2023-2024 Alvin F. Poussaint, MD Visiting Lectureship
“Trying to Heal a Broken Promise: Improving Healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives”
Yvette Roubideaux, MD, MPH, HMS ‘89
Adjunct Professor
Department of Health Systems
Management and Policy, Colorado School of Public Health
Former Director, Indian Health Services
Yvette Roubideaux, MD, MPH is a physician, researcher, and public health advocate. She is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Health Systems, Management, and Policy at the Colorado School of Public Health. Dr. Roubideaux previously served as Director of the Policy Research Center at the National Congress of American Indians where she conducted and translated policy research and data to improve outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal Nations. Her prior work includes research, education, and policy development in the areas of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health and the quality of diabetes care. She served in the Obama Administration as a Senior Advisor to the HHS Secretary for American Indians and Alaska Natives and as the Director of the Indian Health Service (IHS). Dr. Roubideaux directed training programs to encourage AI/AN students to enter health/research professions, served as President of the Association of American Indian Physicians, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Roubideaux received her undergraduate, medical, and public health degrees at Harvard, authored several peer-reviewed research publications, and co-edited the 2001 book Promises to Keep: Public Health Policy for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the 21st Century.