Justin Henson (Navajo & Keetoowah Cherokee) Medical Student

I am a first-generation Navajo and Keetoowah Cherokee medical student at Oregon Health & Science University, and I am committed to rural Indigenous health and wellness. My interests in medicine were ultimately shaped by my experiences at my Indian Health Service clinics, volunteering and seeing the health disparities my community faced. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself towards opportunities that have provided mentorship, community, and guidance for the Indigenous community — like the Tilikum Summer Health experience and working with Tewa Women United.

In the future, I hope to become an Emergency Medicine physician, and health advocate for my Navajo and Cherokee communities.

In my spare time, I like to laugh lots with my friends, go on long walks on the beach, go running, and play video games.