The Indian Health Service named Dr. Loretta Christensen the agency's new chief medical officer in July 2021. Previously, she was the chief medical officer of the Navajo IHS Service Area from 2017-2021.
Dr. Loretta Christensen, a medical leader within the Navajo Nation during the pandemic, has been named Indian Health Service's new chief medical officer.
Since 2017, Dr. Christensen, who is a member of the Navajo Nation, has been the chief medical officer of the Navajo IHS Service Area and has helped keep members informed during the pandemic via virtual town halls.
According to a press release from IHS, in her new role will be the top expert on medical and public health topics within the agency, and will advise the agency's director and staff on different health policies and issues.
She will also be responsible for patient care policy and program development, and will be the primary advocate for IHS health workers.
During her career with IHS, she's also been the chief medical officer at the Gallup Service Unit and a general surgeon.
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