Program Purpose and History
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 specialties. 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.
INMED's Comprehensive Approach
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, the INMED Tribal Board, represents American 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.
