Cara Schnick
Like most of our days in Cuba, Thursday the 17th was very full. We started the day at CEM (Centro De Estudios Martianos) with a lecture on Social Psychology, went to a center for sexual health education and support, and then visited a medical clinic in Havana. Though this course was through the Masters of Organizational Leadership program (MAOL), there were a handful (seven of us) that are a part of the Masters of Public Health program at Saint Kate’s. So, the day we visited these clinics and health education clinics, you will happen to hear about through the lens of a Public Health student. Our speaker, a Social Psychologist from the University of Havana who focuses on inequalities began the lecture with a game of sorts. She told us to split into pairs and to “Draw a Cuban and an American.” This turned out to be a very impactful foundation for her presentation, as it taught us that there are reasons for the stereotypes that first come to mind, and we are able to work those, dissect them and then address them to bring change or understanding to society. In her own work, she uses this same technique to dissect perspectives and beliefs on the Cuban Economy and especially finding the balance between the new, growing private sector and the state sector. Judging by the way we accidently went way over our allotted time with questions and discussed her lecture through our coffee break and the bus ride to our next visit; I would say this lecture in particular was one of the group’s favorites.
Cenesex was an organization that Public Health students dream of visiting. They focus on sexual education, research, policy relating to sexual health, and specialize in LGBTQ health and education. Cenesex hosts courses and discussions for the community, provide social workers and legal assistance for those facing discrimination, or sexual or domestic violence, and create awareness campaigns each month for different topics. Last month was on the importance of paternity leave as well as maternity leave, and next month will be on transphobia. Cenesex also works incredibly hard on actually changing policy by educating those voting on the laws relating to sexual health. One of the reasons this organization caught the Public Health students’ eye is because it impressively hits all three levels of prevention: primary, secondary and tertiary. Where most programs we’re used to seeing hit one or possibly two. To try and paint a relatable picture, they reminded me of if the two organizations Planned Parenthood, and OutFront were to merge. If you’d like to learn more, you can visit their website here (note to press ‘English’ in the upper right of the page).
Lastly, we were able to visit a Medical Clinic in Havana for the last portion of the day. The exterior was a large three-story building, painted in yellow with palm trees and a flight of intimidating stairs. Inside we were greeted by warm faces, and the physician that would take time from his schedule to give us a tour of the facility and answer questions. The facility included a dentist, x-ray, lab, emergency department, traditional medicine room, PT, pediatrics and more. Though the clinic and equipment were visibly dated, and medications and supplies that we’re accustomed to seeing were scarce, the clinic and medical system was extremely efficient. Lines were minimal and wait times to get an appointment were non-existent. It’s also worth noting that the medical system incorporated holistic health without controversy. The physicians mentioned that when treating patients, they equally prescribe herbal medicine and pharmaceuticals, specialized PT and acupuncture, etc. It was an incredible opportunity to spend time hearing from different experts in their fields today. To learn about an organization truly leading in Public Health, and to see a medical system function in a way much different than what we’re used to.