Michelle Kahn-John is an Indigenous nurse scientist who leads and advocates for culturally safe, respectful, and collaborative research partnerships in Native American communities. She’s a transformative advanced practice nurse, has provided leadership in health systems for over 25 years, and continues to offer clinical (psychiatric) and administrative support to hospitals and clinics serving the Navajo Nation.
With clinical expertise in integrative nursing, traditional Native American medicine, and ceremonial interventions, she’s an advocate for culturally aligned and tailored health care interventions. Her current program of research focuses on the psychological and physical health benefits of the Diné (Navajo) Hózhó wellness philosophy as well as beneficial health-related outcomes of Native ceremonial interventions. Her most recent research collaboration is focused on the prevention of youth suicide within two Native American communities in the Great Plains of Northern Montana.
Dr. Kahn-John is a research associate at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing.