Tribal Health Scholars (THS) is a paid externship program that supports and inspires AI/AN high school students to envision themselves as healthcare professionals and to pursue education required for a career in healthcare.

Tribal Health Scholars (THS)

  1. A 14-week virtual experience where each week, scholars learn in depth about different healthcare fields and hear from guest speakers

  2. 12 hours of a clinical shadowing externship where scholars gain exposure to health careers at their local tribal health clinics or hospitals (Scrubs will be provided)

  3. One-on-one and group mentoring on scholar’s educational and career interests

Eligibility

  • You must be in high school (open to freshman, sophomores, juniors & seniors)

  • Attendance is required every week for the full-length of the program. Join weekly by computer/Wi-Fi, and in-person for 12 hours of clinical shadowing

  • You will earn a stipend upon successful completion of the program

Concerned about transportation or access to wifi? Contact Katie at murpkati@ohsu.edu or Isaac at butleris@ohsu.edu

Stipend

  • $700 for completing online curriculum (14 hours)

  • $600 for completing shadowing (12 hours)

  • Scrubs provided

THS Timeline

Program Structure

Scholars join virtually 1 hour per week, for 14 weeks, and meet as a cohort with a member of the NNACOE team. Together, scholars will:

  • Hear from AI/AN guest speakers working in the healthcare field

  • Review educational pathways for the different career fields in healthcare, and

  • Have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their experiences for 14 weeks.

In addition to the online course, scholars will also shadow at their local clinic following different health care professionals for 12 hours.

Community Partnerships

THS works as a partnership between tribal communities, NNACoE, and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB).

THS now operates in nine tribal communities:

  • Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

  • Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

  • Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

  • Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

  • Klamath Tribes

  • Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

  • Coquille Indian Tribe

  • Nez Perce Tribe (Lapwai, ID)

  • Mt. Edgecumbe High School (Sitka, AK)

Scholars from these communities, as well from any Tribes in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), are encouraged to apply! *

*Please note: Scholars from non-partner PNW Tribes will have to arrange their own shadowing.

The first Tribal Health Scholars cohort began in 2018 and, thus far, 132 scholars have completed the program across 7 cohorts.

THS Virtual Course Overview

  • Week 1: Orientation & Mentorship

  • Week 2: Doctors / Providers / Surgeons Part 1

  • Week 3: Doctors / Providers / Surgeons Part 2

  • Week 4: Eyecare

  • Week 5: Dental

  • Week 6: Public Health

  • Week 7: Nursing Part 1

  • Week 8: Nursing Part 2

  • Week 9: Practitioners & Professionals

  • Week 10: Emergency Medicine

  • Week 11: Behavioral Health

  • Week 12: Pharmacy

  • Week 13: Post High-School

  • Week 14: Focus Group & Shadowing Orientation

Interested in applying or learning more?

Contact Katie Harris Murphy at murpkati@ohsu.edu or Isaac Butler at butleris@ohsu.edu