Twelfth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

Healthcare takes many forms based on culture, location, and resources available around the globe. It is not a single facet, as health has many meanings and beliefs involved with biologic truths. With increased global mobility, the United States is a rapidly changing cultural community and this includes health beliefs. The healthcare system needs to respond to the different values in order to achieve holistic health for those who partake in services. Mexico’s healthcare system is multifaceted from an American style model spanning the continuum to community based care and shaman, and in Yucatan, shaman and community practitioners are highly revered. This plays an important part in a person’s recovery when life is disrupted. Occupational therapy (OT) is a medical profession that combines the art and science of improving people’s daily lives and performance in meaningful activities. OT is a globally recognized profession under the WHO and is has the unique ability to address relevant occupations in communities, from reducing the caregiver burden with self-care, to return to work activities. Brenau University developed a program to send students to Merida, Yucatan in Mexico to perform their fieldwork experiences. This has resulted in a sustainable partnership with many facilities in the Yucatan in which students gain a cultural awareness and the role disability plays in a person’s life and community. The method of planning fieldwork placements with practitioners in Merida, preparing students for culturally relevant practice, and allowing a deeper understanding of what occupation means are explored in this session.