2024 Native American Heritage Month Spotlight: Desiree McGee

At the UCI School of Medicine, we are dedicated to inclusive excellence in medicine through initiatives that support Native American – identifying learners, faculty and staff who are integral to our efforts in addressing health disparities and ensuring culturally aligned care for all including Indigenous communities.

Desiree McGee, a medical assistant, embodies this commitment.

"I take great pride in my heritage and strive to make life better for Native Americans,” says McGee. As a Native American working in healthcare, McGee feels fortunate to have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of other Native people who might otherwise lack necessary help.

She also takes great pride in her Native American heritage as a member of the Seneca Nation, one of the original five nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Seneca played a crucial role in the formation of one of the world's oldest participatory democracies, the Great Law of Peace, which influenced the U.S. Constitution. McGee is highly dedicated to patient care, often going out of her way to assist patients because she understands that each team member plays a crucial role in providing patient-centered care within the UCI Health system.

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