Crowshoe, Lindsay MD
This presentation will not only describe content, experiences and outcomes but also rationale and Aboriginal construct behind the Alberta Medical Association (AMA)/First Nation's and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) sponsored physician's medical education workshop on Aboriginal Health entitled the Journey to Understanding.
The distressing health disparities of Canada's First Nation's people indicate that additional resources and new approaches within communities are essential to promote improved health. A unique initiative arose from an AMA physician's survey which indicated interest in a workshop on Aboriginal Health and identified the following issue priorities: Diabetes, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Unintentional Injuries and Prescription Drug Abuse. The physicians attending were instructed on and then utilized an Aboriginal decision making process while exploring health issues. The sessions were co-facilitated by both a physician and Aboriginal experts and guided by Aboriginal Elders within teepees. This unique experiencial socio-cultural/health method of education not only sought to provide practical approaches to medical issues but also to promote an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture, life, and history through interaction with and instruction from Aboriginal people.
The physicians (and other health professionals) educated utilizing this Aboriginal construct and process are temporarily 'removed' from the Western medical world and 'immersed' within the structure, process, and experience of the Aboriginal community. Initial and subsequent post workshop evaluations revealed physican satisfaction with the course as well as improved communication with and implementation of learned knowledge during interactions with Aboriginal patients.