The University of Minnesota Duluth Family Medicine Residency Program Celebrates 50 Years
In June, faculty, residents, and staff wrapped up the 2024-2025 academic year at their annual picnic. This yearly event was special for another reason, too: It marked the official 50th anniversary of the University of Minnesota Duluth Family Medicine Residency Program.
The original ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the residency opening was held outside Duluth Family Medicine Clinic on June 30, 1975. Thirty years to the date, the Duluth residency celebrated their annual clinic picnic and residency anniversary on June 30, 2025.
"We were fortunate to have Dr. Kinsey, a PGY3 resident, and Dr. Stover, adjunct faculty and former graduate, create a list of alumni and send out invitations to join in the celebrations," said Program Director Caryn Gerber, MBBS. "We had a resident-designed anniversary T-shirt made for the picnic that everyone wore, which made the day truly festive. The alumni group are hoping to host another celebratory event in June of next year for those who were unable to make the picnic."
"The Duluth Family Medicine Residency is extremely special to me as this is the residency that I graduated from," continued Dr. Gerber. "The heritage and the strength of this residency has been upheld by the support that we receive from both hospitals, the University of Minnesota, our faculty, and wonderful residency clinic staff."
Everyone who is part of the Duluth program deeply feels its sense of uniqueness. It doesn't hurt, either, that it happens to be surrounded by natural beauty.
"We are also extremely fortunate to have a wonderful medical community here in Duluth that supports our residency in promoting and educating our residents to practice full scope family medicine in rural communities," said Dr. Gerber. "In addition to that, we are also located in one of the most scenic areas of northern Minnesota on Lake Superior! It doesn't get better than that!"
During the celebration, residents, faculty, and staff came together to honor the amazing graduating seniors, reflect on the program’s rich history, and welcome the new class of interns. The graduating class continued the tradition of bestowing a parting gift to the program in the form of beautiful patient education posters to hang in exam rooms. There was even an unforgettable performance by faculty Dr. Jason Wall, who showcased his incredible acting skills in a hilarious skit inspired by Saturday Night Live’s Matt Foley: “Van Down by the River.”
The celebration gave rise to a joyful reconnection with alumni, allowing everyone an opportunity to share in the camaraderie that makes the community so special. Here’s to many more years of excellence at Duluth Family Medicine Residency Program.
