Mateo Perez, 23, of Picuris Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo and Cochiti Pueblo, started a medical school program at OHSU this fall. His goal is to blend Indigenous knowledge and Western teachings into his eventual medical practice.
First year medical student, Mateo Perez, attributes must of his success to programs built for Native youth to connect with Indigenous health practitioner mentors
PORTLAND, Ore.-For 23-year-old Mateo Perez, Picuris Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo and Cochiti Pueblo, school has always been a main focus of his life. That love for learning came from his family, particularly his paternal grandma, Ellen Perez, who was an educator in Santa Fe, New Mexico for decades, while also raising a family of three.
Ellen Perez was an educator for over 40 years, teaching for decades and eventually becoming a principa...
