BEYOND BORDERS
Photos from Italy as part of the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Physician MBA Global Health Care Experience .
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international travel , designed to provide perspectives on applying evidence-based management skills learned in the classroom to real-world evidence-based medical practices . Before traveling , we studied the health care systems of each country to obtain a deeper understanding of their unique perspectives . During our visits , we had the incredible opportunity to participate in on-site experiences that enriched our classroom learning . These included tours of various health care facilities and , most importantly , an immersion into the culture of each country .
Italy has a national health service , Servizio Sanitario Nazionale ( SSN ), which provides free or low-cost health care to most Italians with funding provided by taxation . Private health care is also available at a cost . As we toured various practitioner ’ s ( GP ) offices , we found that medications were subsidized , and lab services were provided at no cost to the patient . Public hospitals and specialists provided additional care . Regional governments oversee management of care which allows for differences based on geographic location . Some public hospitals in various regions may offer higher standards with patients traveling to these cities for health care resulting in less uniform care across the country .
It is important to note that health care in Italy emphasizes both preventive and prescriptive care , utilizing a co-location model to facilitate collaboration among various specialties . As part of our health care experience , I had the opportunity to tour Bambino Gesù Children ’ s Hospital , a tertiary care academic children ’ s hospital located in Rome . The hospital staff , including both physicians and administrative personnel , warmly welcomed us and expressed their support for future collaboration . Viewing the hospital through a pediatric lens , I found the hospital to be sparser in its décor , but the overall aesthetics were very child friendly . And , in the various departments I toured , hospital equipment was technologically advanced . In addition , I visited the European Institute of Oncology and engaged with officials from the Italian Ministry of Health .
Cuba presented a stark contrast to Italy in many ways , yet also shared several similarities . Currently , one can travel to Cuba if travel is defined by one of 12 specific purposes by the U . S . Treasury Department . For our trip , we focused on professional research and educational activities . Cuba embraces a universal health care model that is funded and operated by the state . Health care is provided free
10 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE