Explore UK Culture and History: Discover the Secrets of One of the World’s Oldest Universal Healthcare Systems

Exploring the NHS: A Hands-On Learning Experience in London

In London, students from Northeastern University are diving deep into the National Health Service (NHS) through the "Dialogues of Civilizations" course. This program, led by clinical professor Maureen Watkins, combines classroom lessons with real-world experiences about healthcare in the UK.

Watkins wanted her students to go beyond textbooks. She established this course to immerse them in the UK’s healthcare system, one of the oldest universal health services in the world. "We often say the NHS is great because that’s what the textbooks state," she notes. "But there’s much more to explore."

During their five weeks in London, students visit iconic sites like the Houses of Parliament and the Surgeons’ Hall Museums in Edinburgh. These trips help them understand how healthcare policies have been shaped by culture, politics, and history.

Isabel Desai, an 18-year-old health science major, finds that combining classroom activities with cultural visits makes the learning experience much richer. “It’s not just about standard learning; it’s about real experiences that bring the lessons alive,” she shares.

The course also features guest speakers who offer firsthand insights into the UK’s healthcare system. For instance, former lawmaker and health minister Steve Brine and NHS manager Lisa Henschen share their unique perspectives. Recently, Anthea Allen, a critical care nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, talked to students about her experiences. She published a memoir about her challenges in the intensive care unit, illustrating the real stories behind healthcare policies and practices.

Nursing student Tyle Asamoah found Allen’s account inspiring. “Hearing from people who actually lived these experiences gives you a better understanding of the healthcare system,” she says. Many students express appreciation for engaging with experts and learning how both the UK and US healthcare systems have their respective strengths and challenges.

Saagar Shah, a behavioral neuroscience student, is intrigued by the differences between the two countries’ systems. He notes, "The U.S. system focuses heavily on profit, while the NHS emphasizes public health." This insight helps him and his peers understand broader implications for their future careers.

Recent surveys show that many Americans are increasingly interested in exploring universal healthcare systems. According to a 2022 report by the Pew Research Center, 56% of Americans support a single-payer system. This interest highlights a growing conversation about healthcare reform in the U.S.

In blending academic learning with immersive experiences, Northeastern’s Dialogues of Civilizations course not only enhances students’ knowledge but also prepares them to think critically about healthcare systems globally.

Through this hands-on approach, students grasp the complexities of healthcare decisions, learning that they are influenced by a mix of societal, economic, and political factors. The course ultimately inspires them to think creatively about improving the future of healthcare.

Source link

dialogue of civilizations,experiential learning,healthcare,london,Northeastern University-London,students,united kingdom