Welcome to another episode of Impact Unfiltered! In this conversation, host Philippe sits down with Robert Coffey, the clinic director for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and an enrolled citizen of the Comanche Nation. Robert shares powerful stories about his deep family roots, the importance of honoring elders and preserving Native language and culture, and his journey from healthcare IT to leading positive change in tribal healthcare. He opens up about the transformation of the Iowa Perkins Family Clinic, building community partnerships especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and the exciting plans for a new, expanded facility. This episode is packed with insights on tribal leadership, innovation in Indigenous healthcare, and the legacy of wisdom handed down across generations. Tune in for a heartfelt look at how impact and community go hand in hand.
1. Introduction of Robert Coffey
- Self-introduction in native language and identity as an enrolled citizen of the Comanche Nation
- Current role: Clinic Director for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
- Emphasis on listening to and learning from elders
2. Background and Personal History
- Robert’s tribal background: half Comanche, half Creek
- Influence of grandparents and upbringing on both sides of his family
- Involvement in native churches and preservation of traditions and languages
- Family history and the origin of the surname “Coffey”
- Discussion of forced adoption of English names in Native American history
3. Path into Tribal Health Leadership
- Early career in healthcare IT
- First job in claims processing software and technology migrations
- Reflections on changing technology (from modems to cloud computing)
- Transition to working in tribal health
- Encouragement from former boss to join Creek Nation
- Family advice: Pros and cons of working for the tribe
- Personal satisfaction and challenges in tribal health roles
4. Innovations and Improvements in Tribal Healthcare
- Streamlining patient care processes (e.g., introduction of express care clinics)
- Positive impact of process changes from the patient perspective
- The importance and value of backend IT roles in healthcare delivery
5. Growth and Expansion at Iowa Perkins Family Clinic
- Initial conditions: Small size, limited staff, few services
- Expansion to over 50 staff and growth in services
- Plans and rationale for building a new, much larger clinic facility
6. Current and Future State of Tribal Healthcare at Iowa Tribe
- Present clinic size and anticipated expansion
- Addition of new services: physical therapy, pediatrics, more providers
- The role of the clinic as the primary healthcare provider in the local area
- Broader trend: other tribes in Oklahoma also expanding facilities due to population growth
- Discussion of outdated technology (RPMS system) and anticipated upgrades
7. Community Impact During COVID-19
- Strategic planning and visions for the clinic’s future
- Active role in COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for both tribal and non-tribal community members
- Handling vaccination emergencies (freezer outage scenario)
- Community appreciation and strengthened relationships with local entities (schools, city)
- The Idaho Tribe’s principle: “Community for all”
- Broader vision for community impact, including infrastructure projects (e.g., new water tower)
8. Legacy, Leadership, and Advice for Future Generations
- Reflections on legacy and knowledge transmission
- The irreplaceable value of elders’ stories, language, and cultural knowledge
- The impact of losing fluent native speakers
- Encouragement for youth to record and preserve their heritage
- Personal example: Iowa name “Black Medicine” and its significance
9. Staying Connected and Supporting the Next Generation
- Robert’s approachability and openness to mentoring
- Encouragement for young leaders to take on tribal governance roles
- Technological evolution witnessed in healthcare (from pagers to smartphones to AI)
- The importance of staying ahead of technological trends in healthcare
10. Conclusion and Final Words
- Philippe’s appreciation for Robert’s insights and contributions
- Emphasis on the lasting impact of cultural heritage, mentorship, and adaptability for the future
