HEALTHCARE
EDUCATION in action
A Publication of the Healthcare Programs at Ramapo College ISSUE 3: FALL 2019
SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE IN CUBA
505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
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ine students and two faculty members from Ramapo College’s Master of Social Work Program traveled to Cuba this spring to learn first-hand about the history of social work and the role that social workers play in the multidisciplinary healthcare delivery system in the island nation. The trip was funded in part by a Ramapo Foundation Allocation Grant.
and had an opportunity to reflect on issues of cultural competence, as well as make comparisons of healthcare in Cuba and in the United States. Many students came home with a real sense of humility and gratefulness for all we have here in the U.S.”
“This was an incredibly meaningful experience for our students, one that will no doubt shape their approach to the profession,” said Dolly Sacristan, assistant professor of social work, who organized the eight-day trip along with Ann Marie Moreno, director of the Master of Social Work Program.
“As my study abroad experience unfolded, I could feel my feelings about Cuba and its people changing,” said Danielle. “Witnessing the impact of the American trade embargo through the weakened infrastructure, limited hospital technology, food rationing and resource conservation made me see Cuban people as human spirits who were collateral damage in a political war.”
Students attended lectures led by community social workers, local representatives and social security ministries. They also visited a community-based health center, an older adult day care program, a maternal health hospital, the National Center for Sex Education, the Center for Psychological and Sociological Research of Havana and Las Terrazas, a community and nature preserve. During these visits, healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, psychologists, sociologists, health educators and social workers made presentations about the healthcare and social work practices in Cuba, highlighting a community-based model of disease prevention and well care. “Our students were exposed to patient care, which included medical and psychological assessments,” said Sacristan. “They were required to complete daily journal entries and debrief during daily meetings, during which the group engaged in discussions about what they experienced
MSW student Danielle Carr ’20 said she returned home with a very different perspective of Cuba.
Fellow student Leah Turner ’20 agreed. “To be able to see how others live so differently has humbled me and really made me think about how privileged we are here in the United States,” Leah said. “Although I have learned a great deal about the vulnerable populations in my studies and through my internship, going to Cuba taught me so much more.” In addition to the academic-based program, the students also enjoyed excursions to get a sense of local flavor, including arts and crafts, cooking, music and dancing. “This experience was a wonderful opportunity for them to grow and self-reflect, and be immersed in a totally different culture,” Sacristan added. To learn more about Ramapo College’s Master of Social Work program, please visit www.ramapo.edu/sshs/msw