Honoring Native Healers: The Impact and Future of Native American Doctors
Celebrating National Doctors' Day
Every year on March 30th, National Doctors' Day honors the dedication, skill, and compassion of physicians across the United States. For Native American communities, this day carries even greater significance—it is a time to recognize the incredible achievements of Native doctors, highlight the urgent need for more Indigenous healthcare professionals, and inspire the next generation of Native physicians.
Despite historical barriers and systemic challenges, Native American doctors have made powerful contributions to medicine, proving that representation in healthcare is not just important—it is transformative.
Trailblazing Native American Doctors
Though Native Americans make up only 0.4% of the physician workforce, those who have entered the field have shaped medicine and Indigenous health policy in profound ways.
Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte (Omaha Tribe, 1865-1915)
First Native American woman to become a physician in the United States.
Earned her medical degree in 1889, overcoming racism and gender discrimination.
Devoted her career to serving her Omaha community, often seeing over 1,300 patients across 450 miles.
Founded the first hospital built on a Native reservation without government assistance, proving Native leadership in medicine.
Dr. Everett Rhoades (Kiowa Tribe, b. 1937)
First Native American director of the Indian Health Service (IHS).
Expanded medical education opportunities for Native students.
Advocated for tribal self-determination in healthcare, paving the way for stronger Native-led health systems.
Dr. Lori Arviso Alvord (Navajo Nation, b. 1958)
First female Navajo surgeon.
Pioneered integrating Navajo healing traditions with Western medicine to create holistic, patient-centered care.
Authored The Scalpel and the Silver Bear, detailing her journey as a Navajo woman in surgery.
Dr. Arne Vainio (Ojibwe, Contemporary)
Family physician and strong advocate for Native health education.
Shares personal stories about health and medicine in Native-owned publications to reach Indigenous readers directly.
Works to promote acceptance of mental health awareness and chronic disease in Native communities.
These doctors—and many more—have not only saved lives but have transformed Native healthcare by bringing cultural knowledge, advocacy, and leadership to medicine.
The Urgent Need for More Native American Doctors
Today, Native communities continue to face major healthcare disparities:
Native Americans are 3 times more likely to die from diabetes and 2.5 times more likely to die from chronic liver disease than white Americans.
Many tribal communities have no Native doctors at all, leading to cultural miscommunication and distrust in healthcare.
Studies show that Native patients are more likely to seek care and feel comfortable when treated by a Native provider.
Why Representation in Medicine Matters
Cultural Understanding – Native doctors understand traditional healing practices and the importance of spiritual, community, and family health.
Trust & Respect – Indigenous patients often feel more comfortable discussing health concerns with providers who understand their background.
Inspiring the Next Generation – Seeing Native doctors in leadership positions motivates young Indigenous students to pursue careers in medicine.
How the Government is Helping Increase Native American Doctors
To combat the shortage of Native physicians, government programs have expanded efforts to support Native students in medicine:
Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarships & Loan Repayment
Full tuition scholarships for Native students pursuing health careers.
Loan repayment programs in exchange for working in tribal communities after graduation.
Direct funding to increase tribal-run healthcare facilities and medical education opportunities.
Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH)
A federal initiative that funds Native-led health research and medical training programs.
Works directly with tribes and tribal colleges to increase Indigenous voices in medical research.
Graduate Medical Education (GME) Funding for Tribal Communities
Supports residency programs on reservations, so more doctors train and stay in Native communities.
Increases healthcare access and continuity of care for Indigenous patients.
These programs are helping open doors for Native students, but more Indigenous voices in medicine are still needed.
How Aspiring Native American Doctors Can Succeed
For Native students interested in becoming physicians, resources exist to help overcome financial, academic, and social barriers.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
IHS Scholarship Program – Covers tuition and expenses for Native students in medical school. ✔ AAIP Pre-Med Workshops – The Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) runs summer programs to prepare Native students for medical school.
Mentorship & Support
Association of Native American Medical Students (ANAMS) – A nationwide network of Native pre-med and medical students.
Medical School Rotations with IHS – Hands-on experience serving Native communities.
Advice from Native Doctors
Dr. Lori Arviso Alvord: “Keep your culture close. Being a doctor doesn’t mean you have to leave your identity behind.”
Dr. Arne Vainio: “Tell your story. The next generation is watching, and they need to know they belong in medicine.”
With dedication, mentorship, and support, more Native students can pave the way for a healthier future for Indigenous communities.
A Path Forward: Honoring Native Doctors & Building the Future
National Doctors' Day is a time to honor the Native healers who have broken barriers, served their communities, and paved the way for future Indigenous physicians.
But it is also a reminder that the journey is not over. More Native doctors are needed to bring culturally competent care, improve health outcomes, and inspire future generations.
How You Can Get Involved
Celebrate Native doctors on social media using #NationalDoctorsDay and #IndigenousPhysicians.
Encourage Native youth to explore careers in medicine.
Share resources for scholarships, mentorship, and pre-med programs.
The path to becoming a doctor is not easy, but for Native students, it is a journey of healing, resilience, and service. By lifting each other up, we can build a future where Native communities have the doctors they deserve.
