West Central AHEC partnered with Knox College recently on a discussion panel exploring cultural aspects of the American health care experience.

The discussion was part of an intercultural learning program entitled “Underrepresented in Healthcare: An Intercultural Exploration of American Healthcare.”

The program is one of several four-week learning programs that Knox College offered this summer for students to explore intercultural topics. The program is designed for students to travel to different health care facilities to gain insight about their organizational structure and systematic approach towards health care improvements, and about how social determinants of health can influence the quality of care.

The collaboration allowed students to examine the partnership between health care providers and patients. They were able to discuss firsthand experiences pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion from our health care providers, leadership, and various health professionals. The students were encouraged to express their own personal reflections and experiences, to discuss different strategies on how to improve health equity in rural populations.

The discussion took place on June 26 at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, in the Health & Wellness Center. Here are some scenes from the event.