Today we got an early start, and visited Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) and the Queen’s Medical Center (QMC) in Honolulu.  The program at TAMC included two lectures and a tour of the facility. Dr. Brian McLean, the chief medical officer for the Integrated Pain Management Program presented information on the use of complementary and alternative medicine in treating chronic pain.  Then Hope Cooper-Oliver, RN presented information on the provision of culturally sensitive care in primary and acute care settings, and the appropriate use of medical interpreters.

Hope Cooper-Oliver, RN (Patient Education Coordinator, TAMC) asking students what they each learned about the appropriate use of medical interpreters.

Then we were split up into two groups of nine people each, and the program at TAMC concluded with a tour of several areas of the hospital including the Integrated Pain Management Clinic, the Emergency Department, the Adult ICU & the in-patient/out-patient Pharmacy.

With Nurse Managers of the Emergency Department (ED) and the Neuro-Vascular Unit (our “tour guide”) in the ED at TAMC.

After a quick stop to pick up lunch “on the go” at the Subway on site at TAMC, we boarded our Roberts tour bus again for the quick trip back to downtown Honolulu for a program at the Queen’s Medical Center (QMC).  After a short presentation on the history of QMC, Beth Frietas, MSN, RN – Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) spoke to the students about the importance of caring for one’s self, as a “care-giver”, and providing culturally sensitive end-of-life care.

Then we were taken on a tour of QMC.  While touring the Maternal-Child unit, the students had the chance to view several newborn babies in the nursery. One of the students identified “acrocyanosis” in one of the infants, and we had a nice clinical discussion of when it occurs, and what it can signify.  We were also taken to a Medical-Surgical unit, the ED, and a psychiatric triage and intake unit.

After the students gave in my request for [yet another] group photo (this time in front of QMC), we headed back to the hotel, where seemingly ALL of the students had plans for a nap!

Great photo of an AWESOME group of students!

Up very early this morning, and on our Roberts bus for a tour of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and downtown Honolulu.

Gunnery post #3 visible above the water at the stern of the USS Arizona.

The white buoy marks the bow of the USS Arizona.

Students reading an documentary poster explaining how how Arizona survivors can be buried with their comrades…

Some of the students got to meet two Pearl Harbor survivors who were there signing books at the gift shop today.  They learned that they are seven survivors of the USS Arizona still living today, who intend on being buried at the Memorial with their comrades…

Memorial Wall

Names of the last two USS Arizona survivors to have been buried with their comrades…

After a visit to Pearl Harbor this morning, we traveled to the “windward” side of the island & visited the overlook at Nuuanu Pali State Park.  We thought it would be a great place for a group photo & took three versions.   #1: Traditional : ‘ #2 With IWU  Ws  #3 With shakas: 

Yesterday we spent the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We left the hotel about 10:30 and arrived at the PCC for a buffet lunch.  Students then had 5 hours to explore each of the island cultures represented at the PCC. They sampled traditional Samoan foods, learned weaving crafts, got traditional (temporary) tattoos, and practiced spear throwing, among many other things.

One of the daily events at the PCC is the canoe parade, where dancers from each of the island cultures perform traditional dances.

By dinner time, everyone was ready to eat again. The luau featured a pig cooked in an imu, poke, lomi lomi salmon, and, of course, poi.

Students enjoyed the  entertainment, which reviewed the evolution of hula from a form of prayer performed only by men to a modern blending of traditional end entertainment styles.

Because her birthday is in the month of May, one of the students went up on stage and was serenaded with Happy Birthday by the many attendees.  She was then asked to stay on stage for a hula lesson, much enjoyed by the rest of the group.

The course itinerary (and grading assignments, and group leadership activities) have had Kumu Lisa and I so busy over the last two days, that it’s been hard to keep up with getting photos downloaded/uploaded and things posted to the blog.  So, I’m posting a “flash back” this evening…

Mid-morning, May 9th while on the bus on the way to Chinatown, I got a text message from Rachel A. “Aloha Kumu Kerr!!! This is Rachel and [her hotel room mates; Kayla S., Natalie S. & Sarah V.]. We were wondering if you and Kumu Searing would like to join us for dinner this evening…”  Lisa and I were both thrilled at this invitation, and I replied “Of course!”.

We suggested an Udon shop located a few blocks from the hotel, that the we had really enjoyed when we taught the course in 2012…  Massive quantities of food for very little money – ie: perfect for a student budget.  The girls were game to stretch their culinary boundaries, and off we went… (the course Syllabus DOES indicate that culinary experimentation is mandatory after all!)

At Rachel’s request, I “went first”, and role-modeled how to place an order…  but they all caught on quickly, and seemed to lose any anxiety about “doing it wrong”.

Put your tray on the line, chose “small” or “large” bowl, and what type of Udon you want, and give the person behind the line the number of the meal you want… “I’ll have a #3″…  Sort of like ordering from the drive through menu at Taco Bell or McDonald’s, only [much] better for you.  Udon is a thick, wheat noodle served hot or cold, with one of several types of broth, often topped with scallions, tempura and/or an egg. The noodles are cooked fresh, right in-front of you as you wait, and then you choose any extra tempura that you’d like to add.  The general consensus was Udon is delicious, and a great way to fill your belly!

Brittany S. and I explored Honolulu’s Chinatown this afternoon… We wandered through several open-air markets and shops viewing an array of fruits, vegetables, meats and fish that challenged our ideas of what might be “good” on a plate. I love watching Andrew Zimmern’s “Bizarre Foods”, but definitely could not see myself doing that job!

According to Wikipedia,”the flesh of the Jackfruit is starchy and fibrous and is a source of dietary fiber. The flavor is comparable to a combination of apple, pineapple, mango and banana.”

Jackfruit

Talk about fresh fish! We both noted how clear the eyes were on the fish cooling under ice in this case (indicating freshness) and admired the beautiful hues of the “Unu” (Parrotfish) as it “smiled” up at us from beneath the cubes of ice.  When it comes to chicken, we both were a bit challenged with the thought of eating chicken feet…

We came across a Chinese Medicine store and entered to be greeted with the heady scents of the multiple dried herbs, and fungi stored in the drawers and jars lining the wall behind the counter… Suen Hang Yee’s (the acupuncturist) wife (who tended the shop and organized the herbs) graciously answered our questions and shared a bit of her life history with us.

Today started off with an early walk to class. As we left dinner last night, students were debating if class should be on the beach or at the park. They chose a park overlooking the beach.

Today’s discussion focused on Haole culture in Hawai’i. The student leaders divided the class into two groups, with one group representing Haoles and one group representing Native Hawaiians. After discussing different scenarios within their group, they talked to each other about what Haoles wanted from Native Hawaiians and what Native Hawaiians wanted from Haoles.

Nice work, presenters!

After class, students went in several different directions: to the Bishop Museum, to China Town, to their observation experience, and to the beach. Tomorrow we have an all-day cultural experience at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Thanks to the time change (we are 5-hours behind CST), several students were up bright and early this morning; motivated and ready to get out and about with the plan for the day.

Caught these lovely “wahine” (Hawaiian & Maori word for “women”) enjoying the view from the lanai off of their 5th floor room at our hotel as I was enjoying my coffee this morning…

Brittany S., Ashley M. & Nicolette L.

Here is the view from my lanai… downtown Waikiki is very reminiscent of downtown Chicago (but with palm trees!).

Kumu Lisa and I took a group of students to the Bishop Museum. The students completed a scavenger hunt activity developed by Kumu Lisa that will inform their reflective journals entries, and seemed to have fun in the process!

Natalie S. & Sarah V. view a scaled model of an ancient Hawaiian sacred space…

Rachel A. & Kayla S. get in touch with their inner Polynesian warriors…

Five pairs of students completed their observation experiences with an alternative/complementary therapy provider today.  Daniel G. and Nicolette L. met with Dr. Margarethe McLeod, a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) today and had the opportunity to observe her doing energy work with a client.  Later, Dr. McLeod joined us for dinner at the Hula Grill!

Daniel G. & Nicolette L. with Dr. Margarethe McLeod, ND

We ended the day with a “Welcome” dinner at the Hula Grill, and a group photo on the beach below the restaurant, with the beautiful silhouette of Diamond Head behind us…

Flight a bit delayed, but made up time en route.  Arrived safely with no lost luggage!  General consensus amongst the students… 9-hours of non-stop flight is TOO long!  We had a nice view of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial off the left-side of the plan upon landing at Honolulu International Airport. Settled in to the hotel, had a short “orientation” meeting, and then most of the students were off to Waikiki Beach to see the grand Pacific ocean!

Tomorrow we dive into course content and activities!

On Wednesday, May 7, 2014, 16 undergraduate Nursing, Pre-med & Psychology students from Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) will embark on a 24-day journey to Hawaii during the 2014 May Term. They are taking a course called H310/N390: Transcultural Healthcare in Hawaii led by Dr. Noel Kerr, and Dr. Lisa Searing, and over the course of travel will visit the islands of Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

The course focuses on the historical, geographical, and cultural factors that influence health and health care delivery in the Hawaiian Islands. The multicultural environment in this state provides a rich opportunity for trans-cultural study. The students will develop an awareness of resources for identifying and meeting the health needs of persons from varied cultural backgrounds, and examine how their own cultural background influences choices in health and self-care. Class activities/studies focus on trans-cultural theories/concepts, study of select cultural groups, cross-cultural interactions/observations, study of cultural aspects of health attitudes/behaviors, and exploration of complementary and/or alternative health care modalities.

During the spring semester, the students have attended 5 classes that offered introductory course content. They have also conducted individual investigative projects on an complementary/alternative therapy of their choice, that will be followed with appropriate site visits while on the island of Oahu.