Michael Trujillo facts for kids

Michael H. Trujillo (born in 1944) is an American doctor. He was the first person who was fully Native American to lead the Indian Health Service. This is a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services that helps with the health of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Who is Michael H. Trujillo?

Michael H. Trujillo was born in 1944. His mother, Ruchanda Paisano, was from the Pueblo of Laguna tribe. His father, Miguel Trujillo, was from the Pueblo of Isleta tribe. Michael and his older sister, Josephine Waconda, were both members of their mother's Laguna Pueblo tribe.

Early Life and Education

Michael Trujillo studied a lot! He earned several degrees from the University of New Mexico. In 1966, he got a bachelor's degree in biology. The next year, 1967, he earned another bachelor's degree in history and political science. He continued his studies and received a master's degree in microbiology and biochemistry in 1970. Finally, he earned his medical degree (MD) in 1974.

Later, in 1984, he also got a master's degree in public health administration from the University of Minnesota. His special areas in medicine were family medicine and internal medicine.

Leading the Indian Health Service

After finishing his education, Dr. Trujillo worked as the chief medical officer for the Portland office of the Indian Health Service (IHS). The IHS is a government agency that provides health care to Native American and Alaska Native people.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton chose Dr. Trujillo to become the director of the IHS. The US Senate then approved this choice. This was a very important moment because it made him the first full-blooded American Indian to lead the IHS. As director, he also held a high rank, like an admiral, in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. This group is made up of health experts who work for the U.S. government.