Commissioner Dr. Sanne Magnan

Dr. Sanne Magnan (SAN-ee MAG-nan) was appointed Minnesota Commissioner of Health by Governor Tim Pawlenty on September 28, 2007.

Magnan is responsible for directing the Minnesota Department of Health. MDH is the state’s lead public health agency, responsible for protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans.

The department has approximately 1,300 employees in the Twin Cities area and in seven offices in Greater Minnesota.

Professional Background

Prior to being appointed commissioner, Magnan served as president of the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI) in Bloomington. An independent, non-profit organization, ICSI facilitates collaboration on health care quality improvement by medical groups, hospitals and health plans that provide health care services to people who live and work in Minnesota and adjacent states.

Magnan serves as a staff physician at the Tuberculosis Clinic at St. Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health and a clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Magnan was also vice president and medical director of consumer health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota where she was responsible for case management, disease management, and consumer engagement. She also was a physician at Lino Lakes Correctional Facility. She is a board certified general internist. She has served on several boards, including Minnesota Community Measurement.

Magnan was named one of the 100 Influential Health Care Leaders by Minnesota Physician in 2004 and 2008.

Educational Background

Magnan holds a medical degree and a doctorate in medicinal chemistry from the University of Minnesota. She earned her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of North Carolina.

Magnan is married and has two daughters.