Concentration in Indigenous Health
Launching in Academic Year 2027–28
The Indigenous Health Concentration will prepare leaders to advance the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples globally. The application will open in August 2026.
Developed in collaboration with the Bloomberg School’s Center for Indigenous Health, this concentration will be the only DrPH program in the world dedicated specifically to leadership training in Indigenous health.
Through an integrated curriculum that combines theory, applied practice, and research, students will gain the skills to design culturally grounded interventions, generate actionable evidence, and lead initiatives that strengthen health systems and advance health equity for Indigenous communities worldwide.
The Indigenous Health Applicant
This concentration is designed for professionals committed to advancing Indigenous health, social justice, and health equity.
It is particularly well suited for those with experience or a strong interest in tribal governance, community health, policy development, and health services research.
Curriculum
Students in the Indigenous Health Concentration will apply ethical principles, conceptual frameworks, and multidisciplinary approaches to address contemporary challenges in Indigenous health.
They will examine and respond to the intergenerational impacts of colonization, while developing and evaluating strategies, programs, and policies designed to improve health outcomes in Indigenous communities.
Emphasizing culturally grounded practice and evidence-informed decision-making, students will generate and translate knowledge to strengthen programs and shape policy. Graduates will be prepared to lead initiatives that advance health equity and promote social justice with and for Indigenous peoples.
Applied Practice and Real-World Leadership
Students in the Indigenous Health Concentration will have opportunities to:
- Apply classroom learning through community-based projects, partnerships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous organizations, and structured leadership practica.
- Engage in program development, policy advocacy, and health system improvement initiatives centered on Indigenous health and well-being.
- Collaborate with research, policy, and service organizations serving Indigenous communities to implement evidence-informed and culturally grounded strategies.
Potential Projects
- Designing culturally grounded health programs for tribal communities.
- Conducting evaluations of public health policies impacting Indigenous populations.
- Developing strategies to improve access to care and social services in Indigenous settings.
- Implementing educational interventions to promote community health and wellness.
Career Pathways
Graduates of the Indigenous Health Concentration will be prepared to lead across a range of public health, policy, and research settings.
Sample Organizations
Graduates of the Indigenous Health concentration may work in a range of settings, including:
- Government agencies focused on Indigenous and Tribal health policy, programs, and implementation
- Domestic and international nonprofit organizations advancing Indigenous health equity and social justice
- Academic and research institutions conducting Indigenous health research, evaluation, and community-engaged scholarship
- Healthcare systems and public health organizations serving Indigenous communities and populations
Sample Roles
Graduates may hold leadership and professional positions such as:
- Director of Tribal or Indigenous Health Programs
- Public Health Policy Analyst or Advisor
- Community Health Program Manager
- Research Scientist or Epidemiologist focusing on Indigenous populations
- Health Equity or Social Determinants Specialist
- Consultant in Indigenous health, global health, or health systems strengthening
Concentration Directors
Learn more about the Concentration Directors’ research, leadership, and professional backgrounds by visiting their faculty profiles below.
Donald Warne, MD, MPH
Donald Warne, MD, MPH, is a Professor in the Department of International Health and Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health. A physician and recognized leader in Indigenous health, education, policy, and equity, he is also a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Dr. Warne plays an active mentorship role for DrPH students, guiding them in research, leadership, and applied public health work focused on Indigenous communities. He also serves as Johns Hopkins University’s Provost Fellow for Indigenous Health Policy, contributing to initiatives that shape health programs and policy for Indigenous populations.
Faye McMillan, DHSc, MINDH, MSCL
Faye McMillan, DHSc, MINDH, MSCL, a proud Wiradjuri yinaa (woman) from Trangie, New South Wales, Australia, is a leader in Indigenous health with over 30 years of experience across healthcare and higher education. She brings expertise in culturally safe health systems, leadership, and advancing Indigenous health equity. As a DrPH Concentration Director, she mentors students in leadership, applied research, and community-engaged public health, guiding them to develop programs and policies that support Indigenous communities.