Faculty
Heather Kovich, MD
Program Director
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Undergraduate: Williams College, Williamstown, MA
Medical School: Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Residency: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2009 – present
During my years in Shiprock, I've balanced my job as a full scope Family Medicine physician with a combination of other responsibilities, including four years as Chief of Staff. My favorite "extra" job is coordinating student and resident rotations, which I've done since 2010. I am constantly reinvigorated by the enthusiasm that learners have for our hospital and clinics. I am thrilled to be part of the team leading this Rural Training Track with the University of New Mexico Family Medicine Residency.
I am a Philadelphian by birth and temperament, but have come to love rural life in New Mexico. In my free time, I run on the never-ending dirt roads of Diné Bikéyah, and I explore the outdoor wonders of the Four Corners with my husband, sons, and adopted dog. I also enjoy reading, listening to, and writing stories. You can find some of my essays about rural medicine in the New England Journal of Medicine, among other places.
Lance Whitehair, MD
Associate Program Director
Hometown: Monument Valley, UT
Undergraduate: Metropolitan State College of Denver, Denver, CO
Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School – Duluth, MN
Residency: Southern New Mexico Family Medicine
Residency Program, Las Cruces, NM
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2015 – present
Ya’at’eeh shi éí diné. Shi éí Dr. Lance Whitehair yinishyé. Hashk'??hadzohí diné éí nish??. Tódích'ií'nii dine'é éí báshíshchíín. (Greetings, I am Diné (Navajo) and my name is Dr. Lance Whitehair. I am from the Yucca Fruit in a Line clan. I am born for the Bitter Water clan.)
I work in the clinic, satellite clinics, and inpatient. I lead the development of the Native American curriculum for our residency. My interests are hospital medicine, COVID-19/post-covid syndrome, epidemiology, point of care ultrasound, and teaching. I am passionate about mentoring local students for careers in health care. I have 2 years research experience in college with bench-research in cancer immunology and cancer genetics. In college, I discovered a gene in breast cancer and the therapeutic against that gene is still being used. We were published in the New England Journal of Medicine for this. During the COVID pandemic, I ran the Post-COVID Recovery clinic , the monoclonal antibody infusion clinic, and set up our hospital as a "test to treat" site. I spoke on Navajo radio regularly about COVID and public health.
Sara Michaels, MD, MPH
Family Medicine Department Chair
Hometown: Carnation, WA
Undergraduate: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Secondary Science Education, Pujehun, Sierra Leone
Medical School: George Washington University, Washington, DC
Residency: Providence St. Peter's, Olympia, WA
Family Medicine NNMC: 2000 – present
I came to NNMC because I wanted to practice full spectrum family medicine. The small-town atmosphere in Shiprock and then Farmington reminded me of growing up in rural Pacific Northwest and the big blue skies and sunshine have kept me here since 2000.
I moved to Shiprock with the idea of serving my 4-year scholarship with Indian Health Service and then moving on to a new adventure. Soon I was attached to my multigeneration patient families, inspired by smart, mission driven colleagues and challenged to improve health care services for my patients. I am proud to be congratulating some of the "babies" I delivered as they go off to college.
Since 2002, I have been the Principal Investigator for the Shiprock based sites of two NIDDK studies, The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study, and the recently completed Look AHEAD trial. Both of these studies examined the role of lifestyle interventions in metabolic syndromes.
I met my husband contra dancing in Durango in 2002. Life outside of work mostly revolves around our teenage son and daughter. We live in Farmington, NM and have been happy with the schools and opportunities for our kids (soccer, dance, cello and violin, Civil Air Patrol, Teen Science Cafe). I spend my free time with yoga, book club and on the Board of our local San Juan Symphony.
In 2007, I became Family Medicine Department Chair. I often feel that I conduct the best symphony in town. Our department has so many people with unique and varied skills who excel together with just a little guidance and support. Each will gladly step up as a soloist when asked because we share the common goal of providing the highest quality care to our community.
Stephen Shanks, DO
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Christiansburg, VA
Undergraduate: Radford University
Medical School: Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA
Residency: New Hanover Regional Medical Center Family Medicine Residency, Wilmington, NC
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2017 – present
I first found my way to Shiprock after residency in 2017 and I feel like I have truly found my vocational home! I have loved getting to know each of my amazing patients and now look forward to seeing my "friends" each day in clinic. My clinical interest consists of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, chronic pain management, substance abuse treatment, geriatrics and nursing home care.
I am a father to 5 magic kiddos! I live on a small farm with my partner Kristen, 9 pigs, 8 (soon to be 9+) goats, 12 bunnies, 4 cats and 2 enormous livestock guardian dogs Ragnar and Osa. I'm currently enjoying learning about and experimenting with permaculture. My other outside interest includes playing music, mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking, camping and, when I can make it to the ocean, surfing!
Erin Schifeling, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Eau Claire, WI
Undergraduate: Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer: Secondary Science Education, Manica City, Mozambique
Medical School: Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Residency: West Suburban FMRP, Oak Park (Chicago), IL
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2017 – present
I came to Shiprock to do full spectrum family medicine where that was the norm. I talked to people all over the country and this was the right job.
I stay because I get to take care of whole families almost everywhere they need me within a supportive work family and neighborhood. I'm the oldest of 3, close with my immediate family who live all over, and enjoy traveling. Even though I'm far, I've seen everyone as often as when I lived closer. I could not ask for a better department chair or colleagues. My clinical passions include obstetrics, teenagers, literacy and language, and access to care.
I was single when I moved to Shiprock, but I recently married. My husband and I share our apartment with our 60+ pound rez dog. I enjoy hiking and camping, but was excited to discover many of the cultural offerings of the 4 Corners area that most people don't know about: the Crown Point Rug Auction, the San Juan Symphony, Miss Navajo pageants (contestants must speak Navajo and butcher sheep), the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, and the Indian Market Haute Couture Fashion Show. I enjoy local culinary delights including treats from the local flea market, roasted green chiles, a Native owned coffee, and a CSA that delivers to the hospital.
Erin Renfrew, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Undergraduate: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Medical School: University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Residency: Family Medicine Residency of Idaho, Boise, ID
Northern Navajo Medical Center: October 2022 – present
I grew up travelling to the Four Corners for outdoor adventures and realized that I wanted to work for the IHS during rotations in Tuba City and Shiprock. This is my first job out of residency and I have already learned so much from my patients and colleagues. The people that live and work here are the best part of this place.
I am passionate about full spectrum family medicine including maternal child health, liver disease and reproductive justice. Outside of medicine I enjoy hiking, skiing, biking, hanging out in my apartment and reading and trying new beers at breweries around the Southwest.
Brianna Muller, MD MPH
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Aurora, CO
Undergrad: University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
MPH: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Residency: University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2021 – present
I am yet another person subject to the NNMC vortex, in which you come for a month as a student or resident and ultimately have to come back for your "grown up" job because you just can't imagine doing anything else!
I have really enjoyed working at NNMC for a multitude of reasons: the privilege of learning from my patients who teach me about well-being and resilience every day, the opportunity to practice full-scope family medicine in collaboration with amazing colleagues who constantly model creativity, passion, and patient-centeredness within a rural, resource-constrained setting, and the honor of being part of a healthcare system striving to achieve health equity by reaching outside of the hospital walls and working upstream within the community.
My clinical interests include addiction medicine, palliative care, POCUS, structural determinants of health, and health care systems research/QI/implementation science.
Outside of the hospital, you will find me adventuring in the mountains and desert with my dog, reading books for fun, performing vegan cooking experiments, and attempting to cultivate a garden that can survive the New Mexico sun.
Aimee Mcmullin, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: South Setauket, NY
Undergraduate: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Medical School: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Residency: Jefferson Family Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2020 - present
I am originally from New York and then spent ten years in Philadelphia for my medical education. Both the Eagles and Mets are my jawn. I chose to go into Family Medicine because primary care is the known solution to many of our country's problems in healthcare.
It was a dream of mine to work in Navajo Nation as a medical student so after I graduated residency I accepted a position at Shiprock. I am lucky to get to work with such a talented, hardworking, and diverse group of people. My interests in family medicine include women's health, population health, MAT, and resident education. I run our colposcopy clinic.
In my free time, I enjoy hiking, running, and mountain biking in the four corners with Balaji my husband (EM doc at NNMC, pictured here) and our two poorly behaved dogs (Sable, Philly dog pictured here, Cibalo, Rez dog, pictures coming when she lets us take them).
David Greenberg, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Flossmoor, IL
Undergraduate: Brown University,
Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine
Residency: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2001-present
After decades of full-spectrum family medicine, I now focus on Post-Acute and Long-term care medicine, hospice and palliative care, and previously co-directed the Chronic Pain Clinic at NNMC. I am board certified in Family Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Care, and as a Post-Acute and Long- Term Care Medical Director (CMD) and Hospice Medical Director (HMDCB). My family and I travel and explore the outdoors of the Four Corners in our off time. I am an avid backcountry skier and enjoy endurance events having completed multiple 100 mile trail ultramarathons and Ironman distance triathlons.
Paulette Galbraith, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate: Austin College, Sherman, TX
Medical School: The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
Residency: The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2018 – present
For the first thirteen years of practice, I provided primary care on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and founded the Wellness Center at Gulfport. I served as a clinical preceptor for various teaching programs in the Southeastern US.
In 2011, I sold my private practice and moved with my family to the small island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, where I served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at American Global University of Medicine/Washington University of Health and Science. Later, my family and I moved to yet another tiny island on another continent, where I was Chief Medical Officer for the US Army Garrison in the Marshall Islands. As one of three providers serving on a 2 x 0.5 mile island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, I covered all of the normal administrative, ED, ICU, PEDS, FM and OB prenatal clinical duties. I also provided emergency dental and veterinary coverage.
My primary love in medicine is diagnostic anomalies/conundrums and care of those who have served for us, our veterans. If you ask me what my primary profession is, though, it’s as wife of 37 years and the mother of three wonderful child who inspire me every day.
Jessica Cornett Allen, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Palm Harbor, FL
Undergraduate: University of Miami, FL
Medical School: Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN
Residency: St. Mary's Family Medicine in Grand Junction, CO
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2016 – present
I first experienced NNMC as a third year medical student and couldn't wait to return! My work-related interests include HIV/Hepatitis C, goals of care/advanced directives, advocacy for patients with limited English proficiency, and women's and children's health. I enjoy hiking, camping, paddleboarding, bicycling, baking, reading, and cuddling with my cat Delilah, who also goes hiking, camping and paddleboarding.
I am married to a modern-day renaissance man and stay-at-home dad, Max. We had our first child in June 2021. Prior to becoming parents, we hiked all 2650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and still love living in the Four Corners area where there is outdoor beauty and adventure around every corner!
Emily Dollar, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Troy, NY
Undergraduate: Dartmouth College
Medical School: Dartmouth Medical School
Residency: Oregon Health and Science University
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2023 – Present
I came to Shiprock October '23 after finishing residency because I was excited about the opportunity to practice full spectrum medicine on the Navajo Reservation. I am thrilled to be part of such a supportive community of people passionate about their work. I am interested in medical education and help plan the resident didactics. I am also passionate about nutrition and food as medicine, preventive medicine, and pregnancy care.
Outside of work, I am enjoying exploring the SW with my husband and fellow NNMC Family Doc, Omar Fares. I love trail running, skiing, biking, and just about any other form of outdoor activity. I am a budding pickleball player and regular attendee at the Shiprock weekly Pickleball night! I also enjoy knitting, cooking, and I am an amateur but enthusiastic birder.
Ellen Embick, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: West Chester, PA
Undergraduate: Vassar College, NY
Medical School: University of Rochester, NY
Residency: University of New Mexico Family Medicine, NM
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2023 - Present
I am originally from the east coast but I made my way to New Mexico for residency. I found that New Mexico's slogan- "The Land of Entrapment" - is very true! My husband, Jeff Collins, also a FM doc at NNMC, and I moved to Shiprock after finishing residency. I enjoy working here for so many reasons: 1) the full scope of practice with excellent support, 2) the amazing colleagues and community, 3) the privilege of learning so much from my patients (just to name a few!)
My clinical interests including family planning, maternal child health, and chronic disease management. Outside of the hospital, you will find me walking our dog Luka, swimming with our son, Julian (born June 2023), or hiking with family in the beautiful four corners area.
Omar Fares, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Dearborn Heights, MI
Undergraduate: University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University
Residency: Oregon Health and Science University
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2023 – Present
Growing up in strictly urban and suburban communities, I was somewhat reluctant to move to rural Shiprock, NM. However, ever since starting at NNMC in 2023 I have found great joy in work, a supportive community and lots of adventure. Within the residency, I help direct the Sports Medicine rotation. I love teaching Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) and having interested residents join me in Vasectomy Clinic. Outside of work, my wife and I have been exploring new recipes, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking, although I do also love watching Detroit and U of M sports. I also founded the Northern Navajo Pickleball Club that invites the community and hospital workers to play – come join us!
Johanna Salay, MD
Essential Faculty – Family Medicine
Hometown: Chinle, AZ
Undergraduate: Colby College, Waterville, ME
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine, Maine Track, Boston, MA
Residency: University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Northern Navajo Medical Center: 2021 – present
I came to Shiprock after graduating from residency in 2021. I was born on the Navajo Nation in Chinle, AZ to two physician parents working for the IHS and it had always been a dream of mine to return to the Navajo Nation after completing my training. I decided to take a job at NNMC because I wanted to practice full spectrum family medicine in a well-supported environment and have definitely found that in Shiprock! My interests in family medicine include family planning and contraception, behavioral health, and gender affirming care.
Outside of medicine I enjoy hiking, camping, trail running, and exploring with my partner Chris, our extremely grouchy dog Roux, and our sweet cat Jean. While exploring, we have a secondary mission of finding the best espresso in the Four Corners!
