8
S moke S ignals
MARCH 1, 2016
New optometrist focuses on improved Tribal eye care
By Brent Merrill
Smoke Signals staff writer
Dr. Andrew Ngo, the Tribe’s new
optometrist, has been working at
the Grand Ronde Health & Well-
ness Center since the beginning of
February.
Ngo — pronounced “No” like in
the first James Bond film — re-
cently worked for National Vision
Inc. for the last two and half years.
Before that, he interned at Henry
Ford OptimEyes in Michigan and
completed optometry school at
Western University of Health Sci-
ence in California.
“I was originally born in Portland
and grew up in the area all my life,”
said Ngo. “I grew up in southeast
Portland for the irst six years and
then we moved out to Beaverton. I
went to Oregon State University for
college and then ended up in optom-
etry school at Western University of
Health Sciences in Pomona.
“And, yes, someone references the
‘Dr. No’ connection at least once
every day,” he said, getting the
obvious Bond ilm reference out of
the way right off the bat.
Ngo, 29, was recruited by Reserve
Nation for the position in Grand
Ronde.
Reserve Nation is a direct place-
ment recruitment irm that is ded-
icated to underserved communities
across the nation. Their mission is
to connect medical providers with
Photo by Michelle Alaimo
Dr. Andrew Ngo is the Tribe’s new optometrist.
meaningful, permanent opportu-
nities in rural and urban areas
nationwide.
“He has been a fantastic addition
to the clinic,” said Health Services
Executive Director Kelly Rowe.
“He comes in illing some big shoes
with Dr. (Charlean) White having
been here so long. I’ve had so many
great comments from some of the
Tribal members that have already
come in.”
Ngo said that after he visited the
clinic and completed his interview
process, he knew this is where he
wanted to be.
“I liked the area so I accepted
the job offer and here I am,” said
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Ngo. “I had been looking at various
positions and this came up. I got a
chance to talk to Dr. White a little
about the clinic and the equipment
here is pretty good; much better
than what I was working with
before.”
Ngo said one of the nice things
about being at the Health & Well-
ness Center is the opportunity to
make a difference with patients.
“I feel like I have a lot of time with
patients,” said Ngo. “They have
been pretty receptive to having
that time with the doctor, which is
what I wanted versus the corporate
setting where they kind of just
push you through a little bit. That
was one of the main reasons for me
accepting this position here. Just
being able to connect with patients
a little more.
“Managing their eye care to the
full scope of my practice, which is
every doctor’s dream pretty much.
The equipment and the tools here
are very comprehensive.”
Rowe said she has been impressed
with Ngo.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge
and he does see that reverence for
our Elders and our patients that
are Tribal members coming in,”
said Rowe. “He has some great
ideas about how to provide access to
services here. That’s exciting to me
because that’s exactly the kind of
innovation I really want to stir and
get everyone to really think about.”
Ngo said he hopes to one day
soon bring another optometrist on
board and that he will be looking
to acquire more stafing in the near
future.
“It’s deinitely been a new expe-
rience for me,” said Ngo. “People
(here on the Reservation) are very
close to each other. It’s been a
transition from when I was seeing
patients every 15 to 20 minutes.
You don’t really get to know them
that well. But here you can actually
make meaningful connections and I
feel like you have more of a chance
to make an impact.”
Ngo said he is proud that he
has accomplished great things in
the eyes of his family. He said his
family feels pride that they have a
doctor in the family and he said the
two cultures – Native and Vietnam-
ese Asian – share common values.
“Growing up in a Vietnam-
ese-Asian family part of it is they
want you to have a stable, good ca-
reer,” said Ngo. “They pushed a bit
when I was younger, but I’m glad
that they did. They’ve expressed
their happiness. It’s definitely a
good feeling to honor your parents
and follow what they had envi-
sioned for you.
“There is a high reverence for
Elders in this community. And
that is deinitely something that
we look to our Elders for guidance
and wisdom. I plan to be here for
a while.”
Hello Community! We would like to
invite you all to the Canoe meetings set
for this year.
When: March 12,
April 9, May 14, June 12
Who: Those people interested in
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Quinoa Salad
Tuesday, March 29
5:30 p.m.
participating in Canoe Journey
Time: 12-3pm (Lunch is provided)
Iskam MǝkʰMǝk-Haws
9675 Grand Ronde Road, Grand Ronde, OR 97347
Sign up TODAY! !
Where: Grand Ronde Tribal Gym
Call Francene Ambrose, coordinator at 503-879-3663 or
fambrose@marionpolkfoodshare.org
Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on
age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's
status. Oregon State University Extension Service and Marion-Polk Food Share are Equal Opportunity Employers.
Please contact Cristina Lara for more information
503.879.2040