Attorney General’s Office announces new appointments in renewed negotiations between University of Minnesota, Fairview, and M Physicians

December 5, 2025 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office announced the appointment of a new team, consisting of both a mediator and two consultants, that will help the University of Minnesota, Fairview, and M Physicians (University of Minnesota Physicians) reach an agreement on shaping the future of Minnesota’s healthcare ecosystem. Retired judge Thomas Fraser will serve as the mediator, while Lois Quam and Dr. William McGuire will serve as coequal consultants in the mediation progress. The team was selected by agreement between the University of Minnesota, Fairview, and M Physicians based on recommendations from the parties.

Thomas Fraser is an experienced litigator and mediator with decades of experience resolving healthcare disputes. Fraser spent seven years serving Minnesota as a Hennepin County District Court Judge. Prior to that, Fraser was an accomplished attorney and shareholder at Fredrikson and Byron, P.A., where he specialized in arbitration and mediation.

Lois Quam, a rural southwest Minnesota native and Saint Paul resident, is a longtime senior executive and director in the healthcare and nonprofit sectors. She is also an entrepreneur and consultant and a former senior official at the U.S. Department of State. She has worked across the globe and has many honors to her name, including being named a top woman in American business by Fortune magazine for three years in a row.

William McGuire, MD is a pulmonologist with an extensive background in academic medicine and significant experience overseeing large healthcare systems. An elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. McGuire has made major philanthropic contributions to the University of Minnesota for student scholarships and to the University Medical School for research and patient care.