Tribal Health the Podcast

Interview with William Carson

What if the biggest barrier to cancer prevention in Indigenous communities isn’t awareness, but how disconnected our systems are? In this episode, William “Billy” Carson, a postdoctoral researcher at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, explains the barriers Indigenous patients face throughout the cancer care continuum, from prevention and screening to specialty treatment and genetic counseling. He shares how Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and its Department of Indigenous Cancer Health collaborate with tribal nations and urban Indigenous organizations to close gaps through patient navigation, stronger referral pathways, and better coordination across healthcare systems. Billy also discusses how some cancer diagnoses require patients to travel far beyond major urban hospitals to access the right specialists, while chronic underfunding limits what urban Indian organizations can realistically provide. He emphasizes that improving how healthcare services are promoted online can be a practical and impactful first step toward increasing access without requiring major new funding. Tune in to hear how Billy is building the research and policy case for a more connected, accessible cancer care system for Indigenous communities. Resources * Connect with William “Billy” Carson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamocarson/]. * Follow Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Department of Indigenous Cancer Health on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/roswellpark/] or visit the website here [https://www.roswellpark.org/]. * If you have questions about Tribal Health, please reach out to Valerie Flynn at +1 602-206-4847 or via email.

Interview with Orien Fiander

What if the real reason wellness programs fail isn’t funding, but how they’re run? In this episode, Orien Fiander, Founder and CEO of Native Fitness, shares how his organization is working to transform wellness in tribal communities by focusing not just on equipment, but on operations, accountability, and community engagement. He argues that the biggest issue isn’t funding, but ineffective management, highlighting the lack of metrics, poor facility hours, and minimal member engagement in many wellness centers. Fiander emphasizes that true wellness starts with human connection, consistent follow-up, and the creation of environments where people feel seen and supported. Ultimately, he calls for a shift from checking the box to running wellness facilities like high-performing businesses that actively drive health outcomes. Tune in to hear how Orien Fiander is challenging the status quo and rebuilding community wellness from the inside out! Today's Guest - Orien Fiander Orien Fiander is the Founder and CEO of Native Fitness. Orien is an enrolled member of the Grand Ronde Tribe in Oregon. He grew up most of his life on the Yakama Reservation with a few years on the Nez Perce Reservation. A successful entrepreneur, former division 1 athlete, husband of 24 years and counting, father of 6 and a weekend “anything outside” warrior! Traveling throughout Indian Country, OJ saw that the need was real, not only in his own family, but also from Reservation to Reservation showing almost exactly the same challenges despite different geographic locations. With over 21 years of experience owning a successful chain of health clubs along with setting up 1000’s of facilities with exercise equipment, OJ felt with his expertise and experience it was time to give back and launched NativeFitness.org. Key Takeaways * Most wellness facilities fail due to poor operations, not lack of funding. * Many centers lack basic performance metrics, making success impossible to measure. * Facility hours often don’t align with real user behavior, limiting engagement. * Human connection, like greeting members by name, is foundational to wellness. * Staff training, SOPs, and accountability systems are critical for success. * Preventative health is undervalued compared to reactive care. * Targeted outreach, especially to key influencers such as mothers, can drive stronger community health outcomes. Resources * Connect with and follow Orien Fiander on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/orien-fiander-401b9758/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/orienjfiander/]. * Follow Native Fitness on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/nativefitness-org/] and visit their website [https://nativefitness.org/]. * If you have questions about Tribal Health, please reach out to Valerie Flynn at +1 602-206-4847 or on her email [vfenyn@tribalhealth.com].

Interview with Dr. Johanna Missak

Serving in rural and Tribal communities takes clinical skill, flexibility, and a lot of heart.  In this episode, Mario Trujillo sits down with Dr. Johanna Missak, a family medicine physician who has spent nearly eight years supporting Tribal Health facilities across the Great Plains. Dr. Missak shares how she moved from rural family practice and military service into emergency medicine work in IHS settings, and why the travel schedule can create a healthier rhythm for both providers and patients. She also talks about what continuity of care can look like in the emergency room in underserved communities, the realities of harsh winters and limited resources, and why hope and teamwork matter most when caring for patients facing addiction and other long-term challenges. Listen to hear what makes Tribal Health work meaningful, and why Dr. Missak believes this care model can be a strong fit for clinicians who want purpose, adventure, and community impact. Resources * Connect with and follow Johanna Missak on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-missak-787034147/]. * Follow Tribal Health on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/tribalhealth/]! * If you have questions about Tribal Health, please reach out to Valerie Flynn at +1 602-206-4847 or on her email [vfenyn@tribalhealth.com].

Interview with Laine Lyons

Building trust in healthcare starts with representation, culture, and community. In this episode, Laine Lyons, Director of Development for the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation, talks about advancing Indigenous healthcare education through fundraising and partnership development. She shares how UND’s nationally recognized Indians Into Medicine (INMED) program and other Native-focused pathways are increasing the number of Indigenous physicians, nurses, and behavioral health professionals nationwide. She explains the importance of culturally informed training, reducing financial barriers for medical students, and expanding residency opportunities. She also reflects on why so many Native graduates feel called to return home and serve their communities. Listen to hear how culturally grounded education and courageous conversations are helping transform healthcare for Indigenous communities. Resources * Connect with and follow Laine Lyons on LinkedIn. [http://linkedin.com/in/laine-lyons-84a81914a] * Follow the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-north-dakota-alumni-association-and-foundation/]and visit their website [https://und.edu/]! * Learn more about the Indians into Medicine Program (INMED) here [https://med.und.edu/education-training/indians-into-medicine/index.html]! * If you have questions about Tribal Health, please reach out to Valerie Flynn at +1 602-206-4847 or on her email [vfenyn@tribalhealth.com].

Interview with Donna Palakiko

Paradise hides some of the most complex challenges in healthcare access in the U.S. In this episode, Donna Palakiko, a Native Hawaiian health strategist, community researcher, and Assistant Professor at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, talks about the unique healthcare challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s island communities and how culturally grounded, prevention-focused models are working to close those gaps. She explains how Hawaiʻi’s geography forces many residents, especially on rural and outer islands, to travel by air for trauma care, specialty services, and even routine preventive screenings. Donna also unpacks the Native Hawaiian Healthcare Improvement Act, highlighting how community-based systems and scholarship programs are building a Native Hawaiian primary care workforce rooted in service and leadership. She shares how integrating traditional practices like hula, lomi lomi, and ʻike kupuna with Western medicine is improving chronic disease outcomes while strengthening cultural identity and community trust. Listen to learn how Hawaiʻi is reimagining healthcare through culture, prevention, and resilience. Resources * Connect with and follow Donna Palakiko on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-marie-palakiko-phd-rn-aprn-faan-fadln-56225120/]. * Follow the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/uh-manoa-school-of-nursing-and-dental-hygiene/] and discover their website [https://www.nursing.hawaii.edu/]! * If you have questions about Tribal Health, please reach out to Valerie Flynn at +1 602-206-4847 or via her email [vfenyn@tribalhealth.com].