Yvette Roubideaux

Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director of Indian Health Services (IHS) and Pamela S. Hyde, Administrator, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) listen to remarks (Pic 2)

Yvette Roubideaux is an American physician and public health administrator. She is known for her work in improving healthcare services for Native American communities. Roubideaux has held several significant positions within the Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Early Life and Education

Roubideaux was born in South Dakota. She is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She earned her undergraduate degree from Harvard University and later received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Roubideaux also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Career

Roubideaux began her career as a primary care physician, working in various IHS facilities. Her clinical work focused on improving healthcare delivery and outcomes for Native American populations. She has also been involved in research, particularly in the areas of diabetes and health disparities.

Indian Health Service

In 2009, Roubideaux was appointed as the Director of the Indian Health Service by President Barack Obama. During her tenure, she focused on modernizing the IHS, improving patient care, and increasing accountability within the organization. She served in this role until 2015.

Academic and Research Contributions

Roubideaux has published numerous articles on healthcare for Native Americans, with a particular focus on diabetes management and prevention. She has also been a vocal advocate for increasing the representation of Native Americans in the medical profession.

Awards and Recognition

Roubideaux has received several awards for her contributions to public health and healthcare for Native American communities. These include the American Public Health Association's Helen Rodriguez-Trias Social Justice Award and the National Indian Health Board's National Impact Award.

Personal Life

Roubideaux continues to be active in public health and healthcare advocacy. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and events focused on Native American health issues.

See Also

• Indian Health Service
• Native American health
• Public health in the United States
• Healthcare in the United States