Sovereignty Speaks #48
Celebrating 8 Years / Serving 8 Years
Creating a Path for Native Physicians
The OSU Center for Sovereign Nations (CSN) celebrated the 8th Birthday with the theme It’s Great to be Eight! CSN staff shared about CSN growth and achievements over the last year, and CSN students shared the impact of CSN support when they compete for National Scholarships. Students also noted the impact of having CSN be NASA Advisor and AISES champion. In eight years, seven CSN students have pursued careers as physicians, and one is in dental school.
Keynote speaker Dr. Mason Two Crow, citizen of the MHA Nation, shared about his experiences as an undergraduate student who helped found the CSN. After graduating from OSU in 2017 with a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and a Minor in American Indian Studies, he worked in CSN as a recruiter for OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU COM). In 2022 he earned his medical degree from OSU COM. He is currently serving Indian Country as a second year family medicine resident at Choctaw Nation in Talihina, OK. Dr. Two Crow spoke of how his CSN experience created a path for Native students to become physicians. Tribal governments providing health care for tribal citizens is an important exercise of tribal sovereignty.