Tribal Health Scholars

Tribal Health Scholars (THS)is a paid externship program that supports and inspires AIAN high school students to envision themselves as healthcare professionals.

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Weekly Schedule

Application closes Jan 31, 2026

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Tribal Health Scholars (THS)

  1. 10-week virtual experience to learn in depth about healthcare fields, hear from guest speakers and get a booklet to keep

  2. 10 hours of clinical shadowing at local tribal health clinics or hospitals (scrubs will be provided for scholars to keep)

  3. One-on-one and group mentoring on scholar’s educational and career interests

Eligibility

  • Must be in high school

  • Must be enrolled or descended from a federally recognized tribe

    • Scholars from our partner communities, as well as from any Tribes in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), are encouraged to apply.

  • Attendance is required every week. Join virtual sessions by computer / phone, and in-person for clinical shadowing

  • You will earn a stipend upon successful completion of the program

Concerned about transportation or access to wifi? Contact Katie at murpkati@ohsu.edu or Isaac at butleris@ohsu.edu

Stipend

  • $700 for completing online curriculum (10 hours)

  • $600 for completing shadowing (10 hours)

  • Scrubs provided

THS Timeline

THS Timeline. Application opens October first. Application closes January thirty first. Applicants will be notified February 6th. Online program and orientation begins March second. Online program wraps up May eleventh. Clinical shadowing in summer.

Program Structure

Scholars join virtually 1 hour per week, for 10 weeks, and meet as a cohort with a member of the NNACOE team. Together, scholars will:

  • Hear from AI/AN guest speakers working in the healthcare field

  • Review educational pathways for the different career fields in healthcare, and

  • Have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their experiences

In addition to the online course, scholars will shadow at their local clinic following different health care professionals for 10 hours.

Community Partnerships

THS works as a partnership between tribal communities, NNACoE, and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB).

THS now operates in nine tribal communities:

  • Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

  • Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

  • Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

  • Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

  • Klamath Tribes

  • Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

  • Coquille Indian Tribe

  • Nez Perce Tribe (Lapwai, ID)

  • Mt. Edgecumbe High School (Sitka, AK)

Scholars from these communities, as well from any Tribes in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), are encouraged to apply! *

*Please note: Scholars from non-partner PNW Tribes will have to arrange their own shadowing.

The first Tribal Health Scholars cohort began in 2018 and, thus far, 169 scholars have completed the program across 8 cohorts.

THS Virtual Course Overview

  • Week 1: Orientation & Mentorship

  • Week 2: Doctors/Providers/Surgeons Part 1

  • Week 3: Doctors/Providers/Surgeons Part 2

  • Week 4: Eyecare

  • Week 5: Dental

  • Week 6: Public Health

  • Week 7: Nursing Careers

  • Week 8: Research, Diagnostic, Lab, Pharmacy & Allied Health

  • Week 9: Emergency Medicine

  • Week 10: Behavioral Health

  • Week 11: Finance/Extra Credit & Focus Groups

Tribal Health Scholars Team

Katie Harris Murphy, MS
Wallowa Band Nez Perce / Cayuse / Umatilla / Karuk
Program Manager,
Tribal Health Scholars

Full Bio

Isaac Butler
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Program Assistant,
Tribal Health Scholars

Full Bio

Interested in applying or learning more?

Contact Katie Harris Murphy at murpkati@ohsu.edu or Isaac Butler at butleris@ohsu.edu