Partnership with Pascua Yaqui Tribe Health Services builds bridges in Indigenous and global health
This summer, medical students from the Universidad del Valle de México joined the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Health Services Division through the Intercultural Program from the college’s Global Health Institute. The initiative highlights cross-border collaboration, cultural learning, and community partnership.
Intercultural Program in Indigenous Medical and Public Health
This summer, the Global Health Institute (GHI) welcomed two medical students from the Universidad del Valle de México (UVM) to participate in the Intercultural Program in Indigenous Medical and Public Health. The program, hosted in collaboration with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Health Services Division and led by the Tribe’s Medical Director, Dr. Adalberto Renteria, offers students the opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous healthcare systems while applying their medical and public health training in real-world settings. The GHI is part of the Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona.
During their time with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, students shadowed providers across Primary Care, Specialty, and Behavioral Health Clinics. The program emphasizes the integration of cultural identity with evidence-based medicine, preparing students to address health disparities in both U.S. and Mexican contexts.
“I have been extremely impressed with the ethics and empathy these students demonstrate in addressing the needs of marginalized populations in Mexico,” said Dr. Renteria, “They give me hope that we can find solutions to global health challenges.”
The participants, Ana Paula Montano Valenzuela and Carolina Valencia, were selected from a competitive pool of applicants. Both bring a strong background in public health, having previously participated in GHI’s summer public health immersion program. Carolina is also enrolled in the dual-degree Medicine and Public Health program jointly offered by UVM and the University of Arizona, further highlighting the deepening academic ties between the two institutions.
“Being part of this program was one of the most meaningful experiences of my medical and public health journey, “ said Carolina Valencia, “Learning from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe showed me the power of integrating cultural identity with healthcare and how respect and collaboration are essential to serving communities.”
This initiative reflects a longstanding partnership between Dr. Renteria and Dr. Gabriela Valdez, Director of Global Education at GHI. Their collaboration acknowledges that many Pascua Yaqui community members live in Sonora, Mexico, and that training Mexican medical students in Indigenous health practices strengthens cross-border understanding and capacity.
“This program brings together students, faculty, and communities across borders in a way that embodies the Global Health Institute’s mission,” said Dr. Valdez, “It is about more than training — it is about creating meaningful partnerships that improve health and foster mutual learning.”
Aligned with Arizona’s Land-Grant Mission
This program exemplifies the University of Arizona’s role as a land-grant institution dedicated to engaging with communities to create opportunity. By linking the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and UVM through GHI, the initiative builds sustainable partnerships that strengthen health systems and advance the university’s strategic imperative to foster intercultural competence, experiential learning, and public health impact.
This commitment is strongly supported by college leadership. Dean Iman Hakim, Dean of the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Founding Director of the Global Health Institute.
“The Intercultural Program in Indigenous Medical and Public Health demonstrates how the University of Arizona connects education, research, and community,” said Dean Hakim, “By working alongside our partners in Mexico and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, we are advancing health equity and preparing globally minded professionals.”