Quick Snips

Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every November to commemorate and recognize the present and past cultures, histories, technologies, and contributions of the original people of the Americas. In addition, we would like to recognize the many, often overlooked, innovations made by Indigenous tribes regarding medicine and the practice of surgery.

Meet Ben Litmanovich, a second year medical student at the College of Medicine ? Tucson. Litmanovich separated from the Air Force as a technical sergeant after nine years, culminating in a year-long deployment in various leadership roles during the COVID-19 response in New England. Currently, he conducts research with the Gurtner lab and Dr. Bellal Joseph within the Department of Surgery, aspiring to practice in the field of reconstructive surgery and/or trauma surgical critical care.

Meet Lyndsay Kandi, a fourth year medical student at the University of Arizona - Tucson and a registered tribal band member of Upper Cayuga Nation (First Nations indigenous, Iroquois). Recognizing the disparity of indigenous representation in higher education, Lyndsay has served as a mentor to other Native and first generation students throughout undergrad and medical school. She currently holds national roles with the Association of Women Surgeons and the American Medical Association?s Committee of American Indian Affairs. Her most prized role, however, is being a mother to her five-year-old daughter, Arya.