Alaska Tribal Health System - A Model for Rural Healthcare Artwork

The DEI Shift

A podcast focusing on shifting the way we think and talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the medical field. The title, The DEI Shift, uses a common acronym DEI (standing for diversity, equity, and inclusion) as a play on the idea of a “day shift”, the time in the hospital when the daytime teams come in, bring fresh perspectives to the issues that arose overnight, and progress patient care forward. This podcast is aimed at: 1) bringing new perspectives and a more inclusive approach to the discussions of diversity issues in healthcare, 2) shifting us away from avoidance, fatigue, and negative connotations that have become attached to these topics, and 3) transitioning these discussions from mere classroom didactics into relevant, day-to-day, organic conversation and application.

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The DEI Shift

Alaska Tribal Health System - A Model for Rural Healthcare

July 14, 2025 • The DEI Shift • Season 7 • Episode 4

Join us in learning from Dr. Nora Nagaruk about the ingenuity of the Alaska Tribal Health System and the ways it rises to the challenges of rural healthcare in a culturally integrated manner.

We dedicate this episode to the families and communities impacted by the crash of Bering Air flight #445 on February 6, 2025, in which 10 people died about 30 miles outside Nome, Alaska. A community health aide from a nearby village participated in the search and rescue efforts. We honor community health aides' sacrifices to go above and beyond to help loved ones and strangers in times like these. May the spirit of their compassion reach those still grieving.

Learning Objectives

Understand the rural Alaska environment and culture, which are the foundation of the Alaska Tribal Health System (ATHS) (“What is a village?”).
Describe the need for, and the power of, the role of ATHS Community Health Aide.
Appreciate the changes in healthcare outcomes since the ATHS Community Health Aide Program was initiated.

Credits

Guest: Dr. Nora Nagaruk
Co-Hosts: Dr. Marianne Parshley, Dr. Molly Southworth
Executive Producer: Dr. Tammy Lin
Co-Executive Producers: Dr. Pooja Jaeel, Dr. Maggie Kozman
Senior Producer: Dr. DJ Gaines
Managing Producer: Joanna Jain
Production Assistants: Clara Baek, Ann Truong
Website/Art Design: Ann Truong
Music: Chris Dingman https://www.chrisdingman.com

Connect with us on Instagram and X at @TheDEIShift and via email at thedeishift@gmail.com!