Students learn more about the Indians Into Medicine program at the Native American Research and Training Center. Photo from Facebook

The Native American Research and Training Center at the University of Arizona College of Medicine has received a $975,000 grant from the Indian Health Service to bring more Native students in the field of medicine.

The grant runs for five years. The Indians Into Medicine program will use the money to reach out to Native students and provide them with the support they need to pursue a health care career.

"What we're offering with our Indians into Medicine program is a support system that understands Native students and puts into place the kinds of things they need to succeed," Teshia Solomon, the co-director of the Native American Research and Training Center, told Cronkite News.

Karen Francis-Begay, the assistant vice president of tribal relations at UA, said the school typically attracts a significant number of Native applicants for its medical and health profession programs. But she said more work will be done to improve retention and graduation rates.

“Although first-year retention rates of Native American students has increased significantly to 70 percent, four- and six-year graduation rates remain disappointing,” Francis-Begay said in a press release.

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With federal grant, UA out to get more Native Americans into medicine (Cronkite News Service 3/31)