Cherokee Nation Rare Disease Summit
Cherokee Nation Rare Disease Summit
Chuck Hoskin Jr. serves as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribe in the United States with more than 440,000 citizens. Prior to being elected in 2019, he was Cherokee Nation’s Secretary of State and also served as a member of the Council of the Cherokee Nation.
First Lady January Hoskin advocates for rare disease awareness, Indigenous rights, and family support within the Cherokee Nation. She promotes Indian Child Welfare, foster care recruitment, and resources for families impacted by violence, substance abuse, and environmental issues.
Bryan Warner was elected as Deputy Principal Chief in 2019. Deputy Chief Warner formerly represented District 6 on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. In his role as Deputy Chief, he has championed culture and language preservation, training & readiness and expanded education opportunities.
Mike Shambaugh is serving his second term as District 9 Tribal Councilor and was elected Speaker of the Council in 2021, a position in which he continues to serve. He feels Health Care, Education, Elder Care and preservation of our Cherokee Culture are priorities.
Dr. Beth Harp, D.O., is the Executive Medical Director for Cherokee Nation Health Services, the largest tribally operated healthcare system in the U.S. With a background in primary care, she leads multiple clinics, certified stroke center, actively serving her community in various leadership roles.
Dr. Anna Wanahita, MD, is a Stroke Neurologist with neurointerventional training, researcher, and educator, serving as CEO of Regional Brain Institute (RBI) in Tulsa. She pioneers stroke care systems, building a network of on-site and telemedicine partnerships with over 30 healthcare facilities.
Dr. Prashant Kaushick is a board-certified rheumatologist and clinical professor at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, with expertise in internal medicine, rheumatology, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and lifestyle medicine. He is an award-winning educator and researcher.
Dr. Carolyn Majcher, OD, is a professor and Director of Residency Programs at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. A specialist in retinal disease, she has served as a clinic chief and educator, with fellowship status in the American Academy of Optometry.
Dr. Jorge Mera, MD, is the Infectious Disease Director for Cherokee Nation Health Services, focusing on Hepatitis C and HIV elimination. He pioneered the EHE program and Project ECHO hubs across Indian Country, addressing infectious diseases and substance use.
Dr. Smaranda Galis, MD, FAAN, delivers comprehensive neurology services at Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center. Through her clinical, educational, and stroke program leadership, she has improved access to quality neurological care in the communities she has served.
Dr. Shawna R. Duncan, DO, FACOP, is a pediatrician and educator, serving as Associate Program Director for OMECO/OSU Pediatrics and leading the Rural/Tribal Health Pediatric Residency Track at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her work advances healthcare for children in underserved communities.
Canaan Duncan currently serves as Deputy Secretary of State for the Cherokee Nation, focusing on community engagement and assisting in daily operations of the Tribal Government. Prior to this role, he worked as a Senior Advisor on Community Engagement, leading efforts in community capacity building.