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| About INMED |
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Program Purpose
and History |
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Indians into Medicine (INMED) is a comprehensive
education program assisting Indian students
who are preparing for health careers. Located
at the University of North Dakota School
of Medicine & Health Sciences in Grand Forks,
INMED support services include academic
and personal counseling for students, assistance
with financial aid application, and summer
enrichment sessions at the junior high through
professional school levels.
The program addresses three major problem
areas: (1)too few health professionals in
American Indian communities, (2)too few
American Indian health professionals, and
(3)the substandard level of health and health
care in American Indian communities.
INMED was established in 1973 to meet the
need for health professionals to serve reservation
populations. INMED is a viable means of
supplying these health professionals. The
program is located where Indian health needs
are the greatest. American Indian populations
on the 24 reservations in North Dakota,
South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska
are among the most underserved in the country.
INMED is making an impact. As of 2005, the
program has graduated 163 medical doctors.
The program also enrolls students in nursing,
clinical psychology and various other health
specialities. A total of 317 Indian health
professionals have graduated through the
program, and many additional Indian students
have received advisement or referral from
INMED staff.
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INMED's Comprehensive
Approach |
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INMED offers educational support for students from the elementary through professional school
levels. This comprehensive approach distinguishes INMED from most other educational assistance
programs.
An important aspect of the program is the large concentration of Indian health
career students, over 100 each year, who participate in INMED's academic year support program.
Another 100 Indian students attend INMED's annual summer enrichment sessions at the junior high,
high school and medical preparatory levels. These summer programs bolster participants' math
and science backgrounds, introduce them to health careers, and provide INMED with a constant pool
of applicants.
The INMED program is an integral part of the University of North Dakota
School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and INMED also maintains close relationships with area tribes
and with several national education organizations. An all-Indian Board of Directors directly represents
Indian populations and assists in developing INMED philosophies and priorities.
The number of
Indian students who participate in INMED increases each year, and the scope of the program's activities
is expanding. INMED is destined to continue its leadership role in training Indian students for health
careers. |
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