The IHEART Spring 2026 Virtual Summit Is Building the Native Health Workforce Indian Country Needs

More Native practitioners in health professions means stronger care for Our Relatives across Indian Country.

What Is the IHEART National Collaborative

The Indigenous Health, Education, and Resources Taskforce (IHEART) is an American Indian and Alaska Native-led national collaborative formed in 2021 to address the critical shortage of Indigenous professionals in health careers. IHEART is led by the Association of American Indian Physicians, the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, the Association of Native American Medical Students, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Indian Health Service. The collaborative now includes approximately 680 health professions educators, learners, tribal college leaders, organizational leaders, and community members working across five regions to strengthen educational pathways from kindergarten through practice for Native populations.

IHEART Spring 2026 Virtual Summit Registration Is Open Now

The IHEART Spring 2026 Virtual Summit takes place March 24–25, 2026, on Zoom and is designed for students, healthcare professionals, educators, and partners committed to Native health workforce development. Programming includes regional breakout sessions, discipline-specific discussions, student panels on career pathways, and updates from the National Indian Health Board. Keynote speaker Linda Bedeau, a founding member of Red Lake Nation College and former Deputy Health Systems Administrator for IHS, brings over 40 years of leadership in tribal governance and health systems administration!

Why Culturally Competent Workforce Development Matters for Native Health

Native communities continue to face significant health workforce shortages and gaps in culturally competent care for elders, families, and youth. IHEART’s culturally responsive, Indigenous-led approach connects Our Relatives with mentorship and systems-level solutions that support the next generation of Native practitioners serving IHS facilities, tribal health programs, and rural hospitals across Indian Country.

Ellsworth Supports Native Health Workforce Growth

Ellsworth is an ISBEE-certified, Native-owned small business providing culturally competent medical staffing to IHS facilities and tribal health programs nationwide. We encourage every Native health professional, student, and educator to register for the IHEART Spring 2026 Virtual Summit and invest in the future of Indigenous health care.