Norman Regional Physician Featured on Ivy League Indigenous Healing Panel

Norman Regional Health System proudly recognizes Dr. Elizabeth Saladin, a board-certified Family Medicine physician and certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine to assist patients in achieving their weight loss goals through wellness exams, lifestyle changes, and weight loss medication at Norman Regional’s Health@TheWell, for her distinguished participation in The Future of Medicine is Indigenous: Our Heritage is Healing - Panel Discussion in early December 2024. The panel was hosted by the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, a private Ivy League research university located in Hanover, New Hampshire.

The panel, a centerpiece of Dartmouth’s ongoing efforts to amplify Indigenous voices in medicine, brought together healthcare leaders from across the country to explore the intersection of traditional healing practices and modern medicine.

Dr. Saladin, who is a proud member of the Seminole Nation, shared her unique perspectives on how cultural heritage and Indigenous healing traditions can complement contemporary medical approaches to improve patient outcomes.

In her remarks, Dr. Saladin emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting cultural identities in healthcare. She discussed how incorporating Indigenous knowledge into treatment plans can foster trust and deepen the connection between providers and patients. Dr. Saladin also shared personal experiences from her practice at Norman Regional, where she integrates compassionate, patient-centered care with cultural sensitivity.

“I think I’ve learned more about my culture now than I did as a young child, and I think a lot of people are realizing that we need to reconnect—not just for healing, but to pass this knowledge on to our children,” Dr. Saladin shared during the panel discussion. “I’ve had the privilege of participating in ceremonies with people from other tribes, and the feeling you come away with is incredible. You feel more whole, more complete.”

Dr. Saladin also reflected on her personal journey of connecting with her heritage through nature and community. “I live out in the country, and sometimes it’s as simple as having my hands in the earth or being barefoot on the ground, thanking God for the plants that provide for us,” she said. “If you weren’t raised knowing the ins and outs of your culture, it’s never too late to learn. Ask questions, seek out elders—they want to share their knowledge.”

A Leader Beyond Norman

Dr. Saladin’s participation in this panel reflects her commitment to advancing healthcare equity and diversity on a national stage. Her contributions not only highlight the outstanding expertise found at Norman Regional but also demonstrate the health system’s mission of Personalized Healthcare with Compassion and Excellence through the integration of cultural diversity and leading-edge healthcare.

“Dr. Saladin’s inclusion in such a meaningful and impactful event demonstrates her leadership and the remarkable talent within our physician team,” said Temo Ibarra, Director of Clinic Operations at Norman Regional Health System. “We are proud to see her represent Norman Regional and share insights that contribute to shaping the future of medicine.”

About Dr. Elizabeth Saladin

Dr. Elizabeth Saladin is a dedicated Family Medicine physician who provides comprehensive care to patients 10 and up at the Norman Regional Primary Care - Doctors Park clinic. A strong advocate for culturally inclusive healthcare, she is passionate about building connections with her patients and community, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected in their health journeys.

In 2017, Dr. Saladin was honored with the Indian Health Service Nashville Area Director’s Award for Excellence for her work in providing endoscopy services to the Cherokee Indian Hospital, significantly improving access to colon cancer screenings for the Eastern Band of Cherokee tribe in North Carolina.

Learn more about Dr. Saladin on our website.

Watch the Panel Discussion

For those who missed the live event, the full panel discussion can be viewed on YouTube at this link: The Future of Medicine is Indigenous.

Norman Regional congratulates Dr. Saladin on this tremendous honor and celebrates her contributions to advancing the field of medicine both locally and nationally.