Dr. Sawar Young-Tripp is a dedicated medical professional and a proud alumna of Cal Poly Humboldt.

The first person from the Yurok Tribe to become an MD, Dr. Young-Tripp has made significant strides in healthcare. Her commitment to her heritage and community is evident in her decision to return to Humboldt County to practice medicine, despite opportunities elsewhere. She currently serves as a family physician at the Open Door Arcata Community Health Center. She has previously worked for Tribal Health entities such as the Klamath Tribal Health Clinic in Chiloquin, Oregon, The Karuk Tribal Health Clinic in Orleans, California, and locally at United Indian Health Services Clinics in Weitchpec and Arcata.

While in her undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Humboldt, she worked as a lab tech in the Telonicher Marine Lab and was an active researcher in Professor Jacob Varkey’s genetics lab. After graduating from Humboldt, she worked for Humboldt County Public Health and United Indian Health Services as a health educator and consultant. By the time she entered medical school in 2001 at the University of Washington School of Medicine, she was already a mother of two young sons, and while she was in residency training at the Oregon Health and Sciences University, her daughter was born. While in medical training she served the Native American community and was recognized for her efforts through the University of Washington’s Angela Paez Leadership Award. Dr. Young-Tripp is an inspiration for working mothers everywhere.

At every clinic she has worked, Dr. Young-Tripp is responsible for the primary care of approximately 1,000 patients, offering her expertise and compassion to the community she holds dear. Known for her holistic approach to medicine, she emphasizes the biopsychosocial model of medicine and takes the time to understand and address the root causes of her patients' ailments. Dr. Young-Tripp's dedication to patient care and her relentless pursuit of evidence-based treatments have made her a beloved and respected figure in the community.

From her educational achievements at Cal Poly Humboldt to her impactful medical practice in Humboldt County, Dr. Young-Tripp’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her community and her pioneering spirit in the field of medicine.