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IHS announces new CEO of Gallup Indian Medical Center

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The Indian Health Service announced the appointment of Cmdr. Pamela Detsoi-Smiley as the chief executive officer of the Gallup Indian Medical Center on Oct. 7. The center is located on the border of the Navajo Reservation and is one of the largest IHS facilities, serving a user population of over 42,000.

Detsoi-Smiley, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officer, has served as the acting CEO at GIMC since November 2021. She has 25 years of experience working in health care within IHS, including leadership roles in both nursing and administration.

“I appreciate Commander Detsoi-Smiley’s continued commitment and dedication to the IHS mission. Her wealth of knowledge and experience will positively impact the patients served at the Gallup Indian Medical Center,” IHS Director Roselyn Tso said.

Acting IHS Navajo Area Director Capt. Brian K. Johnson agreed with Tso in saying that Detsoi-Smiley was a good fit for GIMC.

“The Gallup Indian Medical Center has one of the busiest workloads across all IHS facilities, and it is critical to have a strong leader driving our efforts. We are excited to continue working with Commander Detsoi-Smiley on improving the services provided to Navajo Area patients,” Johnson said.

Detsoi-Smiley said she was excited to continue her work with GIMC.

“I was born and raised in the Gallup area, so I appreciate the opportunity to continue making a positive impact in our communities. I look forward to continuing our efforts to provide quality, comprehensive health services for American Indians and Alaska Natives in and around Gallup,” Detsoi-Smiley said.

Before serving as acting CEO at GIMC, Detsoi-Smiley served as the chief nurse executive and the acting CEO at the Crownpoint Service Unit, which serves a population of approximately 20,000 Navajo people.

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