Caleb Watson, a third-year medical student at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation citizen, was recently named a Native Forward Scholar, a national scholarship organization.

OSU-COM at Cherokee Nation med student named Native Forward Scholar

Thursday, November 21, 2024

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

Becoming the first doctor in his family will be an important accomplishment for Oklahoma State University medical student Caleb Watson, but what really makes him proud is becoming a Cherokee physician.

“I can say that because of all the difficulties and sacrifices my family has faced and overcome to allow me to achieve such a goal,” he said. “It is their resiliency and support that has helped me get this far.”

Watson is a third-year medical student at OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, the first tribally affiliated medical school in the country located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the headquarters of the Cherokee Nation.

He grew up in Tupelo, a rural town of less than 400 people in southeast Oklahoma.

“I first wanted to be a doctor because my grandfather had a lot of health issues. Over time, I noticed the health disparities in my community. That’s when I knew my purpose was to help improve the access to health care in tribal and rural communities,” he said.

When it came time to apply to medical schools, Watson said he felt OSU-COM’s mission aligned well with how and why he wanted to practice medicine.

“I was drawn to the osteopathic philosophy and wanted to treat my patients holistically,” he said. “When I learned about the Cherokee Nation campus, I knew I wanted to be involved in advancing tribal health care. It’s a great honor and privilege to be part of such a unique partnership that encompasses two important parts of my life — medicine and my Cherokee heritage.”

“When I learned about the Cherokee Nation campus, I knew I wanted to be involved in advancing tribal health care. It’s a great honor and privilege to be part of such a unique partnership that encompasses two important parts of my life — medicine and my Cherokee heritage.”

— Caleb Watson, OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation student and Cherokee Nation citizen

Watson said he liked that the Cherokee Nation campus is a close community. He’s not only learned a lot about medicine there, but also about Native American culture through events and activities with the Office of American Indians in Medicine and Science and the Native American Students of Osteopathic Medicine student club.

One of those events Watson attended during his first year in medical school was a meeting with a Native Forward Scholars Fund representative, who provided information about scholarships and career development.

Native Forward Scholars Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and support to Native American and Alaska Native students pursuing undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees.

Watson was recognized as a Native Forward Scholar in September 2024.

“This scholarship has helped lift some of the financial burden students face when pursuing a medical degree. It will not only help with tuition costs, but also travel and application expenses when I start applying for residency,” he said.

Watson is also part of OSU-COM’s Tribal Medical Track, a specialized education track where students who want to practice in the Indian Health Service or in tribal health systems learn and gain experience in tribal health clinics and hospitals.

“The Tribal Medical Track has exposed me to how some of the tribal health care systems operate in Oklahoma,” he said. “It’s also allowed me to learn more about native culture and issues prominent in these populations.”