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A group photo of training simulation participants at the Minneapolis VA medical center, including Minneapolis VA Health Care System nurses, University of Minnesota students, and observers

from the National University Hospital University, Iceland on Nov. 1, 2023. By Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer November 9, 2023 “We have this great privilege to be able to educate our

future and really shape who they become as providers and role model the importance of the highest quality of care…where we ensure the very highest quality and maintain patient safety for our

Veterans,” said Joanne Donnelly. Donnelly is a nurse anesthetist at the Minneapolis VA medical center and the program director of the nurse anesthetist program at the University of

Minnesota. In early November she invited colleagues from Iceland to participate in a training simulation exercise with her U of M students and employees at the Minneapolis VA medical center.

While the U of M-Twin Cities and the University of Iceland celebrate a forty-year partnership, the program between these two nurse anesthesia programs was just established a year ago. “We

are collaborating on our programs,” said Thorunn Eliasdottier, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, (CRNA) at the National University Hospital University of Iceland and program director

of the nurse anesthesiologist program and associate professor.  The exchange of information and ideas for the professors was the purpose, but the awareness of the VA mission for all

involved was the cherry on top. “The work, as I have learned today, it’s amazing what you are doing for your Veterans,” Eliasdottier said after learning of about the high level of care

Veterans receive at the Minneapolis VA medical center.