Growing up in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, having Native doctors and nurses was a common experience for me. Access to Indian Health Service-funded clinics was like the ones on the TV show “Reservation Dogs,” with Native doctors. Despite this, only 0.4 percent of active physicians in the U.S. are Native, even though we make up 2.9 percent of the population. Historical and systemic barriers contribute to these disparities, making it crucial to support Native students in their education.
Native people face higher rates of diseases and have a lower life expectancy than the U.S. average due to health disparities and underfunding of services like the Indian Health Service. To address these issues, it’s vital to invest in higher education for marginalized groups, increase access to scholarships, and promote representation in the medical field and beyond.
As a recipient of the Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship, I received support and mentorship that helped me finish my degree. The positive impact of growing representation is already visible, with a 14.7 percent rise in Native enrollment in medical schools in 2023. By supporting and mentoring future Native medical professionals, we can work towards a healthier future for our communities.
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