Inspiring More American Indian and Alaska Native Students to Become Physicians

Greater representation of American Indian and Alaska Native physicians in medicine is essential to help eliminate serious health disparities and improve access to care. But a 2018 report coauthored by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) found that even though American Indians and Alaska Natives make up about 1.7% of the US population, they account for only 0.56% of physicians. The nonprofit organization We Are Healers aims to inspire Native youth to envision themselves as medical professionals through narrative videos. In this video, Dr Erik Brodt, who helped found We Are Healers, reflects on his vision and uncommon path to medicine. (Video used with permission.)