Written Reflection on Connecting Learning to Life

The first artifact that I chose to include is a research project on why an understanding

of Latino culture is essential for healthcare providers and for their patients. Something

that I had not known before that I found incredibly crucial for an understanding of how to

work with Latinos in a healthcare setting is that in Latino culture it is often a form of

demonstrating respect for someone of authority such as a doctor to not ask them

questions or questioned their decisions even when the patient may not completely

understand their significance because they fear that asking questions could be taken as

a sign of a lack of respect.

For healthcare providers that have adopted Spanish as a second language and work

with the Latino community in the United States it's important to understand cultural

perspectives go much farther than medical terms in Spanish. To work effectively and

safely with the Latino community it's important to understand that it's extremely diverse

just understanding the Spanish language is not enough to effectively serve Spanish

speakers. The way Latinos perceive health and well-being is often profoundly different

than what we are used to in the United States healthcare professionals need to

understand these differences to adapt their focuses so that they can help their Spanish

speaking patients become more comfortable and to strengthen the relationship between

provider and patient. Gaining this understanding is essential because often Latinos

come from societies where shamanism is a common practice in traditional healing

methods. Even though many of the methods used in shamanistic healing practices can

be harmless or even beneficial, many can be downright dangerous to the patient. The

understanding that I gained from this research project help me to adapt the way I

interact with Spanish speakers in such a way that I can respect their beliefs while still

attempting to provide them with solutions that will be safe and helpful. Doing this

research project has helped me know how to interact with Latinos in the real world and

understand how to help them.

For my personal use of language, I chose to include a PowerPoint that I presented in

class concerning macular degeneration. I personally had to understand the condition

and the associated vocabulary to give the presentation in an academic setting. I had to

personally teach my fellow students what the condition is, what causes it, and how it is

treated. I developed skills and gained experience in presenting an academic subject in

Spanish as a second language to improve my ability to present things in a professional

manner in my non-native language.

By merging these two experiences I have become more adept at navigating Latino

culture in a professional manner and have gained a better understanding of how to

present information in a way that will allow my audience to appreciate and understand

what I am teaching. I intend to continue my studies in Spanish and work in a multi-

lingual environment so that I can continue to capitalize on the work I have done and the

knowledge I have gained to more effectively serve the Spanish speaking community.