In 2018, I embarked on a journey that would profoundly shape both my life and career. For five years, I worked at a federal healthcare facility on the Navajo Nation in Pinon, Arizona. This chapter in my life was marked with cultural immersion, professional growth, and deep human connections. It was here that I discovered my calling in pediatric dentistry, driven by the opportunity to serve a uniquely underserved patient population.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a community rooted in tradition and guided by an unwavering sense of cultural heritage. The Diné, as the Navajo people call themselves, possess a vibrant culture interwoven into every aspect of daily life. One of my earliest efforts was to learn the Navajo language, a beautifully complex and sacred element of their identity; particularly with the older members of the community. Even my horrible attempts to enunciate the simplest words were clumsy at best. Those early attempts to speak Diné broke down barriers, especially with elders, and laid the foundation for trust and connection. In many ways, the effort itself became a gesture of respect; an offering of humility that was warmly received.
Through these relationships, I came to understand how family and clan structure are the foundation of Navajo community. I witnessed multigenerational households gathering for appointments and community members supporting one another without hesitation. Healthcare, like life, was communal—built on shared responsibility and trust. That trust transformed the clinical experience into something greater: a partnership in wellness. Our clinic was designed in similar fashion to the traditional hogan. The hogan serves as a sacred space, representing the Navajo worldview and the harmony between Mother Earth and Father Sky. It also serves as a gathering place for family, community members, fostering teaching, knowledge sharing and storytelling.
Storytelling, in particular, is at the heart of Navajo culture. Their oral traditions passed down through generations convey timeless lessons about harmony, respect for nature, and moral responsibility. Whether shared at local daycare through songs, or by patients during clinic visits, or over meals, these stories offered invaluable insights into the Navajo worldview. Some of the most memorable stories came during lunch breaks, when team members would gather for potlucks to share food and folklore. These meals were more than delicious they were moments of cultural exchange and reflection. I came to cherish the flavors of fry bread, mutton stew, and blue corn mush just as much as the stories and laughter that accompanied them. Storytelling is so central to Navajo culture, and I was honored to listen and learn. The stories that was blessed to learn about reminded me that healing, in its truest form, is not just clinical but spiritual and communal.
Over time, many of my patients and colleagues became like extended family. We celebrated milestones, mourned losses, and shared the rhythms of everyday life. The gratitude and warmth I received from the community was humbling beyond words. It was in these moments small yet significant that I experienced the true privilege of service. Truly living the motto “worship of God through service to mankind.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, it illuminated and intensified the longstanding challenges faced by the Navajo Nation while simultaneously brining the close-knit community even closer. The high prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease rendered the community particularly vulnerable to the virus. In the face of these hardships, our team responded with unity, compassion, and determination. Working at a federal facility during the height of the pandemic demanded resilience on every level. We leaned on each other daily—celebrating small victories, grieving losses, and recommitting ourselves to the work ahead.
Despite the scarcity of resources, the community’s spirit never wavered. The community trust in us, their gratitude, and their strength became our greatest motivation. Many homes lacked the basic utilities needed for sanitation and hygiene, yet families met each challenge with grace and perseverance. The experience underscored the pressing need for equitable infrastructure and preventive healthcare across rural and Indigenous communities.
My time living on the Navajo Nation was nothing short of transformative. I left with a deeper appreciation for culture, community, and the power of connection. The relationships I built, the lessons I learned, and the resilience I witnessed will forever shape the way I live my life and practice dentistry. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve and to be served by the spirit of the Diné people. I am truly thankful for so many who welcomed me and my family into their lives and for teaching me that service is not only about giving but about receiving, listening, and growing together.