UND Launches New Department of Dermatology Following $5 Million Gift
The University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences is expanding its medical capabilities with the establishment of a new Department of Dermatology. This growth is made possible by a $5 million gift commitment from the Mohiba and Basir Tareen family, a move designed to address a critical regional need for specialty skin care.
Beyond the creation of the department, the gift will endow the Tareen Family Chair of Dermatology. This strategic investment aims to strengthen both medical education and specialty care across North Dakota and the broader Upper Midwest region.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Gap
The establishment of a dedicated dermatology department is a transformational step for the university. By integrating this specialty into the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, UND is positioning itself to expand the availability of specialty training within the state. This initiative focuses on ensuring that patients in the region have better access to essential dermatological services while training the next generation of specialists to remain in the area.
A Legacy of Rural Medicine
For the Tareen family, the donation is more than a financial contribution; it’s a tribute to a long history of service in North Dakota. Dr. Basir Tareen, a 2002 graduate of UND, noted that the university has always held a special place for his family.
“It gave me my education, and my father, Dr. Jamil Tareen, taught students here for many years while serving as a rural surgeon in Cavalier, N.D. This gift honors the legacy of physicians who dedicate their lives to rural communities and helps ensure the next generation of doctors continues that tradition.”
Dr. Jamil Tareen spent more than 35 years as a rural surgeon in Cavalier, where he cared for generations of patients in northeastern North Dakota and mentored medical students throughout his tenure.
About the Donors
The gift comes from a family with deep ties to both medicine and community development:
- Dr. Basir Tareen: A urologist with Minnesota Urology in the Twin Cities and a UND alumnus. He is also the founder of Tareen Development Partners, a national real estate firm that focuses on preserving and building affordable housing communities.
- Dr. Mohiba Tareen: A physician dedicated to advancing patient care and dermatology education throughout the state.
Key Takeaways: The Tareen Family Gift
- Total Investment: $5 million commitment.
- Primary Outcome: Creation of the Department of Dermatology at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
- Endowment: Establishment of the Tareen Family Chair of Dermatology.
- Regional Impact: Increased specialty training and care for North Dakota and the Upper Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the $5 million gift?
The gift is specifically designated to establish the Department of Dermatology and endow the Tareen Family Chair of Dermatology at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
How will this affect healthcare in the Upper Midwest?
The investment will strengthen the university’s ability to expand specialty training, which helps fill regional gaps in dermatology care and improves medical education for future physicians in the area.
Who is Dr. Basir Tareen?
Dr. Basir Tareen is a 2002 UND graduate and a urologist with Minnesota Urology. He is also a real estate developer focusing on affordable housing through his firm, Tareen Development Partners.
Looking Ahead
The creation of the Department of Dermatology marks a significant milestone in UND’s mission to provide comprehensive medical education and care. By honoring the legacy of rural physicians like Dr. Jamil Tareen, the university is not only expanding its academic offerings but also ensuring that the tradition of serving rural communities continues for decades to come.