We Are Healers: Your Pathway to Medical School

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people face significant health disparities, which is further jeopardized by a shortage of AI/AN healthcare professionals. AI/ANs are at higher risk for health problems, experience higher rates of death, and have a lower life expectancy than the general population. Persistent physician vacancies at tribal clinics results in decreased access to high-quality, safe healthcare and perpetuation of disparities. AI/AN health professionals are disproportionately under-represented in medicine. It does not have to be this way. This presentation will: 1) Explore the milestones of the medical school application; 2) Provide tangible examples for success and resources; 3) Highlight the Wy’East a direct post-bacc pathway to Oregon Health and Science University’s School of Medicine.