Lala is a fourth-year medical student at the Oklahoma Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University. After seeing how lack of access and quality of care affected the health and wellness of her people, she became interested in studying neuroscience and medicine. Lala plans to enter the field of psychiatry and returning to work with Native communities with a specific interest in Native youth, to facilitate culturally-based healing for individuals, families, and communities.
“After moving to southern California and pursuing an education at UCSD, I met Native physician Dr. Dan Calac who showed me that it was possible for someone with my background and passion to make a difference for my community by becoming a physician, leader, and advocate.”