The Senate on Wednesday unanimously confirmed Yvette Roubideaux as director of the Indian Health Service.

Roubideaux is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. She is the first Native woman to lead the IHS.

"Dr. Roubideaux has spent her life working to improve health care for Native Americans," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "She has seen the Indian Health Service through the eyes of a patient and a doctor, and I know she is the leader we need to strengthen IHS and ensure we keep our promise to provide quality health care to Native Americans."

Roubideaux has worked for the IHS and for tribes and has conducted extensive research on Indian health issues.

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