Week 1- Lectures and C.S. America

Lectures:
The lectures have been a great doorway to Oaxaca’s health care system. Dr. Tenorio’s perspectives on the topic have served as background information for my interaction with the doctors and patients at the clinics. I think the accompanying lectures to Dr. Tenorio’s presentation provide invaluable insight into the Latino population’s relationship with the US health care system. As one of the few students here who has not participated with the Patient Advocacy Program, I find the lecture to be of essence to my gradual awareness of the similarities and dissimilarities of the US and Mexican health system. I hope future CFHI students have the chance to sit in on lectures of this sort.

Clinics:
The doctors and staff at Clinica America were very welcoming and helpful to me. On my first day, I observed Dr. Raul’s consultation’s, helped with vaccinations, and observed Dr. Luz in the “emergency room.” I really don’t think I would have had the opportunity to sit in on consultations and pap smears at clinics in the US. I really appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to sit in on consultations and medical procedures.
I really want to emphasize that the nurses and staff at Clinica America have a great sense of humor.

Home stay:
I have no complaints about my home stay family. They are very hospitable and are willing to help me with my questions. The food is great and the “aguas frescas” are amazing.

Spanish Class:
The Spanish classes with Javier were amazing. I decided to switch individual classes to focus on my grammar and vocabulary. I find that this is a lot more specific to my needs. I do miss the conversations with my peers in Javier’s class.

Free Time/Tours:
Although I had visited Monte Alban before, I found this trip to be much more structured and informative (then again, we did have an amazing tour guide). The weekdays are busy and I keep my visits to the mercados scheduled for the weekends.

Personal Reflections:
I have to say that the first week of this program was one of mixed feelings. I was overwhelmed by the amount of information we received within that period, not just from the lecture, but also from cultural differences. I think the walking and the getting use to a new country was the most tiring part for me. In retrospect, I am thankful we had the lectures with Dr. Tenorio, Dr. Garcia, and INSO, which have provided topics for my conversations with patients and doctors.