Citizen Staff Writer
HEIDI ROWLEY
hrowley@tucsoncitizen.com
A University of Arizona educator has been nominated to be the director of the Indian Health Service by President Obama, the White House Press Office announced Monday.
Dr. Yvette Roubideaux is an assistant professor in the department of family and community medicine in the College of Medicine.
The Indian Health Service is a federal health program that is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services and oversees health care services for the native nations.
According to the White House statement, Roubideaux has conducted extensive research on American Indian health issues, with a focus on diabetes in American Indians/Alaska Natives and American Indian health policy.
She worked previously with the Indian Health Service as a medical officer and clinical director on the San Carlos Indian Reservation and in the Gila River Indian Community.
Roubideaux, 46, is a member of the Rosebud Sioux tribe.
UA said Roubideaux was not allowed to engage in interviews during the White House selection process. She would replace Robert G. McSwain.
Obama taps UA educator to head Indian Health Service