Day Four:
On our fourth day we visited the Alaska Native Medical Center and the Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage. Our first presenter, Josie, shared her story of growing up native in Alaska. I really enjoyed listening to her speak as she had so much pride in being from Alaska and being native. She shared with us her traditions such as fishing, hunting and berry picking. Next, two RN’s talked with our group about nursing leadership and answered our questions about new graduate nurses working in Alaska. After a brief break, an engineer spoke to our group about outreach programs in Alaska. His main overarching goal is to improve sanitation in remote Alaskan villages. Before lunch, our group learned about Telehealth in Alaska and how it impacts both the patient and provider. It was great to see how technology positively impacts the patient experience. After lunch we visited the Southcentral Foundation where we met with two RN’s who gave us a tour of the clinic. At Southcentral Foundation they follow a model that integrates many different disciplines who all work together for the benefit of the patient.
After our time at the Southcentral foundation, myself, Andrea, Kendra and Kaylee headed out for Homer, Alaska. It was a beautiful four hour drive and we were even able to see the Kenai River. We also stopped at Coopers Landing for some delicious ice cream along the way. As we got closer to Homer, we witnessed a beautiful sunset where we were able to spot some volcanoes.Once we arrived, we stopped for dinner and then made our way to our cabin. Tomorrow marks the first day of my public health capstone here in Alaska!
On our fourth day we visited the Alaska Native Medical Center and the Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage. Our first presenter, Josie, shared her story of growing up native in Alaska. I really enjoyed listening to her speak as she had so much pride in being from Alaska and being native. She shared with us her traditions such as fishing, hunting and berry picking. Next, two RN’s talked with our group about nursing leadership and answered our questions about new graduate nurses working in Alaska. After a brief break, an engineer spoke to our group about outreach programs in Alaska. His main overarching goal is to improve sanitation in remote Alaskan villages. Before lunch, our group learned about Telehealth in Alaska and how it impacts both the patient and provider. It was great to see how technology positively impacts the patient experience. After lunch we visited the Southcentral Foundation where we met with two RN’s who gave us a tour of the clinic. At Southcentral Foundation they follow a model that integrates many different disciplines who all work together for the benefit of the patient.
After our time at the Southcentral foundation, myself, Andrea, Kendra and Kaylee headed out for Homer, Alaska. It was a beautiful four hour drive and we were even able to see the Kenai River. We also stopped at Coopers Landing for some delicious ice cream along the way. As we got closer to Homer, we witnessed a beautiful sunset where we were able to spot some volcanoes.Once we arrived, we stopped for dinner and then made our way to our cabin. Tomorrow marks the first day of my public health capstone here in Alaska!