SAIO 50 for 50: Jennifer Erdrich
This Week's Spotlight: Dr. Jennifer Erdrich ('03, B.A. English)
Dr. Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) is a surgical oncologist and assistant professor at the University of Arizona Department of Surgery’s Division of General Surgery specializing in melanoma, sarcoma, and breast cancers. She provides general surgical oncology care to tribal populations throughout southern Arizona and hopes to expand the surgical oncology resources available to tribal communities.
Dr. Erdrich is a recipient of the Samuel L. Kountz Humanitarian Award for personifying professionalism, compassion, and respect for the dignity of men and women, especially those experiencing disparities in healthcare. She is also a recipient of the John Henry Smith Award, a Stanford general surgery award for distinguished dedication, hard work, honesty, and concern for patients. Dr. Erdrich is a past recipient of an NCI Cancer Prevention and Control Fellowship and the Ghiso Fellowship, allowing medical students to improve their capabilities as caregivers while exploring ways to enhance the delivery of compassionate care. As an undergraduate, Dr. Erdrich received a Chappell Lougee Grant and the James Lyon Award for Service, awarded for service contributions that are above the normal level of dedication in areas or situations of extraordinary need that result in substantial, positive change.
In addition to her Stanford degree, Dr. Erdrich earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and a Master in Public Health with a concentration in cancer prevention from Harvard School of Public Health.