Staff with Purpose and Passion: Megan Lhotka

Megan Lhotka’s professional path to the University of Minnesota Medical School, where she supports the Center for American Indian and Minority Health (CAIMH), is driven by a deep commitment to her community. Her career trajectory—from a Pre-K through 12th-grade language and culture teacher to a leader in health workforce development—underscores the critical role that dedicated staff play in advancing the university's mission and producing tangible change.

"I was noticing that I really needed to change, and I wasn't really fulfilled by teaching anymore," Megan explained. "But I still wanted to be involved with youth, and the culture... and language revitalization is something that I'm very passionate about."

Since joining CAIMH in March 2024, Megan has been vital to two major initiatives funded by a Medica Foundation grant obtained by Dr. Michael Sundberg. The first is the Mashkiki Maagingan event—Ojibwe for "medicine gathering"—which links Indigenous youth with careers in health and science. These events, which have drawn up to 100 youth from White Earth Nation school districts, aim to provide mentorship and a direct pathway into medical education or science degrees. "We want to give White Earth Nation youth these experiences," she states. "We want them to learn about medicine, being an Indigenous person having these roles in their community, why that's important."

The second part of her work involves the MNIHWI (Minnesota Indigenous Work Force Initiative). This program tackles the severe underfunding and high physician vacancy rate (currently 49%) at the local Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic by bringing University of Minnesota providers, including medical residents and students, to the IHS. This both fills staffing shortages and integrates the providers into the community. For the residents, this includes a month-long rotation where they "complete rotations at the clinic, participate in community events with me, and learn about our traditions and culture."

Megan is motivated by a desire to foster equity and opportunity, particularly through supporting Native voices in research and medicine. Her overarching objective is workforce development: "I want kids to know that they go off to college, and then they can return home and work, and give back to their community, and the biggest thing is Native people know how to take care of Native people."

Megan's efforts demonstrate that the university's public service mission is carried out not only by its doctors and scientists, but also by the dedicated staff who create the essential programs, relationships, and infrastructure necessary for that work. Megan says, “CAIMH staff, MNIHWI providers, residents, and medical students are the fundamental elements to success. It is not just me; it is very much a team effort and a community of people pursuing the same passion - better health outcomes for the White Earth Nation.”