Volume 12 Number 2
January 1973

HEALTH CARE in American Indian communities in this country presents a bleak picture. Not only is the health care inadequate, but the number of Indian professionals to meet the health needs of native American people is extremely low.

Of the 320,000 physicians in this country, only 38 are Indian. Of the 120,000 dentists, only one is Indian. Of the 44,000 medical students, only 40 are Indian. Dr. Blue Spruce, Director of the Office of Health Manpower Opportunity in the National Institutes of Health, indicated that more than half of the 7,000 employees of Indian Health Service are Indian, but these employees are almost exclusively orderlies, clerks, janitors, and aides. These statistics give a partial view of how Indians are inadequately represented in health professions in their own communities and across the nation.

There has been recent effort by some Indians and non-Indians to inform Indian students about health educational opportunities available at various colleges, universities, and medical centers. Very few students are aware of these opportunities or else very few are challenging these opportunities.

Preparation for a professional health career requires a solid background in the sciences and knowledge of math. This preparation begins in high school and continues into undergraduate and graduate years. For many years, Indian students have not been encouraged to take science and math courses in high school or college. It is time students begin taking courses of this nature to better prepare themselves for health/science curriculums.

Academic and/or clinical training for most of the areas listed here can be obtained at the University of Colorado Medical Center in Denver. Specific information for any of the programs listed is available by writing or calling Linda Benson, CU Medical Center, Office of Minority Student Affairs, 4200 E. Ninth Avenue, Denver, Colorado. The number is (303) 394-8550. As is the situation in several colleges, universities and medical centers across the country, CU Medical Center is actively encouraging American Indian applicants for their health/science programs.

Training for professional level careers range from 2 to 11 years. Health professions include the following:

Other health careers which require less training are available. These positions are generally on the assistant or technician level and require several months to two years of training.

Aside from the material aspects of good pay and promotion, a career in a health profession is a meaningful way to serve the Indian people.