ST. CLOUD, Minn. — New data from the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) found the nursing shortage finally easing in Minnesota.
But that's not the case when it comes to doctors.
Last year alone, the MHA found the number of working physicians dropped by 9%. It's worse in rural areas where as many as a third of them will retire in five years, meaning the profession is banking on a new medical school set to open in 2025 in St. Cloud.
It's a unique partnership between the University of Minnesota Medical School and CentraCare, one of the largest health systems in the state.
"In less than a year, we will have this completely converted over and it will feel completely different," said CentraCare Vice President of Facilities Dave Larson.
He's helping lead the project that's transforming an old office building into the new school. The space is about 60,000 square feet, serving 24 students and including a wellness center, simulation area and cadaver stations.
The $300 million investment comes at a time when MHA's new data also shows 60% of doctors nationwide are considering retiring, citing burnout and a growing workload.
Longtime CentraCare pediatrician Dr. Jill Amsberry says that's already happening in Minnesota and calls the trend alarming.
"It's not something we can sit back and watch and see what happens," said Dr. Amsberry.
So much so, that she's now trading her practice for teaching and training new doctors. She'll be the school's new assistant dean for undergraduate medical education and hopes to focus on breaking down barriers like a rural population's higher risk of chronic disease and access. She said she has some patients who travel two to three hours for care.
"We know that if you train people in rural settings, that they're much more likely to stay in rural settings," said Dr. Amsberry. "This is something really everyone can get their arms around."
The project also includes building 95 housing units that will be attached to the med school from studios to three bedrooms. They're expected to be complete by the time school starts.