Marshfield Clinic honored for partnership with UW-Stevens Point
By Patrick Lynn
CENTRAL WISCONSIN — Marshfield Clinic has received a Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award in recognition of its longstanding collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Leaders from Marshfield Clinic, UW-Stevens Point and the Universities of Wisconsin gathered for a ceremony at the Laird Center for Medical Research in Marshfield to mark the award.
The Regents Business Partnership Award recognizes collaborations between universities and businesses that create opportunities for students, strengthen workforce development and support community needs.
“This award illustrates how critical our business partners are to the success of the Universities of Wisconsin,” said Jack Salzwedel, a member of the Board of Regents. “Marshfield Clinic, a landmark central Wisconsin health organization, has a relationship with UW-Stevens Point that goes back decades. It has been crucial to the ongoing economic, and literal health, of central and northcentral Wisconsin.”
The partnership supports clinical education and internship opportunities for students in UW-Stevens Point’s School of Health and Wellness, along with scholarships, athletic health services and professional development programs.
“One of the greatest challenges we face is the need for more skilled healthcare professionals, and that’s why partnerships like this are so important,” said Brian Hoerneman, president and CEO of Marshfield Clinic. “Together, we are building a workforce pipeline that can improve the health and well-being of Wisconsin communities.”
UW-Stevens Point Interim Chancellor Pratima Gandhi said the partnership has helped expand educational opportunities while addressing healthcare needs across the region.
“Our relationship demonstrates a shared commitment to excellence,” Gandhi said. “Partnering with Marshfield Clinic has a vital role in building healthier communities and expanding access to care in rural areas through education and health career pathways.”
According to UW-Stevens Point, the collaboration has helped establish and expand several healthcare-related academic programs through the Healthcare Development Fund, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, medical laboratory science program, online health science and wellness clinician degree program, and a nursing partnership with local technical colleges. An occupational therapy program is also in development.
Marshfield Clinic hosts between 70 and 80 UW-Stevens Point students annually for clinical education and internship experiences. The partnership also provides about $62,000 in scholarships each year to students pursuing healthcare careers.
Other initiatives include the Health Scholars Program, which offers clinical shadowing, research, community service and professional development opportunities to 16 to 20 students annually, and a Community Connections program that gives about 30 students per year volunteer and training experience helping patients connect with local resources, particularly in rural communities.
The partnership also supports UW-Stevens Point athletics through athletic training services provided by Marshfield Clinic staff members, who assist athletes during practices, training sessions and competitions.
In Marshfield, an indoor hydroponic garden located at UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield supplies vegetables and greens for patients and the community through a partnership involving Marshfield Clinic and Fork Farms.
University officials said the collaboration continues to serve as a model for how higher education and healthcare organizations can work together to address workforce shortages and improve access to care throughout Wisconsin.