Meeting the demand: The essential role of current and future health professionals

Experience shows that when patients receive care from health providers who speak their language or understand their cultural needs, they are more responsive and engaged. This can lead to better health outcomes, as patients feel safe and trust their health care providers.

A young man, deeply connected to his Native American heritage from a young age, spent part of his childhood on a reservation. There, he accessed medical care through the Indian Health Service and witnessed the positive impact of culturally relevant care firsthand. After completing his undergraduate degree, he became an orthope...