their goals for practice. The event was also attended by more than 75 health care, government and community leaders, MN AHEC regional board members, and health sciences faculty from the University of Minnesota. gathered to discuss the role of MN AHEC in community-based primary care workforce planning efforts.

Highlighted speakers included:

Barbara Brandt, PhD, Associate Vice President for Education and Director, Minnesota AHEC. University of Minnesota Academic Health Center

Representative Bud Nornes, District 10A: Fergus Falls

Patrick Lloyd, DDS, MS, Dean, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota

Linda Watson, MLS, Director, Health Sciences Libraries, University of Minnesota

Kathleen Brooks, MD, MBA, MPA, Director, Rural Physician Associate Program, Medical
School, University of Minnesota

Cindee Quake- Rapp, PhD, OTR/L, Director, Center for Allied Health Programs, University of Minnesota

Southern MN AHEC and Affiliated Community Medical Centers(ACMC) arranged a tour of a Jenni-O processing plant as an occupational health outreach activity for medical students in the region.

Students from the Rural Physician Associate Program(RPAP) at the University of Minnesota and Osteopathic Medicine students participated in the tour.

Help Create Great Ideas to Strengthen the Primary Care Workforce in Minnesota

Participate in regional planning for strengthening Minnesota's primary care workforce by attending one of eight two-hour "Great Ideas for Minnesota's Primary Care" regional strategic input planning meetings in February. Complete registration information is available here. The meetings are sponsored by HealthForce Minnesota, the MN Department of Health Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, and the MN AHEC regional centers.

Who Should Participate

We need input and strategic thinking from professionals involved in a broad spectrum of primary care areas -- service delivery, education, and employment -- as defined in the most holistic, inclusive sense possible because this is what will truly shape effective change for the citizens of Minnesota. This means professionals involved in: high school career counseling, post-secondary education and training for healthcare, hospitals, clinics, community organizations, county social services, dental care, pharmacy, allied health, mental and behavioral health, aging services, and long term care.

View the schedule and register here.

The future of Minnesota's health profession workforce depends on the ability to recruit the best and the brightest students into health careers.

MN AHEC supports a Health Degree Programs website that is full of information on how high school students can be prepared to apply for post secondary education to pursue a health profession degree.

A high school student from Southwest Minnesota discusses health careers with Wendy Foley from Southern MN AHEC.

Resources on the site include:

* Exploring different health professions
* Creating a College Plan
* Researching Health Degree Programs at the University of Minnesota
* Frequently asked questions for students considering a health profession

All of the MN AHEC regional offices can also help with activities and information for further exploration into health careers.

The Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) is featured in the piece Big medicine for Minnesota's small towns on the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center home page.

The article, by Emily Jensen from Academic Health Center Public Relations, contains feedback from RPAP students, alumni, and faculty.

MN AHEC is proud to play a role in the experiences of RPAP students learning in our regions.

December 1, 2010 is the deadline for MN Health Professional Loan Forgiveness Programs through the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care at the Minnesota Department of Health.

According to the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care, the purpose of Minnesota's Loan Forgiveness Program is the recruitment and retention of health care professionals to needed areas and facilities within Minnesota.

Applications are available online. Note that most programs require applicants to apply while still enrolled in a program of study or residency.

Loan forgiveness is an important benefit for health care professionals as well as health care facilities and communities experiencing a shortage of access to primary health care services.

Contact Amy Vallery for information on these programs at amy.vallery@state.mn.us or 651-201-3870.

Steve Moburg, Interim Director of Southern MN AHEC, was interviewed in an article on rural health care workforce need in the September 3, 2010 issue of The Land: Southern Minnesota Edition

The article, "Should you (and your kids) consider a medical career?" highlights the need for health care professionals in southern Minnesota. The role of Southern MN AHEC in educating the community about health careers is covered, as well as steps to take to work towards a career in health care.

August 26, 2010
Tri-State AHEC Conference
Moorhead, MN

MN AHEC representatives from Southern MN AHEC, Central MN AHEC, Northwest MN AHEC, and the MN AHEC Program Office met with representatives from South Dakota AHEC and North Dakota AHEC to discuss common goals and efforts in the areas health professions training and placement.

MN AHEC is proud to work with third-year medical students from the University of Minnesota who participate in the Rural Physicians Associate Program (RPAP). There are RPAP students in all four of our established rural AHEC regions.

The program is in its 38th year and has over 1,200 alumni, 57% of which chose to practice in rural areas. RPAP is a unique opportunity in clinical training wherein third-year medical students live and train for nine months in non-metropolitan communities under the supervision of preceptors who are family physicians. These preceptors mentor students in the professional and personal aspects of being a physician.

RPAP students learn clinical medicine, procedures, community health, and the business of medicine.

The program has been highlighted in the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center News Capsules. You can also check out the program's newsletter, The Rural Physician, and more information can be found on the program's website.

Southern MN AHEC has several opportunities for presentations on health careers for multiple age levels.

Download this informational flyer. and please contact Program Coordinator Wendy Foley if you have any questions or interest.

New health education grant is 'mixed blessing' for regional center
By Anne Polta
West Central Tribune - 12/22/2008

"WILLMAR- Minnesota's network of Area Health Education Centers has received a $3.4 million federal grant to continue its work of developing and training health care professionals in the state's rural areas.

The funding, which was awarded to the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, was announced last week. The money comes through the Bureau of Health Professions in the Health Resources and Services Administration, which provides federal dollars matched with university and local resources to support the development of the rural health care work force."

The full article can be found on the West Central Tribune website or as a PDF.

At their June meeting, the Board of Directors of Southern Minnesota AHEC elected Steven L. Perkins of Luverne and Rock County as a new board member. Mr. Perkins is semi-retired from a career in executive management in both private industry and the public sector. He currently operates Perkins Consulting, which provides management, financial and strategic planning, executive search and economic development consulting services to businesses and government. He describes himself as, "A goal driven, tenacious volunteer for health care and charity that believes leaders must set the example for organizational and societal collaborative action." Beneficiaries of his passion for volunteering include the Sanford Health Luverne Hospital Board of Directors, the Minnesota Hospital Association, the American Hospital Association, Luverne Area Community Foundation, Southwest Minnesota EMS Corporation, Missouri River Energy Systems, New Life Treatment Center, Inc., Minnesota Mayor's Association, and many others.

Gina Danyluk, B.S., M.B.A., Assistant to the CFO of the Academic Health Center, has been appointed by Frank Cerra, Senior Vice President for Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota to fill the unexpired term of Stewart McMullan, who has moved to a new position at the University. Ms. Danyluk has been employed at the University of Minnesota for ten years. She was Director of Accounting Services in the Controller's office for five years; spent three years on the University's enterprise financial system implementation project and the last two years at the Academic Health Center. Ms. Danyluk has a Master of Business Administration with a major in accounting from Georgia State University.

Southern Minnesota AHEC is pleased to welcome these to new members to the Board of Directors.

Westward Expansion: A New Rural Dental Clinic Offers Students Learning Opportunities And Offers Patients Much-Needed Care

An article found in the Spring 2008 Edition of: M: A quarterly publication for all University of Minnesota alumni, friends, faculty, and staff

For more information on the Rice Regional Dental Clinic and Southern MN AHEC, please contact Kathy Huntley, Executive Director of Southern MN AHEC.

Excerpt:
The School of Dentistry's well-established outreach program is now stretching even further--to west central Minnesota. Responding to the challenges rural communities face when recruiting health care professionals and the increasing number of outstate residents in need of affordable dental care, the School of Dentistry is sending students to treat patients at a new 10-chair clinic in Willmar, Minnesota.

After more than two years of planning and raising $2.1 million in public and private support, including $450,000 from Delta Dental of Minnesota to support service-learning opportunities, the Rice Regional Dental Clinic started taking patients in December. This community-based clinic is a collaboration between the School of Dentistry and Rice Memorial Hospital, and serves a 12-county area. Located in and owned by the hospital, the clinic gives the U's dental and hygiene students a chance to enhance their clinical skills while treating patients with diverse oral health needs.

Filling the need: Dental students help fill need for dentist in rural Minnesota

An article in the April 3, 2008 issue of University of Minnesota eNews

For more information on the Rice Regional Dental Clinic and Southern MN AHEC, please contact Kathy Huntley, Executive Director of Southern MN AHEC.

Excerpt:
On its first day of operation, patients filled the 10 chairs of the Rice Regional Dental Clinic in Willmar, Minn. The clinic, a collaboration between the School of Dentistry and Rice Memorial Hospital, is the newest community-based learning site for the school. While the clinic is open to all patients, its mission is to serve low-income and uninsured patients who often are unable to access or afford dental care. The federal government has designated the 12-county area surrounding Willmar as one that is underserved by dentists as well as other health care professionals.

A dynamic opportunity: Providers see immense need for rural dental training site

From the December 21, 2006 edition of the West Central Tribune.

For more information on the Rice Regional Dental Clinic and Southern MN AHEC, please contact Kathy Huntley, Executive Director of Southern MN AHEC.

Excerpt:
WILLMAR - Over the years, Dr. George Gordon has seen a steady stream of emergency patients with acute dental problems. These patients usually don't have a dentist or can't afford dental care. By the time they show up in Rice Memorial Hospital's emergency department, they're hurting. It frustrates Gordon that he can't do much for them, other than try to line up an appointment with a dentist in the Twin Cities- often the closest place where dentists are still available to see people who are low income and uninsured.

Rice Hospital votes to pursue dental training site project

From the December 14, 2006 issue of the West Central Tribune.

For more information on the Rice Regional Dental Clinic and Southern MN AHEC, please contact Kathy Huntley, Executive Director of Southern MN AHEC.

Excerpt:
WILLMAR- Rice Memorial Hospital formally decided Wednesday to go ahead with a project to develop a regional dental training site and clinic in partnership with the University of Minnesota. The vote Wednesday by the city-owned hospital's board of directors came after months of discussion. Board members split 5-1 on the decision. Steve Cederstrom cast the single dissenting vote after expressing concern about whether the program will remain financially sustainable. Douglas Allen, Richard Engan, Verna Kelly, Wayne Larson and John Lindstrom voted in favor. Allen said the project is "the right thing to do." "I think the need is clear. I think there will be spin-off benefits to the hospital," he said. "I think it fits right with the mission." The vote authorizes negotiations to begin on an affiliation agreement with the University of Minnesota.