This week, providers at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) were treated to special luncheon hosted by the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) in appreciation of their role as preceptors for MAHEC’s medical residents. These providers dedicate time, knowledge, and mentorship to shaping the next generation of doctors—many of whom go on to serve in rural and tribal communities across the region.
The luncheon served as a reflection of the powerful partnership between CIHA and MAHEC—one that continues to enhance both organizations and improve health outcomes for patients. By mentoring MAHEC residents, CIHA providers help cultivate a workforce that understands the unique healthcare needs of Indigenous populations and rural communities.
“Our partnership with MAHEC allows us to show future physicians how rewarding it is to practice in a tribal healthcare system,” said Dr. Richard Bunio, CIHA’s Director of Medical Services. “They learn that providing excellent care is more than clinical knowledge—it’s also about cultural understanding, humility, and building trust. That’s how we grow better doctors, and it’s how we better serve our people.”
This collaboration directly supports CIHA’s strategic priorities and supports the mission of ensuring the health and well-being of the next seven generations of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. By hosting residents, CIHA is able to expand the rural healthcare workforce, attract top medical talent, and ensure care that reflects both clinical excellence and cultural respect, meeting CIHA’s strategic priority of being the Provider of Choice for the community.
Collaboration with regional partners like MAHEC helps CIHA achieve the strategic priority of being the Investment of Choice by ensuring they are able to meet critical training needs for medical education.
Lastly, preceptorship fosters leadership and professional growth among our own team members, many of whom find deep meaning in guiding and inspiring future physicians, a result that aligns with CIHA’s strategic priority of serving as the Employer of Choice for the region.
We thank MAHEC for recognizing the contributions of our providers and for continuing to walk alongside us in this important work.