Tareens Donated $5 Million to North Dakota Medical School

The gift established a new department of dermatology to help improve access to specialty care in the state.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy

A modern university medical building featuring red brick and large glass windows under a bright, clear blue sky. — Mohiba and Basir Tareen have donated $5 million to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine to establish a new department of dermatology. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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In May 2026, Mohiba and Basir Tareen provided a $5 million donation to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The contribution funded the creation of a new department and an endowed chair focused on dermatology.

Why it matters

The donation addresses a significant shortage of accessible dermatological services in North Dakota. By funding local infrastructure, the gift aims to reduce the need for residents to travel to Minneapolis for specialized medical treatment.

The $5 million gift marks a significant capital injection for the school. This funding supports the newly established Department of Dermatology and the Tareen Family Chair of Dermatology.

The players

Mohiba Tareen

She is a physician, dermatologist, surgeon, and entrepreneur who has prioritized expanding access to medical care.

Basir Tareen

He is a philanthropist who partnered with his wife to provide the capital for the University of North Dakota medical expansion.

University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences

This institution is the recipient of the gift and is currently working to expand its specialty medical department offerings.

The details

The donors were inspired to provide the gift after meeting the medical school dean at an alumni event and discussing the lack of local specialty care. Mohiba Tareen, who is a surgeon and dermatologist, hopes this model will encourage the future creation of other specialty departments at the school.

The $5 million donation was finalized in May 2026.
Mohiba Tareen served as the guest speaker at the Women for Philanthropy luncheon on October 7, 2026.

Market Landscape

This gift reflects a broader movement where private donors intervene to mitigate the impacts of medical deserts in rural regions. By establishing dedicated departments, the university is positioning itself to compete with regional healthcare hubs in Minnesota.

Residents in Grand Forks and across the state may eventually see improved access to specialty dermatological services without needing to travel to Minneapolis. This change represents a shift in local healthcare availability funded by the recent endowment.

The takeaway

Large-scale private donations are increasingly essential for building specialized medical infrastructure in underserved areas. Readers interested in philanthropy can look to this donation as a blueprint for supporting localized medical advancement.