I started working in Tohatchi, New Mexico, in 2003. I had spent the previous 20 years in private practice in Missouri and Arkansas, and was tired of the endless hassles with insurance companies and the pressure of always having to see more patients and bring in more money that private practice has become. I wanted something different, so I joined the Indian Health Service, and boy, did I find different in Tohatchi.
I joined RIOS Net the summer of 2004. Three physicians and one of our PA's now participate in RIOS Net. I am glad that RIOS Net is helping with research that can help us better address the medical needs of our population of rural Navajos. Other benefits we get from RIOS Net are a closer connection to an academic medical center and their resources such as library privileges. We also get to network with other clinicians, which is helpful to a rural clinic.
Working with this rural Navajo population has been a real eye-opener. So many of my patients live without running water and electricity and speak only Navajo. Despite the poverty and cultural isolation, most of my patients are extremely upbeat and satisfied with their lives and would not trade their lives and land with anyone in the world. All in all, practicing in Tohatchi is a dream come true.
Robert Buffaloe, M.D.
Tohatchi N.M.
