Healthcare in Thailand: Dwayne Jones' Experience

 Healthcare in Thailand:

   Dwayne Jones' Experience

Dwayne Jones, Biology student 

In this blog, I got to interview Dwayne Jones, a biology student here at SUNY Cortland who had the opportunity to attend our Healthcare in Thailand program, led by faculty leaders Theresa Curtis and Christa Chatfield. The trip lasted from January 2nd, 2025 to January 22nd, 2025. Students stayed in Chiang Mai, focusing their trip at local medical facilities, as well as day trips to local caves, rice fields, a lake and a local school. 

Why Thailand? What about 'Healthcare in Thailand" interested you? 

I chose Thailand because I wanted to gain a different perspective on healthcare and see how medicine is practiced outside of the U.S. I was very interested in how Thai healthcare providers build trust with their patients, which is very different from what I’ve seen in the U.S. I was also curious about traditional Thai medicine and how they are integrated into patient care plans. 

Students with faculty leaders Theresa Curtis and Christa Chatfield

How did this program connect to your career goals? 

In the future I want to become a physician, so this experience gave me valuable experiences with a different healthcare system which will be beneficial in the future. Observing the doctor and patient interactions in Thailand and learning about their medical practices, including treatments like traditional medicine, broadened my perspective on patient care. 

What was the best part of the trip? Favorite city? Favorite memory? 

The best part of the trip was being able to shadow doctors and nurses in Thai hospitals while also having the opportunity to immersed in the culture. Chiang Mai was the city we stayed in, it had such a rich culture, amazing food, and a welcoming community. My favorite memory was participating in the Thai cooking class. It was a fun and interactive experience that made me feel even more connected to the culture. 

Tom Ka, mango sticky rice, and khow soi 

What did that trip teach you? 

This trip taught me that there are many different ways to treat a patient, also that just because you haven’t seen a medical practice it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work. I saw so many different treatments for patients and I believe that building cultural competency is an important trait for a healthcare provider to have. 

 Would you go back to Thailand? 

I would love to go back to Thailand to explore more of the country outside of Chiang Mai to continue learning about Thailand’s healthcare system and rich culture. 

At a local school in Chiang Mai

 Where do you want to travel to next? 

I don’t have a specific place in mind of where I’d want to travel but definitely somewhere that is very different from life in America. I think that experiencing different cultures is good because it builds me to become a well-rounded individual. 

 What do you recommend for people who study abroad in Thailand or in general? 

I recommend that everyone who studies abroad keep an open mind and embrace the culture of the country you’re in. It is an amazing opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, try new foods, meet new people, and create amazing memories. Finally, if you plan to go to Thailand, don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray!

Thank you, Dwayne, for sharing what sounded like a culturally rich and amazing trip! 

Blog made by Mia Parise