Dr. Terry Simpson was recognized by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) at their 2013 conference, receiving the Regional Impact Award for his impact on improving health care. The award was presented in Traverse City, Michigan, August 26 – 29, 2013.
“I am honored to receive this amazing award,” Dr. Terry Simpson said, “We strive to make Alaska Native’s and American Indians the healthiest people on the planet.”
The National Indian Health Board represents tribal governments — both those that operate their own health care delivery systems through contracting and compacting, and those receiving health care directly from the Indian Health Service (IHS).
Dr. Terry Simpson has been working with Alaska Natives/American Indians for his entire surgical career. Upon completing his surgical residency he worked for the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, an Indian Health Service tertiary hospital. He continued to maintain a clinic in Sacaton, Arizona at the Hu Hu Kam Hospital for over 18 years.
He has been on the board of the SouthCentral Foundation in Alaska since 2003 as well as the Joint Operating (governing board) for the Alaska Native Medical Center since that time. SouthCentral Foundation won the Malcolm Baldridge award for Health Care and is considered the model for innovation in health care for the nation.
In addition to authoring several books, and numerous scientific articles, Dr. Simpson is a weight loss surgeon in Phoenix where he emphasizes lifestyle and cooking for his patients. Volunteering his time with SouthCentral Foundation allows him the opportunity to spend time in his native Alaska, as well as further the leadership of health care delivery. When Dr. Simpson is not traveling, seeing patients, researching and writing articles and books, he enjoys time with his family in the warm climate of Phoenix, Arizona.