Oklahoma State University: Native American Student Spotlight: Sierra Posey-Grounds, OSU-COM At The Cherokee Nation

Press release from Oklahoma State University:

November 22, 2021

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

In November, we will spotlighting Native American students at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

Where are you from?

I am from Coweta, Oklahoma.

What tribe/nation are you a citizen or member of?

I am a member of the Muscogee Nation.

Why did you want to go into medicine?

I have wanted to be a physician since I was little. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time in the hospital with my little brother who had a type of childhood cancer. It was then that I knew I wanted to help sick people. As I got older, I developed a love for science and medicine and I decided to pursue medicine.

What has the experience been like so far at OSU-COM at Cherokee Nation?

I have loved being a student at OSU at Cherokee Nation. I feel so proud that I get to be a part of this union between the Cherokee Nation and OSU. As I walk around campus, I see Native American culture incorporated everywhere.

How has being Native American impacted your life or your decision to be a physician?

Ever since I was a child, my tribe has always been there to support me and help me get to where I am today. It brings me great joy to study at a tribally affiliated college and hopefully give back to my people. There are many health care discrepancies and Native health is vital in helping close the health care discrepancy gaps.

This press release was produced by Oklahoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.