University of Minnesota president, regents chair express concern with possible Sanford-Fairview merger

MINNEAPOLIS (KFGO) – University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel and Board of Regents Chairman Ken Powell have both voiced concerns about a proposed merger between Sioux Falls-based Sanford Health and Twin Cities-headquarted Fairview Health System, which has strong ties to the University of Minnesota.

Gabel says three people with connections to the university on Fairview’s board have all indicated that any merger must ensure the independence of the university’s medical faculty and recognize the importance of teaching. Fairview owns the university’s teaching hospital in Minneapolis. Regents Chairman Powell says the U of M Medical School trains over 70% of Minnesota’s doctors. He said what is best for Minnesota in the future might not be best for Fairview financially.

Governor Tim Walz has indicated he’s open to a merger.