National Medical Specialty Societies Offer Vaccine Guidance
September 3, 2026
On September 2, the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America issued guidelines recommending Americans continue to get immunized for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Sanford Health and North Memorial Health Finalize Partnership
September 3, 2026
On September 1, Sanford Health and North Memorial Health announced that they had finalized their partnership, and are now one non-profit integrated health system operating as Sanford Health.
State Releases Fact Sheet on Preparing for Patients Using Concentrated 7-OH Products
September 3, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), in collaboration with the MMA and partner physicians, has released an informational brief on concentrated 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH) and other kratom products, which are increasingly available in commercial forms such as tablets, gummies, liquids, and “enhanced” or “spiked” kratom products.
New Survey Shows Health Misinformation on the Rise
September 3, 2026
On August 31, The Physicians Foundation announced findings from its 2026 Survey of America’s Physicians: Misinformation and the Erosion of Trust in American Health Care, examining how health misinformation is affecting patient decisions, the patient-physician relationship, and physicians’ ability to provide care.
Former MMA President Passes Away at 85
September 3, 2026
Former MMA president and long-time active member Forrest Blanton Bessinger, Jr., MD, MBA, passed away on August 25. The pediatric cardiologist was 85.
Minnesota Supreme Court Dismisses Wrongful Death Claim in Favor of Fairview Health Services
August 27, 2026
On August 19, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued an opinion in favor of Fairview Health Services’ argument that Minnesota statute requires a trustee to be appointed prior to that trustee being able to bring a wrongful death action.
Residents, Fellows Still Waiting on First Contract
August 27, 2026
A group of Minnesota residents and fellows gathered outside the University of Minnesota Medical Center on August 24 demanding their first contract, something they've been bargaining for since last September.
MMA’s Healthcare Careers Website Continues to Grow
August 27, 2026
HealthcareCareersMN.org, an MMA initiative, continues to grow and support the healthcare career aspirations of students from across Minnesota.
Physician/Olympian to Give Inspirational Address at Empowering Physicians Event
August 20, 2026
A physician and Olympian will give an inspirational address as part of this year's Empowering Physicians event on Friday, September 25, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.
Minnesota Vaccination Rates Trending in Wrong Direction
August 20, 2026
Minnesota received some disturbing news this week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as data shows that for the 2025-2026 school year, vaccination rates decreased and non-medical exemptions increased.
