Page 22 - Regions Annual Report 2023

You left Regions for a number of years before returning. We are so fortunate to have you back, why did you decide to come back to Regions?
“I missed the teamwork in the department
and among all the hospital-based services and specialties. I also really missed the teaching environment. Every day I learn from my physician and physician assistant colleagues, pharmacists, fellows, residents, nurses, and students.”
During your career you have accomplished so much, can you briefly share with us some of the leadership roles you have held and what you enjoyed about each role?
“I honestly stumbled into most of my roles
trying to fill a need in the hospital or community that I served. I worked as an Assistant Program Director shortly after completing residency to help build and promote an already outstanding program established by Dr. Knopp. When I left for northern Minnesota, it was clear there was a lack of quality emergency medicine services and a disparity of specialty care throughout the region. I focused on structuring an integrated regional emergency department by building up a single group of skilled providers in the tertiary center and then assisted each rural hospital integrate their facilities into our emergency care model.
To further decrease regional disparities in specialty care, I assisted in the development of tele-health for emergency room outreach, 20 clinic specialties, and 6 hospital-based specialties. After this I spent time as an Independent Consultant assisting other organizations with similar work. What I enjoyed most about each role is ensuring that a patient would receive the best, evidence-based care regardless of where they lived and have access to quality emergency care and specialty services.”
You have always been someone that has contributed and given back to the medical community, can you share with us what your current role is with the University of Minnesota Medical School and why you enjoy doing it?
“I serve on the admissions committee at the University of Minnesota Medical School. In this role I assist the Dean’s Office in searching for those students who are able to fulfill the philosophy
and mission of the Medical School and increase diversity of the practice. I enjoy getting to know our future doctors and being inspired by their stories.
It strengthens my conviction to serve and gives me hope in the future of our profession.”
Faculty spotlight
Teri Gunnarson, MD, MBA
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Emergency Medicine Residency 2023 Annual Report