Nimiipuu Family Physician Accepts New Role in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Nimiipuu Family Physician Accepts New Role in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Lapwai, Idaho – On Monday, September 8, 2025, R. Kim Hartwig, MD, Nez Perce, joined the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Indian Health Services (IHS). She steps into this role with an extensive background serving Indian Country and a drive to ensure Tribes across the country are receiving the necessary health care.

As the Director of Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Hartwig will serve to bring creative solutions to elevate Tribal health and improve clinical outcomes. She will be collaborating with HHS and IHS on joint initiatives.

“Our people have experienced many harms over the centuries, and we have extensive research to show the direct impacts to our health,” said Dr. Hartwig. “My first goal with any patient has been to look at the underlying issues and see how we heal internally; getting to the root of the issues and working on true healing measures. This is the same method I’d like to see for all Indian Country.”

Dr. Hartwig served as the Medical Director for Nimiipuu Health on the Nez Perce Reservation from 2019 – 2024. During her tenure she focused on implementing health care quality improvements, stronger collaboration with regional entities, and streamlined public health direction for communities on the Nez Perce Reservation. This included regular outreach and education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Having Dr. Hartwig step into this role provides me with faith that Tribal voices will be represented well, and our best interests will be at heart. Having had the opportunity to work with her directly over the last five years, I know she brings a perspective that recognizes the importance of our culture to our health and wellbeing,” said Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman Shannon F. Wheeler. “I know that she will bring this same passion and energy to HHS and advocate for premier health for all of Indian Country.”

Born and raised in Lapwai, Idaho, Dr. Hartwig has prioritized serving Tribal communities. She graduated from University of Washington Medical School in 2003 as the first female Nimiipuu physician. Since graduating she has served as Medical Director for Benewah Medical Center, a physician for Providence Family Medicine in Spokane, WA, and owned and operated Hartwig Health, PLLC. She has also served on several boards including her most recent appointment to the leadership committee of the Alzheimer’s Association®. 

“I look forward to continuing my service to Indian Country in this capacity and working with the team at IHS to better address the health needs of our Tribal people. I will continue to advocate for the pieces of our culture that bring benefit to our overall health – first foods, traditional practices, and indigenous diets. I believe by continuing to reconnect our people back to our cultures and traditional ways of life, we will truly heal our people and provide a healthy framework and protection for future generations to thrive.”

The Indian Health Service, an agency within the U.S. HHS, is the principal Federal health care provider and health advocate responsible for providing health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

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