200 M Health Fairview physicians have been named Top Doctors by Minnesota Monthly! Being named Top Doctor isn’t just a title. It’s a reminder of the countless ways our physicians show up with skill, grit and heart to care for patients and families when it matters most. To the 200 physicians on this year’s list: thank you for living our values in every patient interaction. To the patients our physicians serve: thank you for entrusting us with your care.
Inside our cell therapy laboratory, our expert teams process and develop a range of cell therapy products. The results? Lifechanging care and treatment for patients facing cancer or other rare diseases. “Even though we’re behind the scenes, we are part of their care team and strive to provide excellent patient care,” said Nancy Bostrom, medical laboratory scientist. They are divided into two teams: the main lab team, who ensure the safe development and standards for stem cell transplants, and the transitional development lab team who help advance cutting-edge gene therapies. A standout moment for our cell lab teams happened in 2021, when they helped administer the first gene therapy of its kind in the U.S. to a 6-year-old patient with a rare condition called metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital. “It’s truly inspiring to be part of a team that stands at the forefront of innovation—turning cutting-edge research into real hope for patients and families,” said Ashley Kirberger, a medical laboratory scientist.
The first-ever helicopter-supported ECMO program in the U.S. launched this week at M Health Fairview. Our teams are flying life-saving technology and expertise straight to rural hospitals, giving more Minnesotans a fighting chance during cardiac arrest. 🚁 “The survival rate is almost zero if you can’t get these patients on ECMO quickly,” said Jason White, RN, nurse manager of emergency services at Northland Medical Center in Princeton, Minn. “This gives us another opportunity to save a life, and another family member will come home.”
We are honored to share that Fairview has been named the 2025 recipient of the Foster G. McGaw Prize from the American Hospital Association. This national award is given to just one health system each year for their excellence in improving community health. We are the first Minnesota health system in nearly 30 years to earn this honor. Because at Fairview, we are more than a health system. We are community members. We are neighbors. Which means we show up and care for people when they need it most. For years, our programs have: Provided thousands of free vaccines Made fresh, healthy food more accessible Offered free health and wellness services at our Health Commons Built bridges between our cultural communities and institutions — and so much more, all alongside trusted community partners. This work is what drives us. And this award is a reflection of the partnerships, trust, and deep commitment that make it possible.
Andrea Engdahl’s journey to become a nurse midwife began when she was pregnant with her first child and was looking for a care provider. 25 years later, she’s providing the same care that inspired her. As a certified nurse midwife, she supports patients through all walks of life including puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause at M Health Fairview. While she’s delivered hundreds of babies, the strength and resilience of those giving birth never ceases to amaze her. “I always say, if I ever stop being amazed at this process, I would need to find a new job,” she said. Her message to patients? Trust your body. “From teenagers through women in their later birthing years, it’s amazing to me, always, how even when people don’t think they can do it, they step up, and they are amazing.”
Visibility. Belonging. Community. Defiant joy. Over the past week, our teams shared these words again and again to describe what hashtag#Pride means to them. 🏳️🌈 This same spirit was on full display this weekend during Twin Cities Pride. Over 350 of our employees, volunteers, and their families marched, welcomed, cheered, and connected with the vibrant, and resilient LGBTQIA2S+ community. Our health system was proud to once again be the presenting sponsor of Living Well Park – just as we are honored and privileged to provide care for all Minnesotans 365 days a year. Thank you to all who came out for this meaningful, moving event.
Which physicians do other doctors trust most with their care? According to Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s list of Top Doctors, over 200 M Health Fairview providers earned this recognition from their peers – more than any other health system in the Twin Cities. But it’s not about the prestige – this recognizes over 200 skilled, compassionate providers that other doctors would turn to for care for themselves and their families. “Through the doctors' leadership, innovation, and commitment to every patient they care for, these honorees are helping advance the future of medicine in Minnesota,” said Jaya Kumar, MD, MBA, chief medical officer at Fairview Health Services. “We’re proud to once again see so many of our compassionate doctors recognized.”
In 2014, Kate Betzel started experiencing strange symptoms: unexplained fevers, joint and muscle pain, a rash across her face, weight loss, and exhaustion. Two years later, she was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune condition. As a certified nurse practitioner at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, Betzel uses her experience to support her patients. “I understand what it's like to be in a lot of pain that no one else can see,” she said. “I understand the time and the resources needed to care for and advocate for yourself as someone with a chronic illness. I also understand how it feels to want more answers than medicine can currently offer.” Betzel's journey to her lupus diagnosis is why she's so passionate about advocating for others to get diagnosed as quickly as possible.
Through his early work in community-based suicide outreach, Chris Beamish, MHA, MSW frequently referred patients to Fairview. He saw our health system living up to its mission to deliver high-quality care with compassion to everyone. “I wanted to be a part of that,” Beamish said. Beamish spent 15 years caring for patients in our system and leading new, innovative care models. Now, he serves as the service line executive for mental health and addiction care, leading a team that is transforming the way care is delivered, ensuring that services are accessible, compassionate, and focused on the whole person. Beamish recently joined Becker's Healthcare podcast to share his personal journey into the field and his vision for mental health and addiction care. Tune in.
“A remarkable gift.” That’s how Lindsey Cooper, MA, describes her role as a speech-language pathologist. She spends most of her time helping babies learn to eat and teaching children how to communicate at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital. “I love my work because eating and communicating are foundational ways that we connect with others in our families and communities,” she said. “To be given the opportunity to facilitate these skills in infants and children is something I am thankful for every day.” Lindsey works closely with family members and other medical staff to do what’s best for her patients. Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat patients of all ages with communication, language, cognition, and swallowing disorders. During National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, take a moment to thank them for everything they do to help children thrive. 👏
