UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences

Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Lush, a resident physician at the Minot Center for Family Medicine, on receiving the Minot Area Chamber EDC's Eagle Award for Excellent Customer Service.

The Eagle Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in service, professionalism and community impact. Recipients are known for taking on challenges, finding solutions and making others feel valued.

We're proud to see Dr. Lush recognized for the care, dedication and service she provides to patients and the Minot community.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lush on this well-deserved honor! 🎉

What if researchers could test cancer treatments on a patient’s tumor before treatment even begins?

In the latest episode of Health in Action, UND biomedical sciences Ph.D. student Aerica Nagornyuk shares the graduate student perspective on cancer research and discusses how researchers are using patient-derived organoids — miniature versions of a patient’s tumor grown in the lab — to better understand how cancers respond to treatment.

For patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis, advances like these represent more than scientific discovery. They offer hope. Hope for more personalized care, better outcomes, and a future where treatment decisions can be guided by how an individual patient's cancer responds to treatment.

As we reflect on National Cancer Survivors Day, we're reminded that every breakthrough begins with curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to improving lives. Today's research has the potential to become tomorrow's treatment.

🎧 Listen to this clip to hear how UND researchers are helping shape the future of healthcare.

Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode of Health in Action on Buzzsprout or wherever you get your podcasts:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2610065/episodes/19300746

Healthcare challenges don’t stop at the clinic door — they impact communities, families, workforce development, and the future of care across North Dakota.

The new Health & Horizon webcast from the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences explores important conversations shaping healthcare today and the work being done to strengthen health outcomes across our region.

The first episode of Health & Horizon will be broadcast live via Zoom at noon on Monday, June 1, and feature Shawnda Schroeder, Ph.D., assistant professor in the SMHS Department of Indigenous Health. Schroeder will discuss her research into how Indigenous knowledge and relational pedagogy can reshape graduate education through a platform called PhotoVoice.

Watch the webcast here: https://blogs.und.edu/for-your-health/2026/05/21/health-and-horizon-webcast/

Welcome to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies Class of 2028 💚

Last week, UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences welcomed a new class of future healthcare professionals to campus for orientation.

With 82% of the incoming class coming from North Dakota, these students reflect UND’s continued commitment to educating providers who understand and serve our communities.

As part of the program’s 53rd graduating class in 2028, they are beginning a journey that will help strengthen healthcare access across North Dakota and beyond.

One of the most encouraging parts of the week was seeing connections already forming among classmates. Study groups were coming together, conversations were happening naturally, and the atmosphere was collaborative, supportive, and full of excitement for what lies ahead.

And yes — the welcome balloons in the Peltier Atrium may have helped set the tone 😊

Welcome to UND SMHS, Class of 2028. We’re excited to see what you accomplish.

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Big recognition for research excellence at the national level.

Congratulations to Dr. Darius Quansah for earning 1st place in the Postdoctoral Scientist Poster Competition at the Division of Neuropharmacology during the 2026 ASPET annual meeting in Minneapolis.

Competing against postdoctoral scientists from across the country, Dr. Quansah was recognized for the strength of his research presentation and scientific contributions in neuropharmacology.

Research like this helps advance scientific discovery while strengthening UND’s role in training the next generation of healthcare and research leaders.

Congratulations, Darius, and thank you to all of our students, researchers, and faculty who are representing the University of North Dakota and the School of Medicine & Health Sciences at conferences this summer. Your work matters, and we are proud to see it recognized on a national stage.

A big weekend for the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences Class of 2026. 🎓

Today, we celebrate our undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral graduates as they cross the commencement stage and begin their next chapter.

These graduates leave UND prepared to make a difference in healthcare, research, and communities across North Dakota and beyond. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see the impact they will make.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

🎓 Watch live:
9:00 a.m. - Doctoral & Master's Degree Commencement
https://www.youtube.com/live/GIoVKS9DApM?si=qYV5uIyacxM0IUAH

2:00 p.m. - Undergraduate Commencement
https://www.youtube.com/live/AWN07bnTWFU?si=3WyJmxopxP1WoStS

A major investment in the future of healthcare in North Dakota.

The UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences has announced a $5 million gift from the Tareen family to establish a new Department of Dermatology and the endowed Tareen Family Chair of Dermatology.

This gift will help strengthen specialty care access, support medical education and research, and prepare future physicians to serve communities across North Dakota and the region.

With deep roots in UND and rural North Dakota, the Tareen family’s generosity reflects a commitment to giving back and helping improve healthcare access for future generations.

Read more:

Tareen Family gives $5 million to UND to establish Department of Dermatology - For Your Health The UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) yesterday announced a $5 million gift commitment from the Mohiba and Basir Tareen family to establish the Department of Dermatology. The gift will also endow the Tareen Family Chair of Dermatology, strengthening specialty care and medical education...

💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

In high-demand programs like those at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, it’s common for students to feel like they should manage everything on their own.

But support is already here.

Emily Heavner, PhD, serves as an embedded psychologist, providing confidential, independent counseling for students navigating both academic and personal challenges.

With finals and end-of-year demands, this is a reminder: students do not need to be in crisis to reach out. Support is available at any stage.

🎓 This past Saturday marked a milestone moment.

The University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences celebrates the Class of 2026 as they earn their Doctor of Medicine degrees — a reflection of years of dedication, resilience, and a shared commitment to improving the health of our communities. 💚