ID
54
Pathway
Education
Population, Community, and Global Health
Structural Inequity, Advocacy, and Justice
Description
Native American and Tribal communities are among the most underserved populations in the United States. Despite deep resilience and rich cultural traditions, Indigenous peoples experience some of the nation’s poorest health outcomes, including lower life expectancy, higher rates of chronic disease, and limited access to culturally safe care. Yet, medical education rarely includes Indigenous health or perspectives.
This PLP builds upon UMass Chan’s growing Indigenous Health initiatives. It is led by faculty who direct the Indigenous Health Advisory Group, advise the North American Indigenous Health Student Interest Group, and coordinate the Population and Community Health Clerkship on Indigenous Health.
Students will have opportunities to collaborate with library science specialists, Population and Qualitative Health Sciences faculty, and public health and tribal partners, including the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Tribal Strategist, Native American Lifelines, and local tribal leaders.
This PLP builds upon UMass Chan’s growing Indigenous Health initiatives. It is led by faculty who direct the Indigenous Health Advisory Group, advise the North American Indigenous Health Student Interest Group, and coordinate the Population and Community Health Clerkship on Indigenous Health.
Students will have opportunities to collaborate with library science specialists, Population and Qualitative Health Sciences faculty, and public health and tribal partners, including the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Tribal Strategist, Native American Lifelines, and local tribal leaders.
Goals
This Pathways Longitudinal Project (PLP) aims to prepare future physicians to understand these inequities, partner respectfully with Native communities, and advance health equity through education, research, and advocacy.
Potential Project Areas
• Developing and evaluating a curriculum module on Indigenous health and cultural humility
• Partnering with a tribal health organization or community to identify and address a health need
• Conducting a needs assessment or research project on Native patient experiences
• Creating advocacy tools or community education materials that promote health equity
Potential Project Areas
• Developing and evaluating a curriculum module on Indigenous health and cultural humility
• Partnering with a tribal health organization or community to identify and address a health need
• Conducting a needs assessment or research project on Native patient experiences
• Creating advocacy tools or community education materials that promote health equity
Mentor
Jeanna Lee
Mentor E-mail
Jeanna.Lee@umassmed.edu
Department
Diversity and Inclusion Office
Prior Students
Previous students: SIAJ: Rasvitha Nandru (2029)
Education: Maya Rodriguez (2029), Jennifer Liu (2029), Phillip Kang (2029)
Global Health: Michelle Manxhari (2029), Bryan Escobar (2029)
Education: Maya Rodriguez (2029), Jennifer Liu (2029), Phillip Kang (2029)
Global Health: Michelle Manxhari (2029), Bryan Escobar (2029)
Availability
Yes
Number Spots
1-2 in SIAJ, 1-2 additional students in either education, PCGH, or SIAJ