Congresswoman Betty McCollum Visits CAIMH

April 21, 2008    As part of a visit to UMD, Congresswoman Betty McCollum scheduled a special stop at the Medical School-Duluth Campus to learn more about the Center of American Indian and Minority Health (CAIMH). About 3 years ago, Title VII funding supporting the CAIMH and similar programs nationwide was eliminated by Congress. McCollum wanted to hear more about that has affected the Center's support of Native American medical students.

Joy Dorscher, M.D., Director of CAIMH, gathered a group of Native American medical students who were active in CAIMH activities, including:  students Jean Howell, Erin Tansey, John Vukelich, and incoming first-year student, Tricia Morton; and Christine Athmann, M.D.  Athmann was a high school student when she became involved with the CAIMH programs.  She graduated from medical school last year and is a resident practicing at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood. Also attending was Dr. Lorentz Wittmers who has been involved in Native American programs on the campus since the mid-70s.. In addition to their praiseof CAIMH, the participants also talked about the critical need for federal support of urban and reservation Indian health services.

Congresswoman McCollum visited UMD as a keynote speaker at the Ben and Jean Overman Distinguished Speaker Series. A Democrat serving her fourth term in Congress, McCollum represents the citizens of Ramsey County, northern Dakota County and western Washington County.

Congresswoman McCollum (center) and her assistant (right) listen to students,(R to L), Jean Howell, John Vukelich, Erin Tansey and Tricia Morton.  Also, Dr. Lorentz Wittmers and partially hidden is Dr. Joycelyn Dorscher.