The CIHA–MAHEC Internal Medicine Rural & Tribal Health Track is a three-year residency program built on MAHEC’s strong foundation in internal medicine, in partnership with the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA). This collaboration offers residents the unique opportunity to train in both urban and rural settings while deepening their understanding of culturally responsive care. Residents in this track, as well as our categorical second-year residents, are embedded at Cherokee Indian Hospital, where they establish continuity with their own patient panel and gain extensive primary care and inpatient experience. Working alongside dedicated CIHA faculty and mentors, residents learn from and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians while also engaging with MAHEC’s residency community.

The program emphasizes not only clinical excellence but also service, leadership, and community impact.

The Program Director is Nancy Kubiak, MD, with Stephanie Call, MD, serving as Associate Program Director for the Rural & Tribal Health Track.