2008 SPH Commencement
Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Sanne Magnan delivered the 2008 School of Public Health commencement address.
Dr. Sanne Magnan was appointed Minnesota Commissioner of Health by Governor Tim Pawlenty on Sept. 28, 2007. Commissioner Magnan is responsible for directing the Minnesota Department of Health. MDH is the state's lead public health agency, responsible for protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans. The department has approximately 1,300 employees in the
Twin Cities area and in seven offices in Greater Minnesota.
Professional Background
Prior to being appointed commissioner, Dr. Magnan served as president of the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement in Bloomington. An independent, non-profit organization, ICSI facilitates collaboration on health care quality improvement by medical groups, hospitals and health plans that provide health care services to people who live and work in Minnesota and adjacent states.
Commissioner Magnan has also served as a staff physician at the Tuberculosis Clinic at St. Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health and a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota.
She was also vice president and medical director of consumer health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota where she was responsible for case management, disease management, and consumer engagement.
Commissioner Magnan also was lead physician at Lino Lakes Correctional Facility and a staff physician at various other clinics. She has served on several boards, including Minnesota Community Measurement.
Commissioner Magnan was named one of the 100 Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician in 2004.
Educational Background
Commissioner Magnan holds a medical degree and a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the University of Minnesota. She earned her bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of North Carolina.
Commissioner Magnan is married and has two daughters.
Last modified on Monday Jul 02, 2007