Mayo Clinic Health System announced Dr. David Agerter has been named to the newly created role of director of academic strategy and development for Mayo Clinic Health System. In his new role, Agerter will work to strengthen medical education and residency opportunities at Mayo clinics and hospitals across the Midwest. He will also lead efforts to increase and diversify the medical research taking place in the health system.

“Enriching the academic environment across Mayo Clinic Health System benefits everyone,” said Bobbie Gostout, vice president of Mayo Clinic. “Our providers and other care team members have additional opportunities for professional growth and development and are able to pursue the passions that led them to a career in medicine. Even more importantly, our patients and communities benefit as we attract the brightest graduates to our medical residency programs and foster research that advances the science and creates the future of medicine.”

Agerter’s name is familiar to many in the Mayo Clinic Health System communities Mark Koch, chair of health system administration, said

“He is a well-respected family medicine physician who cares for patients in the Albert Lea/Austin area, and he oversees the growing family medicine residency program in the region.”

A search will begin soon for a new regional vice president for the Southeast Minnesota region, according to Gostout. A late summer transition is planned to allow time for the two leaders to work together.