Native American Community Healthcare Internship (NACHI)

The University of Utah Native American Community Health Internship (NACHI) is a dynamic summer program for Native American undergraduate students interested in healthcare careers in Tribal and rural medicine. In partnership with the Native American Research Internship (NARI) program and the University of Utah we aim to provide NARI graduates an impactful and transformative clinical and community-based experience in Tribal health to foster connection, deep appreciation, and commitment to the efforts these healthcare facilities and communities bring to enhancing the well-being of Native Americans across the region

The NACHI program is a 2 week fully funded experience for NARI alumni. Participants are placed at one of eight healthcare sites spanning Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

Program Dates: August 5th – 15th, 2024  Application Deadline: April 5th, 2024

Internship Focus

The sites chosen serve mainly Native American (NA) communities which are historically rural and have significant healthcare disparities. The need for NA Physicians taps into a cultural wellbeing for Native patients who seek balance as a pillar of good health. There is also a level of comfort that comes with the familiar which also leads to trust and an overall sense of ease during otherwise stressful situations. The NACHI Program allows passionate NA participants to learn from current physicians serving in these areas. This Program will address the lack of NA representation in the health professional workforce.  

Program Eligibility

1. Must be a U.S. citizen. We particularly encourage Native American/Alaska Native undergraduate applicants
2. Must have completed a NARI internship at the University of Utah
3. Must be available August 8th – 19th, 2022, and work 40 hours/week
4. Must have a strong interest in a health care profession
5. Must be able to arrange own transportation
6. Must arrange your own housing arrangement in which we will help facilitate
7. Must have completed the following screening/vaccinations prior to start date:
   1. Tuberculosis screening
   2. Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella
   3. Tdap
   4. Varicella (Chickenpox)
   5. Hepatitis B.
   6. COVID-19 (vaccination(s) and booster)
      1. Note: The NACHI program will follow vaccination requirements from University of Utah and internship sites
   7. Must fill out all the paperwork required by the tribal facility in which they will be placed, by May 1st, 2022, at the latest. Because paperwork takes the Indian Health Service (HIS) 2-3 months to process, it is extremely important that this be submitted as soon as possible.

Compensation

Compensation for the program includes $2000 per NACHI participant. This funds all transportation, food, and lodging costs for the 2-week duration of the program. Funding is possible through donations and grants and are actively bring pursed to expand the program in the future. We hope all this will allow more sites and participants involved in the future.