Today I went to a conference at South Central Foundation. There were multiple speakers and a couple tours. I was excited to dive into the Alaskan Native American focused care system. The first thing I noticed as we got onto the South Central Foundation campus was the amount of Native individuals compared to whites, it was a humbling experience to be the minority for a change.
The first speaker was a Native woman who introduced my group to the story telling of her culture. She explained to us how we needed to slow down our pace in health care when caring for a Native patient, giving the patient time to tell his/her full story, not just the part we want to hear.
Two speakers explained to the group about the process surrounding medical and dental assistants. I was impressed to think about the process that has been implemented in Alaska to address the access to health care problem. I believe this form of health care should be implemented to all of the United States to improve the issues with access to healthcare, including dental, and even reduce on costs!
Another speaker opened my eyes to the reality of water sanitation in Alaska. I was shocked to learn that some people reuse the same basin of water to wash their hands. I cannot believe that there are still people in my country who struggle to access enough clean water, or any clean water at all, and yet I complain about driving to an artesian well to get drinking and cooking water.
I was impressed with the Integrational care teams presentation. This focus on health care has patients at the center, where when patients come in, rather than just focusing in on one issue, the interprofessional team collaborates and takes turns to meet with the patient to address each issue all in one appointment, saving money and time. I was jealous that I have not had similar experiences in my own health care. I am eager to see this way of health care to be implemented and grow in the midwest.
One of my favorite learning experiences today was learning about the alternative healing practices. The presenter was so passionate about his culture and his healing practices. He even shared a drumming and musical story which was beautiful.
Wrapping up the day, we had a tour of the hospital which we found to be so similar to the hospitals back in the Duluth area, just with more artwork which I will include some images of below.
The first speaker was a Native woman who introduced my group to the story telling of her culture. She explained to us how we needed to slow down our pace in health care when caring for a Native patient, giving the patient time to tell his/her full story, not just the part we want to hear.
Two speakers explained to the group about the process surrounding medical and dental assistants. I was impressed to think about the process that has been implemented in Alaska to address the access to health care problem. I believe this form of health care should be implemented to all of the United States to improve the issues with access to healthcare, including dental, and even reduce on costs!
Another speaker opened my eyes to the reality of water sanitation in Alaska. I was shocked to learn that some people reuse the same basin of water to wash their hands. I cannot believe that there are still people in my country who struggle to access enough clean water, or any clean water at all, and yet I complain about driving to an artesian well to get drinking and cooking water.
I was impressed with the Integrational care teams presentation. This focus on health care has patients at the center, where when patients come in, rather than just focusing in on one issue, the interprofessional team collaborates and takes turns to meet with the patient to address each issue all in one appointment, saving money and time. I was jealous that I have not had similar experiences in my own health care. I am eager to see this way of health care to be implemented and grow in the midwest.
One of my favorite learning experiences today was learning about the alternative healing practices. The presenter was so passionate about his culture and his healing practices. He even shared a drumming and musical story which was beautiful.
Wrapping up the day, we had a tour of the hospital which we found to be so similar to the hospitals back in the Duluth area, just with more artwork which I will include some images of below.