First American students receive Blankets of Knowledge
SAN DIEGO — Two years into her studies at the University of California San Diego’s School of Medicine, Brianna Irons’ hard work and dedication to becoming a pediatrician reached a new milestone.
Alongside seven other First American medical students, Irons embraced the honor and recognition of her colleagues, instructors and community during the inaugural American Indian Medical Student Blessing Ceremony and Blanket Presentation Ceremony.
Dr. Matthew Allison, professor and division chief in the department of family medicine, wrapped Irons in a Blanket of Knowledge, according to a news release from the Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office. Such a gesture celebrates life-changing events.
Being presented the blanket by a fellow Chickasaw, Dr. Allison, made the event a little more special for Irons.
“It was really amazing to see all my First American peers being recognized,” Irons said. “There were Kumeyaay elders who came to bless the ceremony. Having the acknowledgement of our local nations and hearing their bird songs and blessings was really special.”
Many of the professors and students participating in the ceremony helped create a program to assist First American medical students and prepare them to serve Native populations.
The program, Transforming Indigenous Doctor Education, is funded by a broader program in California called Programs in Medical Education.
“Plain and simple, we need more First American healthcare professionals at all levels. Fifty-six percent of medical schools in the U.S. did not report a single enrolled First American medical student,” Irons said.
Irons wants to help address health inequities in First American communities.
“The biggest thing is patient trust and having a doctor committed to living where you are, serving your people,” she said. “They might better understand your traditions, your family or maybe trauma you have experienced.”
Irons will be the first physician in her family. Her parents went to college and supported her academic endeavors, but when it came to navigating the world of medical school, it was all very foreign. Being a second-year student, the TIDE program was not available to her when entering medical school.
“It was hard to navigate on my own. That’s why I’m really passionate about pipeline projects for students, programs to help them feel supported and show them the inner workings of how to get into medical school,” she said.
Irons grew up near Philadelphia with two siblings. Her Chickasaw heritage comes from her mother and stretches back to a bull riding great-grandfather from Oklahoma. They are all descendants of Hagen Iehokatubby.
Though she grew up disconnected from Chickasaw land, her pride in being Chickasaw was bolstered by her okra-loving grandfather, Colbert Grantham. He and his twin sister, Carolyn Wright, were reared in Oklahoma, where much of the family still resides.
Grantham supported her all along the path to medical school. Though he now lives with Alzheimer’s disease, he attended her white coat ceremony. Every time they meet, he tells her, “The Chickasaws need doctors.”
Irons is value-driven, and the source of her values is her spirituality.
“Spirituality is the bedrock. It has given me those values and allowed me to have grace for other people. Faith also has given me a sense of community, working for something bigger,” she said.
“We are born into something that’s different as Chickasaws. Being Chickasaw is about communal strength, family and so much more. It’s a blessing even if there are some adversities you experience,” she said.
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