foundations of global health care
hayley ross.center for integrative studies.st olaf college
physician-patient relationships: domestically, cross-culturally, and abroad
During the fall semester and interim 2006-2007, I traveled to East and Southeast Asia. There, I conducted a proposed study on cultural perception of time in Thailand. Linguistic and time constraints prevented a full study of time in Thailand; however, I gained a broad understanding of the Thai health care system in my efforts.
initial project proposal. presentation.
See also my notes on four elements of Thai culture.
How does Thai culture compare to Peruvian culture?
During my spring semester, I attempted to synthesize my knowledge of Thai health care systems with research applicable to my proposed future career. I conducted close study of cross-cultural medicine and factors that influence physician-patient relationships. My particular cultural interests were Hmong and Somali refugees living in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
project outline. interviews. presentation. final paper.
During the course of this study, I took two courses that made a significant impact on my perspectives on health care: medical anthropology and human rights in asian contexts. In my asian studies course, I studied the cultural obstacles in China that inhibit addressing HIV/AIDS concerns and wrote a seminar paper. I began to see human rights as integral to understanding health issues and became interested in health policy. I've compiled several links to organizations working to address international and domestic health issues.