United Natives Mentors - Health and Medicine

Tribal Affiliation/Ethnic/Racial Background:  Native Hawaiian Current Position: *Program Manager at Ke Ola Mamo, a Native Hawaiian Health Care System *Director of Commuity Engagement and Outreach at the Center for Native and Pacific Health Disparities Research at the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the John A Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Degree(s): Ph.D. - University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene M.S. - University of Califorina San Francisco School of Nursing B.S. - University of San Francisco, School of Nursing Area of Focus: Community and indigenous health Community-based participatory research Community engagement What motivated you to obtain your educational/career goals? My parents inspired me to seek a college education. I fulfilled my dreams and in doing so fulfilled theirs. Working with my community has been a life-long passion and commitment for me. What steps did you take to achieve ...

Tribal Affiliation/Ethnic/Racial Background: Metis(Cree, French, Scottish) Current Position: Executive Director, Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centre (addictions treatment) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Degree(s): Diploma Psychiatric Nursing BA Native Studies MsC (C) Public Health (Population Health) Schools Attended: Alberta Hospital School of Psychiatric Nursing University of Alberta Area of Focus: Mental Health, Addictions, Aboriginal Diabetes, Aboriginal Health What motivated you to obtain your educational/career goals? I needed to gain more education to better understand why Aboriginal people were in the poor state of health that they are in (in Canada) What steps did you take to achieve those goals? I began taking night courses at University of Alberta then applied to the Native Studies program. I then took Masters of Public Health to better advocate for Aboriginal health issues. Describe any obstacles or barriers to success that you encountered along your path: Ma...

Tribal Affiliation/Ethnic/Racial Background: ¾ Hopi, ¼ Navajo Current Position: Occupational Health Physician Degree(s): B.S. Zoology M.P.H. Public Health M.B.A. Business Administration M.D. Doctor of Medicine Schools Attended: Arizona State UniversityColorado State University University of Arizona Area of Focus: Native American Health Occupational Health What motivated you to obtain your educational/career goals? I always wanted to succeed in academics. Going into medicine was not a plan, but was almost an accident. I knew nothing about medicine, but decided to pursue medicine because of the challenge intellectually, knowing I could help people better their lives. What steps did you take to achieve those goals? I did well in high school, planned on going to college and finishing no matter what. I asked a lot of questions, looked for scholarships and any opportunity that would lead to my goal of going in to medicine - including volunteering, working in the medical field ...

Tribal Affiliation/Ethnic/Racial Backgrounds:   Dine Current Position: Research Assistant with Cardiovascular Disease Type 2 Diabetes Intervention & Prevention Program Degree(s): Bachelor’s of Science in Biology (with minor in Native American Studies)  Schools Attended: University of New Mexico  Area of Focus: Science, Native American Studies, Health (Prevention) What motivated you to obtain your educational/career goals? I am the youngest child in my family. I have always expected more from myself. I am a first generation to attend and graduate from college. My family has been my support and backbone. A main source of motivation was seeing how proud my parents were of me. Also surrounding myself with peers and friends that had similar goals as I; we encouraged one another. What steps did you take to achieve those goals? Keeping myself busy and getting myself “out there” by applying for internships or programs that help keeps the motivation flowing. Als...

Tribal Affiliation/Ethnic/Racial Background: Navajo Current Position:  Registered Dietitian, Chief of Nutrition Services, Phoenix Indian Medical Center Degree(s): Bachelor of Science, Arizona State University Master of Science, Arizona State University Master of Public Health, University of Arizona Area of Focus: Diabetes Heart Disease Chronic Kidney Disease Adult Weight Management  What motivated you to obtain your educational/career goals?  I have always been interested in health, nutrition and working with patients. I spent my undergraduate summers interning at a diabetes clinic with Indian Health Services, and it opened my eyes to the health field. Interning allowed me to identify professional mentors who impacted my path. My family, my mentors, and helping others motivated me to do well in school and to continuing learning.    What steps did you take to achieve those goals?  Keeping my priorities near,...

Tribal Affiliation/Ethnic/Racial Backgrounds: Navajo Current Position: Tribal Veterinarian Degree(s): B.S. Biology D.V.M. Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Schools Attended: New Mexico Highlands University Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Area of Focus: General Practitioner- Large and Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Public Health & Zoonotic Diseases Regulatory Medicine What motivated you to obtain your educational/career goals? My motivation has stemmed from my environment growing up where the key values were hard work and education. I was taught by family that education is one of the keys needed to be successful in a Western Dominated Society. In order to compete in that world education was the great equalizer. No matter where you originate from or how a person has grown up education helps us to be self-reliant. What steps did you take to achieve those goals? My studies always came first in high school, u...