Dr. Blythe Winchester, an EBCI tribal member, has been appointed as the IHS chief clinical consultant for geriatrics and palliative care by Dr. Susan Karol, IHS chief medical officer. (CIHA photo)
Dr. Blythe Winchester, an EBCI tribal member, has been appointed as the IHS chief clinical consultant for geriatrics and palliative care by Dr. Susan Karol, IHS chief medical officer.
Dr. Winchester was recognized for her skills in administration, communication, teaching, and medical practice. Her noteworthy accomplishments and proven understanding of the complexities of Geriatric and Palliative Care were key factors in her selection.
Her new role will draw on her experience with quality assurance and improvement activities, clinical privileging, and certification. The role will also involve networking with cross disciplinary providers who work with American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Whenever possible, Dr. Winchester will coordinate educational activities, clinical meetings and newsletters. She will collaborate with physicians, advanced practical nurses, Pas, nurses, and other clinicians throughout Indian Health Service.
She will serve as a resource to the Chief Medical Officer and other Indian Health Service staff at Headquarters.
Dr. Winchester stated, “My primary focus has always been to help provide the very best quality healthcare for elders in this community. I am so happy to be able to stay here and do clinical work, but also use resources and collaborate to accomplish these goals on a larger scale for both geriatrics and palliative care within the Indian Health Service. This is an exciting endeavor.”
In accepting this position, Dr. Winchester will help IHS achieve its mission by raising the health of American Indians and Alaska Native people to the highest possible level.
Dr. Richard Bunio, acting clinical director at Cherokee Indian Hospital commented, “Dr. Winchester’s appointment to this prestigious position is a credit to the quality work she has already been providing to our patients here in Cherokee. Now all of Indian Health Service can benefit from the experience and enthusiasm she brings to everything she does here for our health system. I believe I speak for the entire medical staff that wish her well and are excited to see the great things she will accomplish.”
– Cherokee Indian Hospital
