Sierra Posey-Grounds, a first-year medical student at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, is also a member of the Muscogee Nation.

Native American Student Spotlight: Sierra Posey-Grounds, OSU-COM at the Cherokee Nation

Monday, November 22, 2021

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

In November, we will be spotlighting Native American students at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

Sierra Posey-Grounds, first-year medical student at OSU-COM at the Cherokee Nation

Where are you from?

I am from Coweta, Oklahoma.

What tribe/nation are you a citizen or member of?

I am a member of the Muscogee Nation.

Why did you want to go into medicine?

I have wanted to be a physician since I was little. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time in the hospital with my little brother who had a type of childhood cancer. It was then that I knew I wanted to help sick people. As I got older, I developed a love for science and medicine and I decided to pursue medicine.

What has the experience been like so far at OSU-COM at Cherokee Nation?

I have loved being a student at OSU at Cherokee Nation. I feel so proud that I get to be a part of this union between the Cherokee Nation and OSU. As I walk around campus, I see Native American culture incorporated everywhere.

How has being Native American impacted your life or your decision to be a physician?

Ever since I was a child, my tribe has always been there to support me and help me get to where I am today. It brings me great joy to study at a tribally affiliated college and hopefully give back to my people. There are many health care discrepancies and Native health is vital in helping close the health care discrepancy gaps.