Anna Klunk (Red Lake Nation Ojibwe) Fourth Year Medical Student

Anna is a dedicated fourth-year medical student driven by a deep commitment to address the health disparities prevalent in her community. Witnessing firsthand the health challenges faced by her people, Anna embarked on a career in healthcare with a determination to be part of the solution. Currently navigating her final year of medical school, Anna is drawn to the fields of internal medicine or emergency medicine, recognizing the urgent need for accessible healthcare services. Inspired by the strength and resilience of her community, Anna aspires to enhance healthcare access for Native communities while advocating for educational equity for Native students. With a steadfast focus on serving her community, Anna aims to contribute meaningfully to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous populations.

“I hope to gain new relations with Native individuals across Turtle Island. I moved to the east coast away from my family when I started medical school and it was an extremely difficult adjustment for me as there is less of a community feel here than where I came from. I hope that I will continue to gain relations and have the opportunity to show others that we can build on the foundation that our ancestors gave us when taking on big projects such as this because we are never alone - you may be the first but you will not be alone in your journey.”