Indigenous Health

Developing a foundational understanding of Indigenous history, tribal sovereignty, and the historical and structural determinants of Indigenous health in the United States. Understanding how historical and contemporary policies contribute to current health disparities and inequities affecting Indigenous peoples. Developing specific knowledge of the Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples of Massachusetts, including their histories, contemporary communities, and the health disparities and inequities affecting Indigenous people within the Commonwealth. Given our collaborations with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Tribal Nations, and other tribal-serving organizations in the Commonwealth, I want students to develop a strong understanding of the communities and health contexts in the state where they are currently training. For students in the Education Pathway specifically, identifying and developing opportunities to strengthen Indigenous health content across the medical school curriculum. This may include curriculum development within the Population and Community Health Clerkship (PCHC); exploring opportunities within OEEs and the Family Medicine and Internal Medicine clerkships; collaborating with DRIVE/CEOD Education Subcommittee on potential electives and other educational offerings; and reviewing existing lectures and curricular blocks to identify areas where Indigenous health, health disparities, and related historical and structural contexts are absent, insufficiently addressed, or not adequately integrated