More than 70% of Minnesota’s doctors, nurses, dentists, physical therapists, pharmacists, and veterinarians have trained at the University of Minnesota. With the majority of care practitioners in the state perfecting their craft at the U, it’s not a stretch to say that the health and wellness of Minnesota tomorrow starts on campus today.

That’s why the next generation of health care professionals needs a next-generation education, says Jakub Tolar, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the U of M Medical School and vice president for clinical affairs.

“By preparing ourselves and our students for the future, we will have a significant impact on our state and our communities,” he says.

That preparation is now happening in a space fit for the future of health care. In 2020, the U opened a state-of-the-art learning hub known as the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) on the Twin Cities campus.

The 200,000-square-foot facility is designed to promote interprofessional interaction and teamwork among students and faculty from different fields.

“Health care requires different professions coming together to work in close collaboration, using new strategies and new technologies,” says Jeannine Conway, Pharm.D., associate dean for professional education in the U’s College of Pharmacy and a member of the HSEC leadership team. “Preparing for that world requires new ways of teaching and learning. This building is specially designed to transform health education by moving from the lecture hall to active, team-based learning.”

Take a look inside.

ILLUSTRATION BY ARUNAS KACINSKAS