Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee

RANDLE S. CORFMAN

1953 -

Randle "Randy" Corfman, born in Newton, Kansas, and raised in Whitewater, Kansas, developed a fascination with aviation at age six after his first airplane ride from a flying farmer's grass strip. While dreams of becoming a fighter pilot and astronaut were redirected due to the need for glasses, his passion for learning led him to pursue a career in chemistry and medicine.

Corfman earned a BA from Kansas Wesleyan University, majoring in chemistry, biology, and history. He continued his studies at the Hertzler Research Foundation and Kansas State University, where he completed a Doctoral Degree in Biochemistry. He later obtained a Medical Doctor Degree from the University of Kansas. Simultaneously, in 1983, the same year he became a physician, Corfman earned his Private Pilot License, marking the beginning of his lifelong involvement in aviation.

After completing a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas and fellowship training at Yale University, Corfman moved to Minnesota in 1989, joining the Mayo Clinic faculty. He became a distinguished lecturer on surgical techniques, fertility, and reproduction, frequently flying to engagements. Later, he founded the Midwest Center for Reproductive Health in Minneapolis, dedicating himself to rural healthcare as a modern-day "horse and buggy" doctor. His innovative work and outreach, including a feature by Jason Davis on "On the Road," contributed to an estimated 13,000 births through his team's expertise in reproductive medicine.

Corfman's aviation accomplishments include earning Instrument, Commercial, Single and Multi-Engine Land, and Seaplane ratings. In 2002, he became an FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), helping countless Minnesota pilots stay in the air. Corfman also lectures on aviation medicine, survival skills, and related topics. His extensive career includes hundreds of published medical papers and services as a reviewer for gynecological journals.

In 2013, Corfman spearheaded the creation of the Minnesota Pilots Association (MPA), which promotes aviation through advocacy, education, outreach, and social activities. Under his leadership, the MPA established the annual Greater Minnesota Aviation Gathering (GMAG), a celebrated event uniting thousands of aviators and enthusiasts to learn from experts in aviation history, medicine, maintenance, and more.

Corfman is also a dedicated community advocate. He champions the Tree of Hope project, which delivers toys and gifts to children in hospitals during the Christmas season, ensuring joy for those facing medical challenges. Additionally, his monthly column in Minnesota Flyer Magazine highlights critical issues for the aviation community.

Randy Corfman's life reflects a deep commitment to both medicine and aviation, embodying a unique blend of expertise and passion that has touched countless lives.