February Graduate Student of the Month

Scholarship: Science Post Graduate Scholarship
School: Oklahoma State College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee
Degree: Osteopathic Medicine

Community Service

• Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholar Albert Schweitzer Fellowship
• Cohort 7 Schweitzer Fellow Albert Schweitzer Fellow for Life
• OSU-CHS Student Government Association Administrative Vice-President Association of Native American Medical Students (ANAMS)
• National DO Outreach Chair
• AMA Medical Student Section – Committee on American Indian Affairs, Committee Member
• Student Researcher of the Year Selection Committee, Committee Member
• OSU-COM Student Ambassador
• OSU-CHS Club Member for SOIMA, AMWA, SAOAO, NASOM, AOCPMR2022
• AOA House of Delegates Annual Meeting, Student Delegate
• Vassar Research Team Lead Supplemental Instruction Spring Leader
• Respiratory System Course Teaching Assistant
• BMF VI Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Teaching Assistant
• OSU-CHS Office of Medical Student Research Assistant
• Big Lakes Developmental Center Residential Advisor
• Bailey Lab Research Assistant
• Throws coach at Seal Throwing Club

Bio

Shaelyn Hayes is a fourth-year medical student at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she is on the Tribal Medicine Track. Her hometown is Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is a proud member of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Shaelyn is committed to serving underserved communities through culturally informed healthcare. She graduated magna cum laude from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Kinesiology and a certificate in Gerontology. Throughout her academic journey, Shaelyn has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service. She was elected Administrative Vice-President of the Student Government Association, where she facilitated student engagement and collaboration. As a Tulsa Albert Schweitzer Fellow, she developed a 200-hour community project at a local elementary school supporting families of children with autism in the rural, tribal community of Tahlequah. Her national leadership roles include serving as the DO Outreach Chair for the Association of Native American Medical Students and participating in the AMA Medical Student Section Committee on American Indian Affairs, further advocating for equitable healthcare policies. Shaelyn’s dedication extends beyond the classroom. She has participated in numerous research projects, contributing to peer-reviewed publications on topics ranging from core outcome sets in clinical trials to health inequities in alcohol use disorder. Her work has been recognized at prestigious conferences, including the American Thoracic Society and the Research Society on Alcoholism. Balancing her academic and research commitments, Shaelyn remains active in community service through initiatives like Dr. Pete’s Big Event, Area Health Education Scholars program, and service-learning programs. A former Division I Track and Field athlete, Big 12 team champion, NCAA honorable mention All-American, and team captain at Kansas State University, Shaelyn embodies perseverance and teamwork in all aspects of her life. Shaelyn’s future aspirations include completing an internal medicine residency, followed by a fellowship in geriatrics and hospice/palliative care. She is passionate about improving healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous communities by addressing their unique needs.

Native Forward has significantly eased the huge financial burden of medical school, allowing me to focus on academics, research, and community service. More importantly, it has empowered me to embrace my cultural identity and take on leadership roles that advocate for Indigenous health. Through Native Forward, I’ve connected with inspiring mentors and peers who share my passion for uplifting our communities. As I prepare for an internal medicine residency and fellowships in geriatrics and hospice/palliative care, I am motivated to address the unique healthcare needs of Native populations. To me, being a Native Forward Scholar symbolizes resilience, opportunity, and hope. I am deeply grateful for the tools and encouragement Native Forward has provided, and I am committed to using this support to create lasting, positive change for others.

Want to be our next Student of the Month? Apply here!