Arial Bowsher (Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas)
Post Bacc (Gap Year)

My introduction into health professions was as a first responder. I didn’t spend much time with patients as an EMT, but I discovered medical knowledge was something I was excited about learning. During the earliest part of my journey, I was deeply inspired by the physician at my tribal clinic. She was a Native American OB/GYN and knew about my aspirations to go to medical school. Her encouragement helped me commit to a pre-med curriculum and earn a bachelors of science with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology.

Post college, I entered a career in government contracting where I learned lobbying can be a way for Indigenous communities to have a voice in public health decisions. When I envision myself giving back to my community, I am working as a physician in family medicine and helping to heal public health disparities in Indian country. My hope for the future is to further the understanding and trust of natural herbal medicines and build Indigenous sovereignty to claim public health protections and rights to clean water.