All in all, this interview really opened up a different world to me. I feel like I often take things for granted like the language I speak and where I was born. I was ultimately able to see a different perspective of the healthcare system through the eyes of an individual who often felt underserved because of her culture. She is truly an amazing human being because she has always taken the job as her family's medical interpreter at a very young age without question. Her culture is beautiful in the way that it always focuses on the caring of elder family members. I also think that it is amazing that her feelings of often being underserved have only made her more encouraged to help people like her family. She wants to become a medical interpreter and be an activist for the growing need of medical interpreters. Ultimately, this interview illustrated a real life scenario of how cultural competence is unmet within many medical settings. I feel that with the growing numbers of diversity within our nation, we should push for medical competence trainings and the need to help serve those within the community.
I thoroughly enjoyed my interview. I was told some very interesting information that is the opposite of negative healthcare. Perhaps it is her young age, her disposition, her understanding that life is much faster in the United States, but the opportunities are great. That you can live alone, and have the ability to get an ambulance to take you to the hospital even if you don't have any money at that moment. I believe that the lack of ambulances in her country and the corruption of the government, which includes paying for all treatment before hand, including emergency medical care. That payment is not a specified amount. She also came her on scholarship at 18 and stayed to get educated in the United States. With her education, the first thing she worked on was speaking clearer English, because her accent was very thick and no one could understand her. I asked if she were to stay in the United States would she think about being an interpreter for those who can't speak and understand when it comes to their own healthcare. Her response was, I believe if I am meant to do that, I would love to do that.
Dear Christine, I really enjoyed reading about your interview experience. The person I interviewed also felt very gracious for the actual care that the United States provides because in her home country, their technology is not as advanced as the United States is. She still felt underserved in other ways because she felt like her voice was often unheard when she would try advocate for her mom, who has MS, to get a wheelchair. But her circumstances have only made her stronger and she too, hopes to be a medical interpreter just like the individual you interviewed.
Christine, Thank you for sharing your response to your interview. I am happy to hear that the person you interviewed was able to receive the care that she needed. It is disheartening to know that some countries will not offer the care needed to someone unless payment is received up front. I am also happy to hear that she is willing, if the opportunity presents itself, to stay here as an interpreter to help others in need. Thank you again. Nena T.
Cultural values has influence many of us and in the healthcare system. The person I interviewed has been in the States since he was four years old with his parents. Even though they like the healthcare system here in the States, his parents still believe in traditional herbs, which I found very interesting because many people do not use it now. However, that is part of their culture his parents believe in it and he respect that. During the interview he also told me he shares traditional believes at his work place and try to motivate other people in sharing their culture norms. I liked the interviewing because it tells me that, even though he has been in the States for so long, he still kept his culture values while he learns new things from here. In conclusion, healthcare professionals have started to appreciate patients perspectives on the use of complementary and alternative medicine which we might call Placebo.
Hi Barbara: That is very nice and interesting interview. I myself am in to alternative health care. I have worked with herbs for many years, and have switched modalities as I felt intuitively that could benefit me. So I do take herbs on a regular basis, at the very least herbal tea. I've done acupuncture for gastrointestinal problems and massage for many other problems. So as not to talk about me too much, I want to agree with you that many healthcare professionals have started to appreciate other modalities for healing, and other professionals are okay with using other modalities as a complementary medicine. I recently did some transcription work of interviews between a graduate Psychology Student and people, doctors, nurses, and others who perform the Healing Touch to patients who typically are very ill and many who have cancer, but to others as well. Healing touch can be explored further at: http://www.healingtouchprogram.com/about/founder-s-story Janet Mentgen was a nurse and her story is wonderful as it relates to healthcare and to opening up different ideas to doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. This type of movement is a way to soften the hearts of all to be culturally open and responsive.
The person I interviewed also came to the United States at such a young age. Her family also uses herbal remedies to cure things like the cold or flu, instead of going to a pharmacy to get something packed with drugs they use vitamins to heal. Its a much healthier way of life to try and use as little processed stuff as possible, but not everyone can afford to get. The herbal remedies are rarely offered at stores, so when my friends grandmother visits the U.S. she often brings items for them to use that are a healthier alternative.
I think it is really interesting that the family of the person you interviewed still believes in traditional herbs. I think that we should experiment more with different herbs here in the U.S. (I agree with Andrew). Seeing as how I am a pharmacy technician, I see some patients who are on 10-15 different medications when herbs and other natural remedies could help in replace of drugs!!!
Barbara, the person I interviewed as well preferred to take herbal remedies rather than buy medicine at a drugstore. Her culture is big believers of taking herbal remedies made of herbs, vegetables, and fruit. She grew up this way. I found it very fascinating that her culture does this coming from an American perspective where cold medicine is always used inseam of a more alternative way.
I also interviewed someone whose family utilized herbs and certain foods for preventative and complementary medicine. While most of it seemed to be harmless there is always a risk due to herbal remedies being largely unregulated .Especially with chronic illnesses and their use is not conveyed to medical professionals caring for the patient.
I interviewed a friend of mine who has a child with special needs. She explained to me the differences in how some doctors would treat her son differently from the way they would treat her daughter who does not have special needs. She explained to me how her family and the general public viewed her son. She also explained the differences her small rural hometown versus a larger city could handle the needs for her son. I expected all of her responses. I have seen how some doctors will be more cautious with some patients than with others. I have seen what resources some small towns have and what they do not. Having a child who has a seizure and genetic disorder has its challenges. My friend has fought many doctors and other health care providers in order to get what her son needs. If she had followed one doctor’s advice, her son would have wasted his life away unresponsive in a hospital bed. Instead, she found another doctor who would help her son, as well as other health care providers, to help her son become the happy, healthy child he is today.
Hi Nena: And to that I say - Good for her pursuit of something better for her child. We all have to learn to advocate for ourselves. To understand that a Doctor has their schooling and their knowledge, but they can't be knowledgeable in all areas. Certainly cities with better hospitals to pay more progressive doctors, often in teaching hospitals as well, you get other thoughts and ideas to help, for instance this child who has seizures and a genetic disorder. HOPE is what we all need for ourselves, for our children and for everyone. Second and third opinions are common, and should be sought out. It is always advantageous to get as much information as we can, so we can ask educated questions and not be "dumbfounded" when hearing a sad prognosis I am happy her son is happy and healthy.
Hi Nena, I enjoyed reading your blog. I think that your friend was wise to bring her son to multiple doctors for various opinions and treatments. I guess people view lives differently especially considering someone who has special needs. Thank you for sharing.
I agree. This was very well said. United States as a whole a lot to offer especially for those who have a health need. I am glad your friend's son came to America to get his treatment. This country has a lot to offer especially compared to other countries!
I interviewed a friend who moved to the United States when she was 10 years old. She already knew how to speak two other languages and when she moved here English became her third language that she could speak fluently. Although when she first moved here she was often picked on in grade school for talking with an accent and since she was unable to understand what others were saying to her. Everyone in her country was allowed to visit the doctor because health insurance was so cheap and was not even required. Simple visits to the doctor did not require calling and making an appointment in advance, if you had a problem you could just go see the doctor and an herbal remedy made at home would often do the trick. The person I interviewed said people here are so quick to go to the nearest pharmacy to take anything that might help them feel better. One thing that really struck me and was surprising was when she told me doctors in her country aren’t rich. I was confused because the salary of doctor’s here is very high. She said doctors weren’t glorified like they are here. They do the job that is asked of them and get paid reasonably. She told me that some of the simple treatments are even free, and the norm in her country is to leave the doctor a tip. I found that very strange, but it makes all the people in her country able to afford decent medical care. She said people here are too greedy compared to her country. When her grandmother comes to visit the U.S. she packs certain items that are not sold here that she has used in order to cure certain issues.
Hello, this must have been an interesting interview. I find that my mother in law also brings things from Africa when she comes here. Its interesting that your friend says that we are so quick to go to the nearest pharmacy for a pill for a quick fix for our problems, I totally agree with that (for many instances). This makes me wonder how their mental health popluation is and how they feel about medication and treatment for this? I only wonder this because it seems to be out of control in America and it seems like medication is everyones answer, but this doesnt seem to be working.
I interviewed my awesome neighbour who is polish ..he has been in the US about 20 years .I wanted to interview someone that wouldnt have the same experience as me .My neighbour is blunt and like we say keeps it "real".I enjoy going over for dinners and I though he would be a good subject for the interview.What I learned is that ,when it comes to our health ,people trust the medical profeesionals that they deal with .All in all ,though it might be convenient to have a medical professional that you can identify with ,them having having the knowledge is matters.Individual expereinces should be the focus .Cultural competence is important as well and there should be more diversity in out healthcare.No matter how diverse we try to make our healthcare ..if the ones working or apart of it ,are not able to move past the barriers ,differences and so on ..then its a lost cause.
Thats really great for your neighbor, I just wonder if the interview would have gone differently had you interviewed someone that had just come here or did not speak much English. Sometimes I think it depends on how "Americanized" the person has become.
I completely agree with you. My friend who I interviewed also went through language barriers with her mothers. She was able to translate for her mother but they could feel the nurses and doctors getting frustrated with the barrier and this really upset them and complicated things. More people working in health care need be a little more understanding or at least be discrete with there feelings and frustrations. Everyone gets frustrated but in order to move on you cant be rude about it or let it interfere with work.
For the cultural experience interview assignment, I interviewed my close friend that I have known since high school. She is a first generation Armenian- American! Both of her parents moved to the U.S when they were in their late teens. My friend, along with her younger sister were born in this country! I know not only my friend personally, but also her entire family! Although it is very small, they are so welcoming and loving! I am so thankful to have met my friend and her family... They make me feel at home when I am at their house and they always have so many interesting stories to tell! I asked my friend a few basic questions such as, is religion important to your family, what are some traditions that you follow regularly, and what types of Armenian foods do you make and eat. I also asked her questions about racism and if she has had any form of negativity and health care... She said that from what she knows, her and her family have never experienced any types of racism or negative cultural experiences in health care because of their ethnicity.
I decided to interview one of my best friends and colleagues. She is one of happiest and most hard working person I know. She is Persian and a lot of her beliefs and values are very similar to mine. I definitely feel more connected to her because it seems as though we came across similar obstacles in our lives. Interviewing her brought a lot of both laughter and sadness and made us feel a lot closer.
I can honestly say I have never met some one who is Persian, or at least if I did, I didn't know it. Can you share a little more about her culture and beliefs? :) Im glad interviewing her brought you guys closer, its a wonderful thing to be able to share so much, laugh and cry and become close. Interviewing my old friend also brought back some great memories and some sad ones.
For this activity, I interviewed my husband, who is from Ghana, Africa. This was an interesting experience and an eye opener for me in some ways. I have always felt it was important for individuals who didnt speak much or any English to have access to an interpreter and materials in their language, but sadly, I never thought about it much past that. Again, sadly this is because I guess I never had to. That in itself does not seem very culturally competent. Doing this interview made me realize the need for the entire healthcare system to be culturally competent. I also wonder if people sometimes decide not to go to their doctors and instead use practices from their traditions or cultures for certain things. I think sometimes this can be good but it can also be dangerous at times.
For this week's activity I decided to interview my neighbor who I have been friends with since childhood. Growing up together I already knew a good amount about her Polish culture which her family is deeply connected to. Even though I thought I already knew a great deal about her culture I was able to learn a lot of new things about it and their views on healthcare. Family and their Roman Catholic faith have a big role in their culture. They apply these beliefs in healthcare. For example, if a family member is sick they will have a priest go visit the sick family member. They also will have another family member stay with they sick person the entire time they are in the hospital, never leaving them alone. I found it really cool to see how the Polish cultures beliefs and practices were applied to their healthcare. Also in the Polish culture they believe in using home remedies such as herbs, vegetables and fruit to help them get better rather than medicine you would buy at a drugstore.They are big believers in using herbal methods for illness but if they conditions do not improve they will seek medical attention. When I asked my friend if she felt her and her family received good healthcare she replied yes they all felt they received very good healthcare and that there were no cultural problems that would lead them not to get good healthcare.
For this activity I interviewed my old friend from high school. She is Vietnamese, born in Vietnam but raised from a baby in the U.S. We were good friends from elementary school all the way to the end of high school, we went to different colleges and then were not as close. I already knew so much about her culture and that is why I chose her for this interview. I had many experiences cooking with her, celebrating holidays like Chinese New Year, and learning how to speak a few Vietnamese words. I also learned a few things about how they treat health and it was always very different from my own family. For example, my friend always had severe allergies all year round but her parents refused to take her to the doctor. This wasn’t because they didn’t have health care, they had Mass Health which is one of the best you can get. They simply didn’t believe in doctors like we do. I would be sent to the doctor for everything and even now at 22, I still like to go to the doctor for everything. Her family never went unless it was a critical emergency. This type of emergency happened once to her family, it was her mother who had to go. The only problem she faced was the fact that she could not speak English but thankfully, her daughter, my friend, was there to translate for her. I still believe, even after this activity, that the language barrier in health care is the biggest difference we need to overcome or at least be more sensitive about.
For this activity, I interviewed my co worker, Fatima. Fatima is a Muslim pharmacy student who wears a headscarf, a Hijab. In this interview, she explains the basic of the headscarf in the Islam religion. She's a future healthcare professional who faces many stereotypes and racism. In the interview, she explains how frustrating it was at one point and the ignorance she had to deal with living in United States. She is an international student. She talks about how she is trying to be a role model for other girls out there and has learnt to ignore the racism she faces. It was a very interesting interview where she also talks about the difference between Egyptian and American culture. She also states how she wishes to live in the USA even after schooling rather than going back to Egypt.
I interviewed a coworker who is originally from the Dominican Republic. I chose to interview her because I had had discussions with her before about how she was born in the Dominican, and she often shared short stories of how things changed for her when she moved to the United States...often starting statements with "well when I lived in the Dominican...but once I moved here." Going into the interview I think I assumed her answers to my questions would be very different than answers I would give for the same interview, however what I found was that we were not as different as I thought. It was kind of heart warming to hear about some of her cultures family traditions, which are not so different from mine, just bigger and sounded more fun, and I was a little jealous to hear of how most neighborhoods in the Dominican sounded very close knit with a sense of community.
All in all, this interview really opened up a different world to me. I feel like I often take things for granted like the language I speak and where I was born. I was ultimately able to see a different perspective of the healthcare system through the eyes of an individual who often felt underserved because of her culture. She is truly an amazing human being because she has always taken the job as her family's medical interpreter at a very young age without question. Her culture is beautiful in the way that it always focuses on the caring of elder family members.
ReplyDeleteI also think that it is amazing that her feelings of often being underserved have only made her more encouraged to help people like her family. She wants to become a medical interpreter and be an activist for the growing need of medical interpreters. Ultimately, this interview illustrated a real life scenario of how cultural competence is unmet within many medical settings. I feel that with the growing numbers of diversity within our nation, we should push for medical competence trainings and the need to help serve those within the community.
I thoroughly enjoyed my interview. I was told some very interesting information that is the opposite of negative healthcare. Perhaps it is her young age, her disposition, her understanding that life is much faster in the United States, but the opportunities are great. That you can live alone, and have the ability to get an ambulance to take you to the hospital even if you don't have any money at that moment.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the lack of ambulances in her country and the corruption of the government, which includes paying for all treatment before hand, including emergency medical care. That payment is not a specified amount.
She also came her on scholarship at 18 and stayed to get educated in the United States. With her education, the first thing she worked on was speaking clearer English, because her accent was very thick and no one could understand her. I asked if she were to stay in the United States would she think about being an interpreter for those who can't speak and understand when it comes to their own healthcare. Her response was, I believe if I am meant to do that, I would love to do that.
Dear Christine, I really enjoyed reading about your interview experience. The person I interviewed also felt very gracious for the actual care that the United States provides because in her home country, their technology is not as advanced as the United States is. She still felt underserved in other ways because she felt like her voice was often unheard when she would try advocate for her mom, who has MS, to get a wheelchair. But her circumstances have only made her stronger and she too, hopes to be a medical interpreter just like the individual you interviewed.
DeleteChristine,
DeleteThank you for sharing your response to your interview. I am happy to hear that the person you interviewed was able to receive the care that she needed. It is disheartening to know that some countries will not offer the care needed to someone unless payment is received up front. I am also happy to hear that she is willing, if the opportunity presents itself, to stay here as an interpreter to help others in need. Thank you again.
Nena T.
Thanks Christine M. I will check the website out and thanks for sharing.
DeleteCultural values has influence many of us and in the healthcare system. The person I interviewed has been in the States since he was four years old with his parents. Even though they like the healthcare system here in the States, his parents still believe in traditional herbs, which I found very interesting because many people do not use it now. However, that is part of their culture his parents believe in it and he respect that. During the interview he also told me he shares traditional believes at his work place and try to motivate other people in sharing their culture norms. I liked the interviewing because it tells me that, even though he has been in the States for so long, he still kept his culture values while he learns new things from here. In conclusion, healthcare professionals have started to appreciate patients perspectives on the use of complementary and alternative medicine which we might call Placebo.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara: That is very nice and interesting interview. I myself am in to alternative health care. I have worked with herbs for many years, and have switched modalities as I felt intuitively that could benefit me. So I do take herbs on a regular basis, at the very least herbal tea. I've done acupuncture for gastrointestinal problems and massage for many other problems. So as not to talk about me too much, I want to agree with you that many healthcare professionals have started to appreciate other modalities for healing, and other professionals are okay with using other modalities as a complementary medicine.
DeleteI recently did some transcription work of interviews between a graduate Psychology Student and people, doctors, nurses, and others who perform the Healing Touch to patients who typically are very ill and many who have cancer, but to others as well. Healing touch can be explored further at: http://www.healingtouchprogram.com/about/founder-s-story
Janet Mentgen was a nurse and her story is wonderful as it relates to healthcare and to opening up different ideas to doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. This type of movement is a way to soften the hearts of all to be culturally open and responsive.
The person I interviewed also came to the United States at such a young age. Her family also uses herbal remedies to cure things like the cold or flu, instead of going to a pharmacy to get something packed with drugs they use vitamins to heal. Its a much healthier way of life to try and use as little processed stuff as possible, but not everyone can afford to get. The herbal remedies are rarely offered at stores, so when my friends grandmother visits the U.S. she often brings items for them to use that are a healthier alternative.
DeleteI think it is really interesting that the family of the person you interviewed still believes in traditional herbs. I think that we should experiment more with different herbs here in the U.S. (I agree with Andrew). Seeing as how I am a pharmacy technician, I see some patients who are on 10-15 different medications when herbs and other natural remedies could help in replace of drugs!!!
DeleteBarbara, the person I interviewed as well preferred to take herbal remedies rather than buy medicine at a drugstore. Her culture is big believers of taking herbal remedies made of herbs, vegetables, and fruit. She grew up this way. I found it very fascinating that her culture does this coming from an American perspective where cold medicine is always used inseam of a more alternative way.
DeleteI also interviewed someone whose family utilized herbs and certain foods for preventative and complementary medicine. While most of it seemed to be harmless there is always a risk due to herbal remedies being largely unregulated .Especially with chronic illnesses and their use is not conveyed to medical professionals caring for the patient.
DeleteI interviewed a friend of mine who has a child with special needs. She explained to me the differences in how some doctors would treat her son differently from the way they would treat her daughter who does not have special needs. She explained to me how her family and the general public viewed her son. She also explained the differences her small rural hometown versus a larger city could handle the needs for her son. I expected all of her responses. I have seen how some doctors will be more cautious with some patients than with others. I have seen what resources some small towns have and what they do not. Having a child who has a seizure and genetic disorder has its challenges. My friend has fought many doctors and other health care providers in order to get what her son needs. If she had followed one doctor’s advice, her son would have wasted his life away unresponsive in a hospital bed. Instead, she found another doctor who would help her son, as well as other health care providers, to help her son become the happy, healthy child he is today.
ReplyDeleteHi Nena: And to that I say - Good for her pursuit of something better for her child. We all have to learn to advocate for ourselves. To understand that a Doctor has their schooling and their knowledge, but they can't be knowledgeable in all areas. Certainly cities with better hospitals to pay more progressive doctors, often in teaching hospitals as well, you get other thoughts and ideas to help, for instance this child who has seizures and a genetic disorder. HOPE is what we all need for ourselves, for our children and for everyone. Second and third opinions are common, and should be sought out. It is always advantageous to get as much information as we can, so we can ask educated questions and not be "dumbfounded" when hearing a sad prognosis
DeleteI am happy her son is happy and healthy.
How impressive..I think we all want the best for our children and we should strive to get the best .
DeleteHi Nena, I enjoyed reading your blog. I think that your friend was wise to bring her son to multiple doctors for various opinions and treatments. I guess people view lives differently especially considering someone who has special needs. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteI agree. This was very well said. United States as a whole a lot to offer especially for those who have a health need. I am glad your friend's son came to America to get his treatment. This country has a lot to offer especially compared to other countries!
DeleteI interviewed a friend who moved to the United States when she was 10 years old. She already knew how to speak two other languages and when she moved here English became her third language that she could speak fluently. Although when she first moved here she was often picked on in grade school for talking with an accent and since she was unable to understand what others were saying to her. Everyone in her country was allowed to visit the doctor because health insurance was so cheap and was not even required. Simple visits to the doctor did not require calling and making an appointment in advance, if you had a problem you could just go see the doctor and an herbal remedy made at home would often do the trick. The person I interviewed said people here are so quick to go to the nearest pharmacy to take anything that might help them feel better. One thing that really struck me and was surprising was when she told me doctors in her country aren’t rich. I was confused because the salary of doctor’s here is very high. She said doctors weren’t glorified like they are here. They do the job that is asked of them and get paid reasonably. She told me that some of the simple treatments are even free, and the norm in her country is to leave the doctor a tip. I found that very strange, but it makes all the people in her country able to afford decent medical care. She said people here are too greedy compared to her country. When her grandmother comes to visit the U.S. she packs certain items that are not sold here that she has used in order to cure certain issues.
ReplyDeleteHello,
Deletethis must have been an interesting interview. I find that my mother in law also brings things from Africa when she comes here. Its interesting that your friend says that we are so quick to go to the nearest pharmacy for a pill for a quick fix for our problems, I totally agree with that (for many instances). This makes me wonder how their mental health popluation is and how they feel about medication and treatment for this? I only wonder this because it seems to be out of control in America and it seems like medication is everyones answer, but this doesnt seem to be working.
I interviewed my awesome neighbour who is polish ..he has been in the US about 20 years .I wanted to interview someone that wouldnt have the same experience as me .My neighbour is blunt and like we say keeps it "real".I enjoy going over for dinners and I though he would be a good subject for the interview.What I learned is that ,when it comes to our health ,people trust the medical profeesionals that they deal with .All in all ,though it might be convenient to have a medical professional that you can identify with ,them having having the knowledge is matters.Individual expereinces should be the focus .Cultural competence is important as well and there should be more diversity in out healthcare.No matter how diverse we try to make our healthcare ..if the ones working or apart of it ,are not able to move past the barriers ,differences and so on ..then its a lost cause.
ReplyDeleteThats really great for your neighbor, I just wonder if the interview would have gone differently had you interviewed someone that had just come here or did not speak much English. Sometimes I think it depends on how "Americanized" the person has become.
DeleteI completely agree with you. My friend who I interviewed also went through language barriers with her mothers. She was able to translate for her mother but they could feel the nurses and doctors getting frustrated with the barrier and this really upset them and complicated things. More people working in health care need be a little more understanding or at least be discrete with there feelings and frustrations. Everyone gets frustrated but in order to move on you cant be rude about it or let it interfere with work.
DeleteFor the cultural experience interview assignment, I interviewed my close friend that I have known since high school. She is a first generation Armenian- American! Both of her parents moved to the U.S when they were in their late teens. My friend, along with her younger sister were born in this country! I know not only my friend personally, but also her entire family! Although it is very small, they are so welcoming and loving! I am so thankful to have met my friend and her family... They make me feel at home when I am at their house and they always have so many interesting stories to tell! I asked my friend a few basic questions such as, is religion important to your family, what are some traditions that you follow regularly, and what types of Armenian foods do you make and eat. I also asked her questions about racism and if she has had any form of negativity and health care... She said that from what she knows, her and her family have never experienced any types of racism or negative cultural experiences in health care because of their ethnicity.
ReplyDeleteI decided to interview one of my best friends and colleagues. She is one of happiest and most hard working person I know. She is Persian and a lot of her beliefs and values are very similar to mine. I definitely feel more connected to her because it seems as though we came across similar obstacles in our lives. Interviewing her brought a lot of both laughter and sadness and made us feel a lot closer.
ReplyDeleteI can honestly say I have never met some one who is Persian, or at least if I did, I didn't know it. Can you share a little more about her culture and beliefs? :) Im glad interviewing her brought you guys closer, its a wonderful thing to be able to share so much, laugh and cry and become close. Interviewing my old friend also brought back some great memories and some sad ones.
DeleteFor this activity, I interviewed my husband, who is from Ghana, Africa. This was an interesting experience and an eye opener for me in some ways. I have always felt it was important for individuals who didnt speak much or any English to have access to an interpreter and materials in their language, but sadly, I never thought about it much past that. Again, sadly this is because I guess I never had to. That in itself does not seem very culturally competent. Doing this interview made me realize the need for the entire healthcare system to be culturally competent. I also wonder if people sometimes decide not to go to their doctors and instead use practices from their traditions or cultures for certain things. I think sometimes this can be good but it can also be dangerous at times.
ReplyDeleteFor this week's activity I decided to interview my neighbor who I have been friends with since childhood. Growing up together I already knew a good amount about her Polish culture which her family is deeply connected to. Even though I thought I already knew a great deal about her culture I was able to learn a lot of new things about it and their views on healthcare. Family and their Roman Catholic faith have a big role in their culture. They apply these beliefs in healthcare. For example, if a family member is sick they will have a priest go visit the sick family member. They also will have another family member stay with they sick person the entire time they are in the hospital, never leaving them alone. I found it really cool to see how the Polish cultures beliefs and practices were applied to their healthcare. Also in the Polish culture they believe in using home remedies such as herbs, vegetables and fruit to help them get better rather than medicine you would buy at a drugstore.They are big believers in using herbal methods for illness but if they conditions do not improve they will seek medical attention. When I asked my friend if she felt her and her family received good healthcare she replied yes they all felt they received very good healthcare and that there were no cultural problems that would lead them not to get good healthcare.
ReplyDeleteFor this activity I interviewed my old friend from high school. She is Vietnamese, born in Vietnam but raised from a baby in the U.S. We were good friends from elementary school all the way to the end of high school, we went to different colleges and then were not as close. I already knew so much about her culture and that is why I chose her for this interview. I had many experiences cooking with her, celebrating holidays like Chinese New Year, and learning how to speak a few Vietnamese words. I also learned a few things about how they treat health and it was always very different from my own family. For example, my friend always had severe allergies all year round but her parents refused to take her to the doctor. This wasn’t because they didn’t have health care, they had Mass Health which is one of the best you can get. They simply didn’t believe in doctors like we do. I would be sent to the doctor for everything and even now at 22, I still like to go to the doctor for everything. Her family never went unless it was a critical emergency. This type of emergency happened once to her family, it was her mother who had to go. The only problem she faced was the fact that she could not speak English but thankfully, her daughter, my friend, was there to translate for her. I still believe, even after this activity, that the language barrier in health care is the biggest difference we need to overcome or at least be more sensitive about.
ReplyDelete-Andrea D
For this activity, I interviewed my co worker, Fatima. Fatima is a Muslim pharmacy student who wears a headscarf, a Hijab. In this interview, she explains the basic of the headscarf in the Islam religion. She's a future healthcare professional who faces many stereotypes and racism. In the interview, she explains how frustrating it was at one point and the ignorance she had to deal with living in United States. She is an international student. She talks about how she is trying to be a role model for other girls out there and has learnt to ignore the racism she faces. It was a very interesting interview where she also talks about the difference between Egyptian and American culture. She also states how she wishes to live in the USA even after schooling rather than going back to Egypt.
ReplyDeleteI interviewed a coworker who is originally from the Dominican Republic. I chose to interview her because I had had discussions with her before about how she was born in the Dominican, and she often shared short stories of how things changed for her when she moved to the United States...often starting statements with "well when I lived in the Dominican...but once I moved here." Going into the interview I think I assumed her answers to my questions would be very different than answers I would give for the same interview, however what I found was that we were not as different as I thought. It was kind of heart warming to hear about some of her cultures family traditions, which are not so different from mine, just bigger and sounded more fun, and I was a little jealous to hear of how most neighborhoods in the Dominican sounded very close knit with a sense of community.
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