Overview
The goal of the Program is for Mass General Brigham faculty physicians to directly support and enhance clinical practice and patient care while providing an ongoing contribution to an underserved community. The significant underserved needs of the Indian Health Service community, its location within the United States, and its existing strong ties with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital all support the goals of developing a successful and sustainable program.
The IHS faces substantial barriers in delivering high quality care to the AI/AN population including limited access to specialty services and a chronic understaffing of physicians. Our faculty volunteer time and expertise at IHS hospitals serving the Navajo Reservation in Gallup and Shiprock, New Mexico and Chinle, Arizona. Physician volunteers provide a mix of patient care and teaching of the local medical staff as well as remote teaching and consultative activities from Boston via telemedicine technology.
The Outreach Program is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Phyllis Jen, whose leadership, inspiration, and commitment were central to creating this opportunity for physician volunteerism. The program serves as a legacy to how Dr. Jen lived her life reaching out to care for others who need support.
View the Indian Health Service Outreach Program brochure (PDF)
