My Drexel CHE 2016 Experience by Yetunde Akinde

Yetunde Akinde
MD/MPH Student, Class of 2018
Drexel University College of Medicine

In July 2016, I had the opportunity to be part of the Global Health Integration Module and Field Practicum Experience course offered by the Drexel University School of Public Health. The destination for the July field practicum experience was Cuba, where I, along with my colleagues, had the opportunity to learn about the country’s rich culture and infrastructure, day-to-day activities of Cuban life, and the resiliency of the Cuban people. All the activities my colleagues and I were privileged to be a part of were organized by Civitas Global Educational Services in conjunction with Drexel University and La Universidad de Cienfuegos.

We spent the majority of our time in Cienfuegos during the summer field experience but got the opportunity to visit multiple parts of Cuba including Havana, Trinidad, Playa Girón, and Santa Clara. La Universidad de Cienfuegos welcomed our group with open arms and open hearts. Upon arrival, we learned about the history of the university and took tour of the university. We learned about Cuban history through the decades, as well as how the Cuban healthcare system provides free and available healthcare to all citizens. We also got the opportunity to get a first-hand information about the healthcare system during a field visit to a policlínico (polyclinic). At the polyclinics, the staff focus on prevention and universal screening initiatives, and encourage immunization through house calls, home visits and semiannual checkups. Each polyclinic has doctors and nurses responsible for the population of a certain area and at the center of the polyclinics are family medicine practitioners who integrate themselves into the familial households they care for.

During my time in Cuba, I quickly realized that Cubans take a holistic approach to health. Health education is integrated into the school systems. From a young age, children are taught about dental care, health habits, prevention of alcohol and tobacco use, and sexual education. Health education is a lifetime process for many Cubans. While we were in Cienfuegos, we got an opportunity to visit Casa de abuelos, a day care center for senior citizens. The abuelos are provided with a host of activities including physical education, physical and occupational therapy, field trips, and much more. In addition to engaging the seniors in the promotion of physical and mental health, medical specialists such as optometrists, ophthalmologist, and geriatric doctors often meet the seniors at the daycare to provide medical treatment and care. Being surrounded by the warm spirit, wise words, and effervescent energy of the abuelos was one of the great experiences I had during my stay in Cuba.

From learning about the healthcare system, to salsa dancing with the community members and engaging in lengthy conversations about the culture, food, and United States-Cuba relations, I felt warmth, love, and kindness throughout my encounters with the community members. I am grateful to La Universidad de Cienfuegos, Civitas Global Educational Services, Drexel University, and all the wonderful and welcoming Cubans I encountered for making the visit to Cuba a once in a lifetime experience.