Phoenix Indian Medical Center

GilbertDaddy · Dec 14, 2007

Has anyone worked here? Theres an LD assignment here..wondering what its like. I really dont mind it being in downtown phoenix- Any input anyone can give me will be appreciated!!!!!

Both my children are 1/4 navajo (though I'm a very white 1/2 mexican) and they look just like me. I take them there during times when they don't have insurance for one reason or another (job change, etc). Because they look white, I do wonder if they get different treatment. I do wonder if they think I'm "slumming it" or working the system at times, but that very well could just be me.

The hospital in general appears kind of "dirty". It's in an older facility, in a "not so good" party of town so that's to be expected. I have more experience with the ER and pediatrics sections though so my opinion may be biased.

The patients seem normal. High percentage of natives of course with some hispanics tossed in (likely like my kids they meet the cert. of indian blood requirements). In my visits I've been the only "white" person in the place aside from 1 or 2 docs.

Comparatively, the patients seem to have a "beaten down" appearance. Many are low income families who are just used to the free clinic reality. It's not like other hospitals where a soccer mom may be fussing over wait times, etc. Most mind themselves, don't make eye contact, and go in and out with little fuss. That could be a plus depending on your outlook.

Natives are typically less "social". The Navajos I've grown up with (my ex's family) were taught to not make eye contact, they don't smile very often, are blunt (in other words they don't BS very well), and can appear 'grumpy' even if they are in fact very nice.

I'm a friendly guy and perhaps because I appear to be "white", the staff is usually pretty business-like with me. Never any smalltalk, never any bites on the smalltalk I offer. Just wham-bam-thankyousir.

You have to understand the cultural implications of a native american health center to appreciate it. Many only have the PMIC to use for healthcare.

No L&D experience there. Hope that helps :)

Ion · Dec 17, 2007

I refuse to work for any organization that discriminates against any people on the basis of race. I would not work there anymore than I would work in a facility that denied health care to Native Americans. Racism = bad.

I have known other people who have worked there and left for the same reason. One day they realized that they were a part of racism and working at a facility that racially discriminates against people needing help.

GilbertDaddy · Dec 17, 2007

I refuse to work for any organization that discriminates against any people on the basis of race. I would not work there anymore than I would work in a facility that denied health care to Native Americans. Racism = bad.
I have known other people who have worked there and left for the same reason. One day they realized that they were a part of racism and working at a facility that racially discriminates against people needing help.

Personally I don't see a huge problem with it. Free daycare is given from the TRIBES to those who can obtain certification of indian blood.

I guess the hospital could take everyone including those folks, but already as a "free clinic", the amount of care it can provide is limited and there are plenty of other nearby hospitals.

I see your point and I'd like to hear from others who feel the same way. I think personally because of the suffering we've inflicted on the native races over the years, I never felt unjustly discriminated against as a "white" person.

We took their land, lied to them and gave them the worst possible land, continually screwed their peoples with a smile on our faces, and even now they struggle to remain a united "nation". If they came from another country and were the immigrants, I would feel discriminated against, but the term "native' implies that we're the intruders. Seems fair for them to have dedicated care to their citizens.

Thinking about it deeply though, that's a hell of an interesting topic.. especially when you throw in patient care and patient treatment rights in there (who you'll treat, etc.)..