National Academy of Medicine:
We are proud to celebrate the election of Dr. Donald Warne, Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health and Director of the Center’s Great Plains Hub, to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM)—one of the most prestigious honors in the fields of health and medicine. Reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and a deep commitment to service, election to the NAM is among the highest distinctions in public health and biomedical science. As a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, Dr. Warne joins a small and distinguished group of Indigenous scholars known to have received this honor—a historic milestone for Indigenous representation in national and global health leadership.
“Dr. Warne’s election signals a powerful shift toward honoring Indigenous worldviews and culturally grounded approaches to health and wellness,” said Allison Barlow, Executive Director of the Center. “His leadership continues to open doors for Indigenous voices in spaces where they have long been absent, and his impact will benefit generations to come.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Warne has helped transform the field of Indigenous public health through education, research, and advocacy. His visionary leadership has guided programs that elevate Indigenous knowledge and promote health equity across communities.
Among his recent accomplishments, Dr. Warne led the development of the nation’s first Indigenous-focused Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programs, launching in academic year 2026-27 at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. These groundbreaking programs will prepare future leaders to address the health priorities of Indigenous peoples through culturally informed, community-driven solutions. Dr. Warne’s election to the National Academy of Medicine affirms what the Center for Indigenous Health has long championed: Indigenous-led solutions are essential to building healthier futures for all. See the full BSPH press release here.
American Public Health Association:
Donald Warne, MD, MPH, (Oglala Lakota), a professor and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, received the Integrative, Complementary, and Traditional Health Practices Section Impact Award. The award was presented on November 4th 2025 at the APHA annual conference in Washington, D.C.APHA’s Integrative, Complementary, and Traditional Health Practices Section Impact Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field through research, education, or advocacy. An enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Warne comes from a long line of traditional healers and medicine men. As one of the world’s foremost scholars in Indigenous health as well as a leading physician, his current research includes chronic disease prevention, and advancing health equity through community-driven, culturally grounded approaches.
Throughout his career, Warne has helped transform the field of Indigenous public health through education, research, and advocacy. Among his recent accomplishments, Warne led the development of the nation’s first Indigenous-focused Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program, launching in academic year 2026-2027 at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, along with a corresponding Master of Public Health (MPH). He serves as Senior Policy Advisor to the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board.
See the full press release from the Bloomberg School of Public Health.