Hema Patel (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe/ Gujarati-American) Prospective pre-med post-bacc student

Rooted in a lineage of holistic healers, Hema’s journey toward pediatric medicine has been shaped by familial influence and a commitment to community well-being. Initially drawn to pediatrics to continue the healing legacy of her family, she navigated the challenges of pre-med studies at Yale, ultimately finding resonance in the History of Science, Health, and Medicine major. Embracing a vision of equitable healthcare, Hema immersed herself in community-building activities, from teaching dance to leading student associations and creating anti-racist lesson plans. Despite these fulfilling endeavors, the call to pediatric medicine remained strong, fueled by reflections on her experiences and inspired by her mother's dedication to serving Native communities. Armed with a diverse academic background and a passion for social justice, Hema is poised to pursue a career in pediatrics, envisioning holistic care and anti-racist medical pedagogy as vital components of their healing journey.

“Through this project, I expect to grow as an educator, researcher, dancer, and future physician. I am aiming for both personal and community-based results. I will become an expert in the Indigenous history of my home city by creating materials for others to do the same. I hope to gain valuable practical experience by shadowing medical professionals at IHB after establishing a volunteer presence. I will learn from youth in my community as we dance, opening ourselves up to self-expression and supporting one another.”

Empowering Urban Native Communities in Minneapolis

Hema's multifaceted project proposal stems from her personal journey navigating healthcare in Minneapolis and her profound connection to the Indian Health Board (IHB), a cornerstone of urban Native health clinics. Collaborating with IHB, she plans to develop a comprehensive orientation curriculum for future employees, grounded in Dakota and Ojibwe histories and contemporary contexts. Drawing from her experiences in dance education pedagogy, Hema also envisions partnering with an existing Native youth program in the Phillips neighborhood to offer hip-hop dance workshops, providing a creative outlet and fostering holistic health among Native youth. Informed by her senior thesis at Yale documenting the history of IHB and her background in anti-racist educational materials, Hema is well-equipped to co-create culturally relevant programming that addresses the health needs and strengths of the Twin Cities Native community. Through this project, she seeks personal growth as an educator, researcher, dancer, and future physician, while contributing to intergenerational community-building and Indigenous health initiatives in her hometown.