Gary Oftedahl, MD

Gary has had a life long interest in exploring new  ideas, concepts, theories, and contemplating how one might apply them to addressing issues in innovative ways.  He is a voracious reader, and used his vast literary exposure to bring unique perspectives to his work.  He spent over 40 years in the health care sector, both as a provider of health care and collaborator in multiple initiatives across a wide range of topics and participants.   His 26 year experience as an internal medicine physician, and over 13 years as a chief knowledge officer (one of the great job titles ever) at the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement fueled his interest in innovation and creativity as he enters the encore phase of his life. 

While retired from ICSI, Gary has become a collaboration catalyst, spending some of his time pursuing creative and innovative approaches to addressing well being, including work with multiple universities, community organizations, serving Board chair of a social impact organization using dance as an example of participatory arts in engaging and supporting communities of all types of diversity  (Kairos Alive!).  He also serves on the Hennepin Health Quality Committee, and the Minnesota Community Healthworkers Alliance Board of Directors.

He is passionate in his pursuit in understanding how we can integrate aesthetics, participatory arts, and collaboration across diverse sectors into efforts to improve the health and well being of those who work in the health care arena, but also in the communities we serve.  He is a member of the guiding coalition of the Care Collaboratory, excited about the potential to be a part of the positive change we all crave in the world today.