Connie Savells

There are multiple ways I can easily tie in at least 7 UN SDGs in my medical laboratory curriculum. While I had been focusing on one main project, I now have several ideas floating around in my head that I can use in several of my classes.

I think I've found a topic to work on - the blood donor questionnaire.  The FDA approved questionnaire really isn't culturally sensitive to immigrant donors.  I've also added an international piece to blood group systems.

The medical laboratory technician program at JCTC always has a very diverse group of students, and the current cohort is no exception. I have always encouraged students to share about their experiences in their country of origin because other students have so many misconceptions.  I also many of my international students have misconceptions about the US.  There are multiple topics we discuss that an international perspective is so helpful and why it impacts patients in the United States. I can already see where I can utilize accessing prior knowledge to improve my teaching technique in class.

I really hope this program can help me add another layer to my curriculum in medical laboratory technology.  Through increased tourism and immigration, our students and healthcare workers need to be ready to face issues that we may not typically see in the United States.  I also have a masters in public health and frequently use global health topics in my coursework.  I'm really excited to see what I can bring to my students from this program.