Home / Education / New INMED Director Returns Home to UND
New INMED Director Returns Home to UND
12 Jul
Summary
- Monette-Barajas brings national connections to recruit students.
- The INMED program has graduated over 500 Indigenous health professionals.
- Program aims to improve health outcomes in Indigenous communities.
Melvin Monette-Barajas has returned to the University of North Dakota (UND) as the new director of the Indians Into Medicine (INMED) program. Monette-Barajas, who earned his graduate degree from UND and previously worked at its Indigenous Student Center, described his return as a homecoming.
His first day was July 1, and he has since been engaging with medical students and preparing to meet undergraduate students in the fall. He aims to understand student motivations for choosing UND and INMED and ensure the program meets their needs.
Established in 1973, the INMED program supports American Indian students pursuing health careers. It offers counseling, financial aid assistance, and summer enrichment. The program has successfully graduated over 500 Indigenous physicians, physician assistants, and other health professionals.
Dean Marjorie Jenkins highlighted Monette-Barajas's blend of local roots and national experience as invaluable for INMED's growth. Monette-Barajas, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, previously worked with scholarship funds and serves on a national board. He plans to use his extensive network to boost recruitment and awareness for INMED.
