Abstract
The Midwest Occupational Safety and Health Center is one of twelve regional NIOSH funded Educational Resource Centers. This Center is unique, however, in that it was formed as a consortium between five geographically distinct institutions—The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, The University of Minnesota, Duluth Campus, Mayo Clinic, St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center and The University of Iowa, Oakdale Campus. The advantages and disadvantages of such a consortium are discussed with respect to the five functional roles of an ERC: program, faculty, research, continuing education and outreach. The author views this consortium as a success, particularly with respect to the latter two functional roles.