Association of American Indian Physicians

08/01/2026

A pragmatic randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of a culturally and medically tailored meal program (MUTTON-HF) incorporating traditional Navajo foods on clinical outcomes in adults with living in rural Navajo Nation.

Among 206 participants, individuals assigned to 8 weeks of locally sourced Indigenous meals had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization or emergency department visit within 90 days compared with those receiving usual dietary advice.

Secondary analyses showed reductions in heart failure hospitalizations, blood pressure, financial strain, and food insecurity, as well as improvements in quality of life and dietary intake.

These results highlight the impact of interventions designed with community input and the importance of culturally responsive, community-based strategies to address nutrition insecurity and cardiovascular health inequities in communities.

https://ja.ma/4xeKof9

06/22/2026

Register for the 2026 IHEART AI/AN Healthcare Workforce Development Summit today!

Tribal Colleges & Universities (TCUs) Indigenize higher education. To improve American Indian/Alaska Native health outcomes, support future healers, and increase healthcare workforce diversity, we can learn from the TCU model of decolonizing our education pathways and ways of thinking. Join IHEART and our partners in a day of discussion, learning, and connecting with TCU representatives to learn how we can come together to Indigenize healthcare workforce development.

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qsdkfqf

06/10/2026

Interested in a career in health care? The American Indians Accessing Health Professions (AIAHP) Program from the Association of American Indian Physicians helps American Indian and Alaska Native students explore health professions, strengthen academic preparation, and connect with mentors and opportunities that support their journey into the health workforce.

Programs like AIAHP help build the next generation of Indigenous physicians, nurses, public health professionals, researchers, and other health leaders.

Learn more and apply: https://www.aaip.org/program/2024-american-indians-accessing-health-professions-program

06/03/2026

“As of 2024, 0.3% of practicing physicians in the nation were Native American.” Learn more from AAIP member Dr. Warner’s proposed site:

As of 2024, 0.3% of practicing physicians in the nation were Native American. A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City could help change that. The school would be the first of its kind i...

05/15/2026

Save the date for one of the leading gatherings in Indigenous health and medicine.

The Association of American Indian Physicians returns for the 54th Annual Meeting & Health Conference — bringing together Native physicians, medical students, residents, health leaders, and advocates from across Indian Country for four days of connection, education, culture, and community.

📍 Okana Resort & Water Park — Oklahoma City, OK
📅 September 17–20, 2026

Join us as we continue advancing Indigenous health, supporting the next generation of Native medical professionals, and strengthening the future of healthcare in our communities.

**Registration details coming soon!

05/08/2026

🩺APPLY NOW💻 Applications are now open for the 10th Annual American Indians Accessing Health Professions Program (AIAHPP), taking place July 9–11, 2026 in Riverside and Colton, California.

Hosted by UC Riverside School of Medicine and California University of Science & Medicine in partnership with the Association of American Indian Physicians, this two-day summer program offers American Indian and Alaska Native community college and early university students hands-on exposure to health profession careers, mentorship opportunities, and professional networking with AI/AN healthcare leaders.

Applicants must be 18+ years old, with priority applications due May 22 and final applications due May 29 at 5 PM PDT.

https://form.jotform.com/251535276906058

04/24/2026

Kicking off the 32nd Annual Association of American Indian Physicians Cross Cultural Medicine Workshop in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Modern medicine is strongest when it listens.
This workshop highlights traditional healing interventions within Native American communities, offering health professional students and physicians a deeper understanding of culturally informed care.
Honoring tradition isn’t separate from medicine—it’s part of it 🩺🪶