Kathleen Annette facts for kids
Kathleen Annette, born in 1955, is an important leader in public health from Minnesota. She is the president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation. She is a member of the White Earth Band of the Chippewa tribe. She made history as the first Ojibwe woman to become a doctor. She was also the first woman to lead the Bemidji Indian Health Service. This organization helps Native American tribes and health programs in the Upper Midwest.
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Early Life and Education
Growing Up and School
Kathleen Annette grew up on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. She went to the University of Minnesota and earned a degree in Chemistry. After that, she studied at the University of Minnesota Medical School. She became a doctor in 1983.
Overcoming Challenges
Kathleen faced challenges getting ready for college. She said she was not well-prepared at first. No one from her high school on the reservation had ever become a doctor before. But she worked hard and succeeded.
Adult Life and Career
Starting Her Medical Career
Kathleen Annette finished her special medical training at the Duluth Family Practice Center. In 1986, she became a certified doctor. She then joined the Indian Health Service (IHS). She worked as a medical officer in Cass Lake, Minnesota, at the Leech Lake Service Unit.
Leading Health Services
Kathleen worked her way up in the IHS. In 1990, she became the director for the entire Bemidji Area of the IHS. In this role, she was in charge of health services for about sixty thousand Native Americans. These services covered people in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Making a Difference
As a director, Kathleen used her position to highlight health issues for Native Americans. She spoke at many health care conferences. She was also part of an important committee for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This committee focused on new diseases. She also visits medical schools to inspire young Native Americans to pursue careers in health.
Current Role
Kathleen Annette retired from government service in 2011. Today, she is the CEO of the Blandin Foundation. This foundation works to improve life for people in rural Minnesota.
