About
We envision healthy and thriving American Indian and Alaska Native individuals and communities.
Our Work
Education
We provide resources and activities for Native American students spanning K–12, college/pre-med, and medical school. We offer opportunities such as the summer research program, Native Americans into Medicine, for American Indian and Alaska Native college sophomores and juniors.
Research
Our research and evaluation are driven by Indigenous methodologies and centers the needs of our students and tribal communities. Topics are based on current needs, and to date have focused on educational programming and public health interventions.
Clinical Care
We offer shadowing opportunities for current learners in our programs. Our Director provides clinical care for an Ojibwe community. CAIMH maintains a clinical arm at White Earth, where University of Minnesota faculty provide clinical care to address the perpetual physician shortage faced by the White Earth community.
Mary J. Owen, MD, Director
The Center of American Indian and Minority Health was founded on the principle of self-determination. Through native leadership, we've made a tremendous impact in developing Native American physicians, pharmacists, and health professionals.
Our History
Early Strides
In 1973, the University of Minnesota Medical School began offering educational opportunities designed to support health careers for Native Americans. The first of these opportunities was the Native Americans into Medicine (NAM) program.
The Center’s Launch
The Center of American Indian and Minority Health was established at the University of Minnesota Medical School on the Duluth campus in 1987 by co-founders Ruth A. Myers, a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a leader in American Indian education, and Robert Pozos, a medical school faculty member. Read our original legislative document to learn more about our history.
Building on the success of NAM, the center developed a variety of programs and opportunities for Native American students at all education levels, from kindergarten through medical school.
Moving Forward
The Indigenous Health Programs Alliance (IHPA), a collaborative made up of representatives of the schools of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health, veterinary medicine and dentistry, formed in 2022 in response to longstanding American Indian and Alaska Native workforce shortages in all health professions. IHPA unites Native prehealth, medical, dental, veterinary, public health, nursing, and pharmacy students to form a larger community of support for one another, increasing their chances of success, and in growing future providers for AIAN communities.
In 2024, The Center opened a Twin Cities campus office and student lounge for current and future AI/AN healthcare profession students.
Four Decades of Success
- 1973 - U of M launches the Native Americans into Medicine program.
- 1987 - The Center of American Indian and Minority Health is established.
- 1987–present - CAIMH serves thousands of Native American students and communities.
- Today - University of Minnesota Medical School is second in the U.S. for graduating Native American MDs.
Our Team
Mary Owen, MD (Tlingit)
Director
[email protected]
Amanda Dionne
(Ojibwe & Northern Cheyenne)
Assistant Director
[email protected]
Kyrsten Olson
Administrative Coordinator
218-726-7235
[email protected]
Mangan Golden
Research Manager
218-726-8303
[email protected]
Jim Reiland
Tribal Clinic Site Coordinator
[email protected]
Daanis Chosa (Ojibwe)
American Indian/Alaska Native Training Navigator
[email protected]
Megan Lhotka
(Pembina Ojibwe)
Community Liaison
[email protected]
Minwaanimad Joseph Gokee
(Bad River Band Ojibwe)
Traditional Lacrosse Coordinator
[email protected]
Cory Coffman
(Fond du Lac Band Ojibwe)
Pathways Program Coordinator
[email protected]
