“Upon entering medical school, I was greatly aware of the few Native students in my class as well as Natives who I saw interviewing at other medical schools during the application process. From a young age, I have observed Native physicians, few and far between. The lack of Indigenous professional voices in medicine contributes to lack of culturally-sensitive care delivery. This void can be both a deterrent to potential medical students and a motivation.”

Caroline Pecos-Duarte (Pueblo of Jemez) First year medical student

Project Title: Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Healthcare Education

Project Focus:
 Caroline dedicated her project to mentoring Indigenous youth and building pathways into healthcare careers through education, events, and mentorship.

Key Activities:

  • Organized Students Exploring Careers in Healthcare events for Native high school students.

  • Recruited Native healthcare professionals and led group discussions as a medical student mentor.

  • Launched planning for a Native American Healthcare Career Expo targeting 100+ Indigenous high school students.

  • Developed a mentorship program for Native undergraduate students at UNM.

Outcomes & Impact:
 Caroline’s work fosters intergenerational inspiration and community uplift, ensuring Native youth envision themselves as future healthcare providers. Her leadership as ANAMS President has expanded visibility and access to culturally affirming mentorship.

Reflection:
 Supported by We Are Healers, Caroline embraced a larger role in uplifting her community, recognizing that empowering the next generation of healers is a powerful form of medicine.

Caroline's journey toward becoming a family medicine physician is deeply rooted in her experiences within her Native community and her commitment to addressing health disparities. Motivated by the lack of Native voices in healthcare and driven by her desire to serve her community, Caroline aspires to merge her interests in preventive medicine and community health as a family physician. Through her experiences at a low-income serving clinic, she has gained insights into the impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare access and chronic disease management, further fueling her determination to advocate for patients in low-resource settings. With a passion for advocacy and a commitment to community service, Caroline is poised to make a meaningful impact in the Jemez community and beyond.