The University of Washington Indian Health Pathway (IHP) advances UW Medicine’s mission to improve the health of the public through education in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health. The pathway supports AI/AN medical students in maintaining strong connections to their communities while preparing all learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and humility needed to provide equitable, culturally responsive, and community-centered care in collaboration with AI/AN people and communities.
Founded in 1992 through the leadership of Dr. Walt Hollow—a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine-Sioux Tribe and the first Native American graduate of the UW School of Medicine—IHP offers a distinctive educational experience grounded in community engagement and clinical practice. Students participate in specialized coursework, community-based events, and immersive clinical experiences in settings that serve AI/AN populations, with guidance from AI/AN faculty and community leaders whose expertise and lived experience shape the program.
IHP is directed by Joseph Nelson, MD (Wyn’ethla Xwayamá), an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and an Assistant Professor in the UW Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Nelson practices broad-spectrum family medicine and is a graduate of the UW Indian Health Pathway and the UW School of Medicine WWAMI–Spokane Track. As Director, he focuses on advancing education and mentorship across the medical education continuum and strengthening partnerships with communities and institutions.
Through education, service, and collaboration, the Indian Health Pathway prepares future physicians to deliver high-quality care that reflects the priorities, values, and strengths of AI/AN communities and contributes to improved health outcomes.
Learning Goals and Objectives
- Prepare medical students for careers in AI/AN health
- Encourage research on AI/AN health issues
- Enhance curriculum on AI/AN health issues at the University of Washington School of Medicine
Pathway Requirements Overview
REQUIREMENTS FOR IHP CERTIFICATION
I. University Conjoint 530 (Required Course)
Indian Health Issues: Past, Present, and Future (2 credits)
This Winter-quarter course examines key topics in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) health through lectures by clinicians, researchers, and community experts. Content includes Indigenous healing systems, paleopathology, urban and reservation-based health care delivery, mental and behavioral health, and Indian Health Service policy and governance. The course emphasizes historical context, contemporary health systems, and critical perspectives relevant to graduate students pursuing clinical, research, or policy-focused work in AI/AN health.
To be eligible for fourth year IHP clerkships, student must complete this course requirement by the third year
II. Scholarly Project, III or Literature Review Option Prior to Third Year
Focused on a health issue affecting AI/AN population(s), often completed as an Independent Investigative Inquiry (III), MSRTP or other research project (i.e. a Lit review paper).
To be eligible for IHP clerkships, student must complete this requirement by the third year
III. Fourth Year Required IHP Clerkship(s)
Successful completion of clerkships (4 weeks each) in the following areas:
- Completed in the Explore and Focus phase as elective rotations.
- PEDS 609 Indian Health Clerkship: a four-week clinical elective working in an AI/AN community and/or health system (there may be alternate rotations that can be taken in lieu of PEDS 609)
- PEDS 610 Traditional Indian Medicine: a four-week clinical elective working with Traditional Indian Medicine preceptor(s)
- In order to register, permission of the Indian Health Pathway Director, Multicultural Education Manager, and rotation preceptor is required. Please contact clerkship coordinator Holly Kennison for permission.
PLEASE NOTE: For students who have completed requirements I through III, there will be an interview with the IHP director during their third year to review progress in the pathway and to consider the student’s eligibility to complete the IHP. Students who have not completed requirements I through III will not be eligible to complete the Explore and Focus phase clinical electives (PEDS 609 and 610).
IV. Community Engagement/ Service Learning
Participation and engagement with the AI/AN community through the Office of Healthcare Equity, Medicine Wheel Society, AAIP, IWRI, or other venues.
Upon completion of the requirements, the student will be awarded an IHP pathway certificate and be recognized for this honor at the IHP Blanket Ceremony
For more information contact:
About Our Logo
About Our Logo
The logo was originally created for the Native American Center of Excellence (NACOE) by Artist and Storyteller Roger Fernandes. It was designed to represent the cultures of the Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest.
The overall circular shape of the design can represent either a spindle whorl, used by the Coast Salish tribes, or a hoop or shield, used by the Plateau and Plains cultures. The design running vertically through the center of the circle in a parfleche design is from the Plateau/Plains cultures.
In each half of the circle are eagle designs from the north and south of the Pacific Northwest Coast region. At the bottom of the circle are two eagle feathers. The eagle imagery is symbolic of protection of the physical and spiritual aspects of Native culture.
Association of Native American Medical Students UW Chapter
The Association of Native American Medical Students – University of Washington Chapter (ANAMS at UW) is dedicated to supporting medical students at the University of Washington School of Medicine who are American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or UW students pursuing healthcare careers in Indigenous and tribal communities. The chapter also works to promote the recruitment, retention, and graduation of future professionals committed to advancing Indigenous health and healthcare. ANAMS at UW is a recognized chapter of the Association of Native American Medical Students, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Campus Office:
University of Washington Medical Center’s RR wing in the Department of Pediatrics
RSO UW email address:
anamsuwchapter@uw.edu
SAO Advisor:
Brendan Chang
UW Department Advisor:
Dr. Jason Deen
Local/national affiliation organization:
http://www.anamstudents.org
Other Social Media Contact:
@uwsom_anams
Reports:
UW Office of Healthcare Equity: Pathways & CUSP Report for 2021–2025
