By: Clare Howe, Dalhousie School of Nursing
I had a great time at the Global Health Conference. The three-day event gave me an excellent opportunity to connect with individuals who are passionate about international health and to hear their insights through various educational sessions. It was encouraging and motivating to listen and engage with professionals who are highly specialized in their fields. The guest speakers have provided me with knowledge regarding the global burden of diseases such as malaria and parasites, the current landscape of global health care such as equity and vulnerable populations, and the cultural and financial factors that influence access to services such as universal healthcare. With the new found knowledge of the current challenges of global health care, I can research further into these specific difficulties as well as connect with hopeful projects and developments that are supporting improvements in healthcare.
Additionally, the conference reinforced my long-term interest in nursing overseas and the challenges that I will inevitably face in providing care. I was also reminded by the gaps in the Canadian healthcare system and the essential services needed to support our indigenous populations and transgender communities. In all, the Global Health Conference was certainly a highlight of 2018 and will be remembered with fondness.
Other blog posts in this series:
Keisha Jefferies: Student Reflections on the Canadian Conference on Global Health
Rachel Ollivier: Highlights and Learnings from the 2018 Canadian Conference on Global Health (CCGH) and the Global Health Students & Young Professionals Summit (GHSYPS)
Vivian Tan: Canadian Conference of Global Health: Student Reflection