Tribal Clinic Rotations
The Native American Center for Health Professions (NACHP) works directly with tribal communities and clinics, as well as various campus departments and programs, to build partnerships and create opportunities for students in health professions programs.
Through these partnerships, tribal clinic rotations have been offered to a growing number of students over the years. These opportunities offer unique experiences for students in all UW health professions programs.
During their one to four week rotation, students are assigned a preceptor and work across a variety of clinic departments, to maximize their experience. Students learn about community health and public health, experience the culture, and begin to understand aspects of health from a cultural standpoint.
Most tribal clinics are located in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA’s) which means there are health care provider shortages in those geographic regions. Clinic rotations can be a mutually beneficial recruitment tool to help address those shortages. Students build a network with Native providers and make connections with clinic staff, who in the future may be looking to hire. The student rotations also provide tribal clinics with opportunities for workforce development and recruitment of health professionals in much needed areas.
Melissa Metoxen, NACHP Assistant Director, works with health professions departments and programs to connect students with clinics. Contact Melissa, at mfmetoxen@wisc.edu or 920-869-4990, with questions.