Associated Press - May 7, 2009 10:04 AM ET

PHOENIX (AP) - University of Arizona medical school professor Yvette Roubideaux (ROO'-bih-doo) is the new director of the Indian Health Service.

The White House says the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Roubideaux's nomination Wednesday night.

Roubideaux, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, was an assistant professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the UA's College of Medicine when she was picked by President Barack Obama to head the IHS.

The White House says she has conducted extensive research on American Indian health issues, with a focus on diabetes and Indian health policy.

The IHS provides health care to American Indians.

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