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Doctors tell Senate pilot funding could help bring oncology care closer to rural Minnesotans
Summary
Physicians and sponsors urged a $600,000 biennial pilot to train and place oncologists in rural Minnesota, pointing to long travel times for patients and a shortage of rural oncologists. Supporters said the effort would build workforce capacity and boost local economies.
Senator (sponsor) introduced Senate File 30‑85 and said the bill would fund a Rural Cancer Institute pilot to increase oncology capacity in rural Minnesota. Medical oncologists testifying before the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Committee on April 2 argued that training and exposure for clinicians in rural settings could help retain specialists and improve access for rural patients.
The proposal and why supporters said it matters
Dr. Wade Swenson, a medical oncologist with two decades of rural practice, told the committee the need is urgent: “According to the Minnesota Hospital Association, a rural Minnesotan travels over 75 miles 1 way for cancer care. According to the Minnesota Department of…
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