Time Schedule:
Vicki Lynn Pinkham
UCONJ 530
Seattle Campus
Surveys historical and contemporary issues in Indian health. Covers Indian contributions to health, traditional Indian medicine, current disease epidemiology, development of federal Indian health policy, the Indian Health Service, tribal health programs, and consequences of major legislation on Indian health. Prerequisite: current health science student or permission of instructor.
Class description
As future healthcare providers, it is essential that you have a profound knowledge of health issues and policies which may impact your patients and your practice. UCONJ 530 is designed to intensify your understanding and knowledge of historical and contemporary issues in Indian Health. It is developed to help any health sciences student interested in Indian Health further explore the Indian contributions to healthcare: traditional Indian Medicine, current disease epidemiology, development of Federal Indian Health policy, the Indian Health Service, tribal health programs, and consequences of major legislation on Indian Health.
TO PASS THE COURSE STUDENTS MUST: staff an information booth at the UW-Winter powwow, Saturday, February 25, 2012; for four hours between 9 AM to 8 PM. Location: Indian Heritage High School/Wilson Pacific Gym: 1330 N. 90th Street, Seattle Wa
Student learning goals
Understand the historical background of federal policy toward American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) emphasizing health issues with a gradual progression toward present day AI/AN health policy.
Enable the student to analyze and determine the intent of past legislation on AI/AN health programs, as well as current AI/AN Health policies and programs.
Analyze the historical development, purposes and functionality of the Indian Health Services (IHS).
Examine the purposes and functions of reservation health programs, community Urban Indian Health programs, and Federal and State health programs. Analyze how they relate to the IHS and determine what effects they have on Indian Health Care.
Understand the major diseases and causes of mortality affecting AI/ANs in the past, present, and future. Compare the current status of Indian Health with other minority and white populations. Enable students to identify and define the nature of programs, recommended solutions, and determine future directions for AI/AN health care.
Understand Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM) and its current use in the care of AI/AN Health problems along with modern Western Medicine. Gain an appreciation for AI/AN contributions to modern medicine and health.
General method of instruction
Various guest speakers who specialize in their topics will share their knowledge with students, starting with Paleopathology, pre/post Columbian era, Historical Trauma, Mental Health/Chemical Dependency, and Traditional Indian Medicine, Cancer, Diabetes and the Challenges of serving the growing population of Urban Indians and Best Practices for IHS, Tribal 638 and Urban Clinics.
Recommended preparation
An understanding of Traditions, Values, Spiritual and Healing the whole person, as opposed to healing the disease.
Class assignments and grading
Two written assignments are required to receive credit. The first paper will be a two-three pages reflection paper on the February 25, powwow. This will be due Thursday, March 1. The second paper is due March 8. All written papers (except #4) should be 2 to 3 pages long, double space, and 12 point font. Students may choose from one of the following formats, or may propose their own project with the approval of the instructor: 1. A concise review of a journal article from the medical literature relevant to a health or health care issue in the AI/AN community
2. A reflective essay exploring a particular aspect of the AI/AN health issue-it would be preferable here to focus on a strengths perspective, i.e., what characteristic’s does the AI/AN community possess that has helped it to survive and thrive through adversity? Give an example that illustrates this characteristic. How, if at all, does this inform your clinical practice?
3. A report describing a community event attended during the quarter –what did you see, hear, and feel? How will this experience impact your clinical practice?
4. A pamphlet or brochure on a health issue for AI/AN patients that is appropriate for use in a clinic or community activist organization
50% Attendance and participation 25% Written Assignment 25% Community Service Events Attendance at all classes is expected. Allowed to miss 1 class (unless extenuating circumstances – need to discuss with course director) Expected to start on-time!
