In 2019, the University of Minnesota began exploring the possibility of a partnership with the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM. Although we are just beginning our work in this location, we are excited about this collaboration and look forward to its gradual evolution.

The Northern Navajo Medical Center (NNLC) is located in the Four Corners Area - where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet. NNMC has a staff of 827 that serves a patient population of over 80,000. In addition to general surgery, NNMC offers services in internal medicine, family practice, urgent and emergency care, pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, respiratory therapy, outpatient rehabilitation services, pharmacy, optometry, dental, public health nursing, social services, health promotion/ disease prevention, radiology, laboratory, and benefits coordination.

As we continue to develop our partnership with NNLM, we hope to learn more about how we can best support existing and future efforts to improve health disparities within the Navajo Nation.

Get Involved

The University of Minnesota has developed a 6-week elective general surgery rotation for PGY3 residents at the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM. This rotation provides training that focuses on healthcare within the Navajo Nation. In addition to surgical cases, residents will interact with patients in clinic, engage in community outreach, and work through a rigorous curriculum centered on Native American health.