Letter From the President of AAIP
November 15, 2016
Dear Native Physicians,
I hope this greeting finds all of you progressing well in your chosen paths whether you be practicing in an I/T/U clinic, holding a faculty position, private practice, retired, holding an administrative position or engaged in research. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) physicians occupy many positions all of which can promote an improvement in Native health or focusing on restoring a balance between mind, body and spirit. The Association is beginning our annual membership drive. As you may recall, our organizational bylaws were restated substantially and approved by the membership at the August 2016 Annual Meeting.
The changes included the dropping of a blood quantum requirement for voting (full) membership.
Henceforth, a prospective member need only to provide sufficient verification or proof of American Indian or Alaska Native descent to be eligible for full voting membership. AAIP leadership acknowledges the many committed Native physicians who are less than a 1/8th blood quantum and we value their contributions to AI/AN health and to our Association. Please seriously consider re-establishing your membership or if not previously a member please join and support our mission.
We are currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Indian Health Board and are recognized as being a source of expertise on the Native Healthcare workforce. We are in the beginning stages of planning for our Annual Cross-Cultural workshop to be held in the spring of 2017.
Sincerely,
Ronald Shaw, MD
Board President, AAIP