That’s how I found myself in a Morrill Hall conference room on the U’s Twin Cities campus about a week ago. At the table were Cunningham and two members of her communications team. It was cordial but I left with little clarity on key questions:
The last question is especially timely because the U’s current agreement with Fairview expires at the end of 2026. That doesn’t leave a lot of time because of the complex business of health care. The long-running ire between the U and Fairview exacerbates the challenge.
Both sides share responsibility for the chilly relations. Fairview has tried twice previously to merge with Sanford, which led to statewide concern over an out-of-state entity controlling the teaching hospitals. The U trains about 70% of the state’s doctors.
The U’s announcement in January about Essentia didn’t help, with Fairview leadership apparently given about 24 hours’ notice of the deal.
Is it even possible for the U and Fairview to reach an agreement? If not, is it time for the two sides to begin formally unwinding their relationship? That process will not be quick or easy and likely needs to begin soon if this is the path forward.
During the interview, Cunningham spoke movingly about the U’s central role in the state’s public health and its economic vitality. As she pointed out, the U doesn’t just train physicians; it’s one of the rare universities with a medical school and schools of pharmacy, nursing, public health and veterinary medicine.