About Family Medicine

We are one of the oldest and largest family medicine departments in the nation and have always been dedicated to serving the health care needs of families and individuals in Minnesota, the Upper Midwest, and beyond. As part of the University of Minnesota, we share in its threefold mission of research, teaching, and service.

The creation of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health was prompted by a national shortage of primary care physicians in the 1960s, and by the Minnesota State Legislature's realization that physician supply in rural Minnesota was at a critically low point. The department was first established as a division of internal medicine and in 1970 became a separate department. Macaran A. Baird, MD, MS, was appointed professor and head in 2002.

Since we began residency education, we have graduated more than 1,400 residents. Our residency programs thrive not only because of the quality of our faculty, wide choice of training sites, up-to-date curriculum, and educational resources, but also because we attract excellent residents with varied backgrounds, interests, and goals.

In addition to residency education, our department has very busy programs in medical student education, human sexuality, and research. Family physicians from around the nation participate in our three-year fellowship program to prepare for careers in clinical research. Our faculty are active in continuing medical education and professional societies as well as clinical service and community activities. We have strong working relationships with community hospitals and physicians around Minnesota and with state and national professional organizations.