Influential Woman · Consultant Tribal Health
Roselyn Tso
Tribal Health Consultant, Former Director of Indian Health Service Retired, Healthcare
Portland, OR 97232
Her Story
About Roselyn
I started my career in 1984 as a receptionist with the Indian Health Service and rose through various roles over four decades to become Director, appointed by President Biden to oversee healthcare for American Indians and Alaska Natives. My work emphasized building relationships with tribes by spending significant time in the field, addressing workforce challenges, and maximizing limited resources through technology and system improvements. Now as a consultant, I focus on tribal health issues like heart health and trauma care, informed by my Navajo Nation roots and a relationship-based clan system approach to building trust and understanding unique community challenges.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Roselyn
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It is an opportunity of a lifetime to impact people's lives in the healthcare field. Self-care is absolutely essential - you have to take care of yourself first before you can help take care of other people.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is never enough resources to address healthcare needs in tribal communities, with barriers like lack of Wi-Fi, roads, water, and electricity. Opportunities include maximizing rural health dollars, using technology creatively despite infrastructure gaps, and encouraging personal health decisions like daily walking for physical and mental well-being.
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