Dr. Lala Forrest (Pit River Tribe) – Psychiatry Resident

We are honored to welcome Dr. Lala Forrest as a mentor for the Healers Community Circle! A member of the inaugural 2021 cohort, Dr. Forrest has been an enthusiastic advocate for We Are Healers, delivering powerful presentations on the urgent need for more Native health professionals. As she transitions into residency, she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of Indigenous healers.

Inspired by her own journey—growing up in a community with deep-rooted distrust in the healthcare system—Dr. Forrest is committed to transforming behavioral health services for Indigenous communities. Her passion for psychiatry is rooted in a holistic approach to healing, understanding intergenerational trauma, and ensuring Indigenous perspectives shape healthcare solutions.

As an At-Large Director for the Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) and Co-Founder of the Indigenous School of Medicine (ISOM), Dr. Forrest is deeply committed to advancing Indigenous health and medical education. Her work as a scholar focuses on integrating Indigenous research methodologies and fostering culturally grounded, community-driven healthcare solutions. Through her leadership in AAIP and ISOM, she actively works to expand pathways for Indigenous students in medicine, advocate for tribal sovereignty in healthcare systems, and promote Indigenous-led medical education.

Her latest project, Interwoven Futures, aims to create an Indigenous Collaborative Platform, uniting organizations across sectors to amplify impact, share resources, and elevate Indigenous leadership and Indigenous-led solutions. This initiative aligns with her lifelong purpose: elevating Indigenous voices and perspectives to foster transformative change and holistic well-being for all.

We are excited for Dr. Forrest to share her wisdom, support, and inspiration with our Healers Community Circle, shaping the future of Indigenous healthcare leaders.