The McLaren Northern Michigan Family Medicine Residency Rural Training Program (RTP), established in 2021, is expanding to offer a Tribal Health Track, as approved by ACGME April 1, 2025. The goal of this expansion is to better serve the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations while enriching our residency training experience. The track not only addresses an urgent need for healthcare access but also prepares our residents to deliver culturally competent care in a rural setting within northern Michigan and beyond.
The Tribal Health Track Residents (2 per class beginning July 1, 2025) will spend the first year (PGY1) of training in Flint, MI; an urban training site. Years two (PGY2) and three (PGY3) are in Petoskey, MI; a rural training site and home of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBBOI) Tribe, a federally recognized, sovereign Nation. LTBBOI are part of the Anishinaabe, a larger cultural group, also known as The Three Fires, consisting of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi. Continuity Clinic for PGY2 and PG3 will be at the LTBBOI Tribe Health Clinic.
Enhanced longitudinal tribal health educational experiences will be integrated into the curriculum, focusing on primary care in rural settings, cultural competence, and addressing health disparities among AI/AN populations, while introducing integrative, holistic approaches to care where Western Medicine is bridged with traditional AI/AN healing practices (with a focus on regional Anishinaabe practices).
This Tribal Health Track is made possible through the financial support of Michigan Doctors Improving Access to Care (https://www.michigandocs.org/) in conjunction with the LTBBOI Tribe and McLaren Health Care Corporation. In addition, the Tribal Health Track is a member of Michigan State University’s Family Medicine Residency network and College of Human Medicine.
Required Qualifications:
- USMLE or COMLEX Step 2 Passed
- US citizenship or legal residency status in the US (green card or refugee status) or J1 (Canada)
Desired Qualifications:
- Graduation from Medical School within the past 5 years
- Strong interest in tribal health care in a rural setting
To express interest please email the following documents to northerngme@mclaren.org.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- USMLE/COMLEX Transcript
- Medical School Transcript
- ECFMG Certification (if applicable)
https://ltbbodawa-nsn.gov/departments/health-services/health-clinic/
https://www.mclaren.org/gme-medical-education/mclaren-residency-programs/10
https://www.michigandocs.org/