Health Equity

At the University of Minnesota Medical School, our students learn more than just how to deliver health care.

They learn how to shape the world around them and improve overall quality of life for individuals and families. In addition to focusing on medical education, faculty also work to eliminate health disparities across our region and beyond.

Far too many Minnesota families live without health insurance. In fact, nearly 10% of our state’s residents go each day without the security that health insurance can provide.

Through free or low-cost health care clinics such as the Phillip’s Neighborhood Clinic and the Community-University Health Care Center, we serve Minnesota’s uninsured and under-insured.

Stopping disparity before it starts

But that's just the beginning. We also examine the predictors and causes that lead to health disparities. With such knowledge comes the ability to generate solutions.

We look at factors like neighborhood environments, the influence of family, alcohol availability, and the activity levels of populations to fight health inequities before they start.

Medical School health disparity researchers recently secured nearly $50 million in grant funding. Projects include finding new ways to combat cancer disparities and enrolling minorities in applicable clinical trials. They work to reduce poverty, boost literacy rates, and conduct leadership development and financial training. We’re searching for a complete solution.

In fact, earlier this year, George Washington University recognized the University of Minnesota for improving the health of families in our own communities.

At the University of Minnesota Medical School, students focus on the future. Even if it isn’t theirs.