From New York to Guyana: Building cross-cultural understanding

A group of medical professionals arrived in Guyana this week to deliver care, exchange knowledge and develop a plan to support the more remote areas of the South American country. This work is part of a five-year medical partnership between the Ministry of Health of Guyana and Northwell Health, through its Center for Global Health (CGH). Daniel Leon is among those who traveled 2,500-plus miles for the three-week trip. He shares his experiences and connection to Guyana, as well as his passion for global health and the critical role the CGH plays. Also joining the show is Launette Woolforde, EdP, DNP, chief nursing officer for the Northwell's Western Region, who was part of the CGH's prior trip to Guyana in November 2021. Born and raised in Guyana, the chief nursing officer for Northwell Health's Western Region explains the benefits of clinicians broadening cross-cultural understanding, particularly for the communities of Little Guyana in Queens, as well as surrounding neighborhoods that makeup the fifth largest immigrant population in New York City. Donations to the Center for Global Health will benefit Northwell's Ukraine relief fund. Chapters: 01:08 - Daniel Leon on returning to Guyana 02:09 - EMS in a rough terrain 03:07 - Medical education in a tropical climate 03:57 - A deep connection 05:20 - Building a partnership 06:49 - A focus on mental health 07:39 - How to support global health efforts 08:56 - Launette Woolforde on nursing collaboration 10:45 - Mutual benefit 12:25 - Tropical medicine 13:46 - Local is global in Little Guyana 15:43 - Value for medical students 18:05 - A selfless cause Watch episodes of 20-Minute Health Talk on YouTube.