UNMC alumnus Cecelia M. Kitto, M.D., of Niobrara died Sunday, Feb. 24, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, S.D. She was 60.
Dr. Kitto graduated from the UNMC College of Medicine in 1979. A Native American, she served in various capacities for the Ponca and Omaha tribal populations. She also served as an adjunct professor at the Nebraska Indian Community College on the Macy and Omaha campuses, a health consultant for the establishment of the Ponca Health and Wellness Clinic, and a physician administrator and quality assurance /quality improvement officer for the Indian Health Service.
“Dr. Kitto was a role model, mentor and advocate for Native American people,” said Mary McNamee, Ph.D., director of UNMC’s Office of Student Equity and Multicultural Affairs and associate director for student recruitment. “Her career was dedicated to improving the health of Native Americans and increasing the number of Native Americans pursuing health care careers. Many students were the recipients of her consistent and persistent encouragement. Her death is a loss for the many who knew her.”
Dr. Kitto practiced general medicine with an emphasis on reaching out to children and elders of various tribal entities. Last fall, she helped UNMC workshop participants develop an appreciation for using traditional medical approaches and Native American tribal healing traditions when caring for Native Americans. Appreciating and incorporating both approaches, instead of forcing a choice between the two, would encourage more Native Americans to seek health care and to enter health-care professions, she said.
The funeral service is today at 1:30 p.m. at Our Most Merciful Savior Church in Santee, Neb. Burial will be in the Congregational Cemetery in Santee.