UNCo Graduates 46 Students in Intercultural Medicine Diploma
UNCo Graduates First Class in Groundbreaking Intercultural Medicine Program
Table of Contents
Neuquén, Argentina – Forty-six graduates received diplomas in Intercultural Medicine from teh Universidad Nacional del Comahue (UNCo) this week, marking a importent step forward in the university’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. The program, which launched in may, equips healthcare professionals, students, and community members with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive care.
“We are not going back to the 19th century,” declared UNCo Rector Beatriz Gentile during the ceremony held in the university’s Aula Magna.”We have the obligation to narrate the 21st century, and that future is intercultural.” Gentile also announced that the program will be offered again in 2025 due to its overwhelming success.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures,including Neuquén’s Minister of Health,Martín Regueiro,and representatives from the Mapuche community,highlighting the program’s collaborative nature.
Bridging the Gap in Healthcare
The diplomatura, designed to strengthen intercultural practices in healthcare, addressed a pressing need identified during Rector Gentile’s visit to Aluminé and the Raguiñ Kien health Center in Ruca Choroi.
“These spaces are vital for recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples,” emphasized Pety Piciñam, a leader from the Lof Puel Pvjv of the Neuquén Mapuche confederation.
Minister Regueiro commended the UNCo for this initiative,notably praising the work of Stefanía Rivera,the program’s coordinator.
A Commitment to Inclusion
The graduation ceremony underscores the UNCo’s dedication to fostering intercultural understanding and inclusivity. In March 2023, the university declared itself an intercultural institution, solidifying its commitment to this vision.
Rector Gentile emphasized the university’s role in safeguarding rights, stating, ”The university will stand firm against any policies that seek to erode progress.”
The Intercultural Medicine program is a testament to the UNCo’s commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system that respects the diverse cultural landscape of the region.
Bridging cultures,Healing Communities: An Interview with UNCo’s Intercultural Medicine Program Coordinator
NewsDirectory3.com sat down with Stefanía Rivera, the driving force behind UNCo’s groundbreaking Intercultural Medicine program, too discuss this pioneering initiative and its impact on the region.
ND3: The Intercultural Medicine program has seen overwhelming success, culminating in the graduation of its first class. What inspired its creation?
Rivera: The program was born from a confluence of factors.Rector Gentile’s visits to indigenous communities like Aluminé and Raguiñ Kien exposed the pressing need for culturally sensitive healthcare. There was a clear gap in understanding and communication, impacting the quality of care received by these communities.
ND3: How does the program bridge this gap?
Rivera: We equip healthcare professionals, students, and community members with the knowledge and skills to address the unique needs of diverse cultural groups. The curriculum delves into indigenous health practices, traditional medicine, intercultural communication, and the social determinants of health.
ND3: What has been the response from the communities the program seeks to serve?
Rivera: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Leaders like Pety Piciñam from the Lof Puel Pvjv have lauded the program for recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples and promoting culturally respectful healthcare.
ND3: What are the program’s next steps?
Rivera: Given the success of this first cohort, the program will be offered again in 2025. We are dedicated to expanding its reach and impact, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for all.
ND3: The program’s success is a testament to UNCo’s commitment to intercultural understanding. how does this program align with the university’s broader vision?
Rivera: This program exemplifies UNCo’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all. By declaring itself an intercultural institution, UNCo has cemented its dedication to upholding the rights and cultural identities of its diverse community. The Intercultural Medicine program is a tangible expression of this vision, empowering us to provide healthcare that truly reflects the needs and values of our community.