From Hartwick to Havana
J TERM COURSE ALLOWS STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE MEDICAL EFFORTS IN CUBA
by Libby Cudmore
AS SHE PACKED BAGS OF SUPPLIES for the Transcultural Nursing Experience in Havana, Cuba, Geneen Bolton recognized that the generosity of Hartwick, Bassett and Foxcare was overwhelming.
“I couldn’t fit any more supplies in my car!” said the academic affairs liaison to Hartwick’s School of Nursing.
“These organizations gave us so many syringes, masks, gloves, blood pressure cuffs and other surgical supplies, but when it came time to go to the airport, I only had room for nine suitcases’ worth.”
Delivering the donations to the Havana polyclinic was just one part of the J Term experience, which aimed to help nursing students recognize the complex systems of healthcare that exist outside of the U.S. — from cultural beliefs and practices to how care is delivered and accessed.
“Cuba’s medical system focuses heavily on preventative care,” said Kim Smith, department chair for the School of Nursing. “The doctors do house calls and check in monthly; you go see your specialists at the polyclinic as needed, and the hospital is only for emergencies.”
Nineteen students, accompanied by Bolton and Travis Beebe-Woodard, adjunct nursing faculty member, spent two weeks meeting with healthcare professionals and medical students, touring facilities and studying Cuba’s culture, from medicinal plants and homeopathic healing to salsa dancing and a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s home.
The group also toured maternity homes, elder care facilities and children’s homes, and met with local nursing and medical students.
