Alvord, Lori Arviso, 1958-

Lori Arviso Alvord is an American surgeon and author. She is perhaps best known for being the first Diné woman to ever become board certified in surgery. Alvord was born in Crownpoint, New Mexico, which is located on a Navajo reservation adjacent to New Mexico. She is a member of the Tsinnajinnie' (Black Streaked Wood) clan (Ponderosa Pine), and of the Ashihii' Diné (Salt People) clan. After medical school, Dr. Alvord returned to her Navajo reservation in New Mexico only to learn that, despite the importance of her technical proficiency in surgery, simply "fixing" the physical problem was not sufficient to fully cure a patient. Addressing the psychological and spiritual aspects of healing was important as well. This led to a more holistic approach to medicine that took into account the patient's environment and relationships, and also incorporated artwork and nature into the hospital's design.