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UHS CULTURAL IMMERSION TRIPS
Within the past year, Utah Health Scholars, in collaboration with various partners, had the opportunity to participate in healthcare cultural immersion trips to destinations including the Dominican Republic, Montana, and the Hopi Indian tribe in Chinle, Arizona. These eye-opening experiences provided pre-health students with hands-on opportunities to tackle global health issues and provide care to underserved communities, while also fostering cultural competency within the medical field.
One such trip took students to the Dominican Republic, where they embarked on mobile medical clinics, known as Barrio Clinics, making a positive impact on the lives of over 400 Dominican and Haitian patients. Working alongside exceptional healthcare professionals, the students witnessed a wide spectrum of medical cases, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and expanding their understanding of diverse healthcare needs.
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In Montana, the Utah Health Scholars joined forces with Warriors & Quiet Waters, an organization that guides veterans and their loved ones to find peace, meaning, and purpose through fly fishing and other nature-based activities. The students had the privilege of working alongside disabled veterans, engaging in heartfelt conversations, and forging lifelong friendships while experiencing the power of empathy and healing in nature.
The cultural immersion trip to the Navajo Nation and Hopi Health Care Center in Arizona aimed to learn more about Diné (Navajo) and Hopi culture and healthcare. Students interacted with Diné traditional healers, explored the beauty of
Spider Rock overlook, and engaged in conversations with knowledge holders and silversmiths, gaining deeper insights into the rich cultural heritage and healing practices of the Navajo and Hopi communities. These transformative experiences empowered Utah Health Scholars to embody the spirit of service and empathy, shaping them into future healthcare providers committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities in need.
