The University of Minnesota Medical School has pioneered basic research leading to advances in cancer, immunology, surgery and transplant medicine. The BioMedical and University Libraries, and research groups such as the Computational Biology Computing Centers and the Biomedical Image Processing Laboratory provide access to expertise in information technology. The Academic Health Center with its General Clinical Research Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, extensive physician practice organization, and affiliation with Fairview-University Medical Center provides test beds for information technology in support of practice, education and research. The Twin Cities unique managed care environment and vibrant health technology industry presents special opportunities for learning, investigation, and career development, Strong linkages with the State Department of Health and the Veterans Administration Medical Center offer further sites for health services research.