Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses
TBD, 2023
Delegation Leader: Sandra K. Cesario, Ph.D., MS, RNC, FAAN
This Preliminary Schedule of Activities represents the initial plans for the delegation as developed in cooperation with your delegation leader, your professional counterparts, and our research team. The Final Schedule of Activities, published approximately 30 days prior to your delegation convening, will be adjusted to reflect the composition of the delegation, unique opportunities, and scheduling with your professional counterparts.
Day 1 Sunday
Morning departure from the Miami International Airport, U.S. for Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba.
Upon arrival, your will be met by your Delegation Manager and local guides. Travel to the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña, across the bay of Havana and enjoy a beautiful view of the city. The Fortress of Carlos de la Cabaña, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was erected in the 18th century, between 1763 and 1774. The fortress served to protect weakest spot of the city’s defense system. Enjoy traditional Cuban cuisine at the historic La Divina Pastora restaurant.
Check in to the Grand Aston Hotel La Habana. Located in the heart of the Malecón, with a view of the Habana Bay. The Malecón is a 7 km-long stone seawall, where the life of Havana can be experienced. Nightly, Cubans gather along the wall to share in the cooling sea breeze with music and dancing.
Before dinner, the Delegation will gather for an informational briefing and introduction. Later, get your first introduction to Old Havana at one of th iconic restaurants of Havana.
Day 2 Monday
We will start the morning with an introduction to Cuba’s National Health System. Presented by a panel of Cuban Health officials, discussions will cover the history of the healthcare system, post revolution (1959) to today. The officials will share the ministry of health’s structure for resource allocation across rural and urban communities. Learn about the priorities and plans to advance health care for women in Cuba.
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Following Lunch visit the University of Medical Sciences of Havana, meet with the faculty from the Julio Trigo School of Nursing and discuss the curriculum, standards, and structure for Nursing and Advanced Nursing degrees. Discuss regulations, and standards of nursing in Cuba, and the structure of nursing education and preparation for practice in women’s health care.
Later visit the National School of Public Health (ENSAP) to learn about how women’s health has been prioritized as part of the overall National Health Strategy. Discuss the impact of universal health in Cuba and access to care for women, and the National Maternal-Child Health Program, established in 1983, which provides both guidelines and benchmarks for already-prioritized maternal and child health services. Discuss the the unique system of maternity homes to improve the health of pregnant women, mothers and newborns. gain an understanding of the cultural and clinical practice differences between the United States and Cuba, including how Cuba exchanges medical programs and provides expertise around the globe.
Later, the delegation will be briefed on the role of the Cuban government and US relations by a representative of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, ICAP.
The Delegation will enjoy dinner at a tradition Cuban Paladar (family-run restaurant, often in the owner’s home).
Day 3 Tuesday
Start the morning with a visit to one of the major public hospitals in Havana. Meet with the labor and delivery staff, neonatal teams and women’s gynecologic specialist . Learn about the model of care in the labor and delivery, postpartum and neonatal care units, then discuss the role of Advance Practice Registered Nurses in obstetrics and neonatal care.
Later, visit a community polyclinic and meet with a primary care team. Discuss community resources to support expectant parents and neonatal care families. Learn about Cuban best practices for common women’s health clinical issues, including female reproductive system chronic and acute diseases.
Tonight, after dinner, your Delegation Manager will help with arrangements for those who wish to attend a variety of optional cultural activities.
Day 4 Wednesday
Begin the morning with a guided walking tour of Old Havana. Learn about the history, architecture, an art, that make Old Havana a magical place.
After lunch, visit to Maternity Home; meet with the physicians, nurses and staff providing care. Observe and discuss the role of the family and community resources to support expectant parents.
Dinner will be on your own. Strike out on your own, or with a small group and experience the music, art, and life in Old Havana.
Day 5 Thursday
Start the day Program Wrap-up meeting; this is an opportunity reflect and share your observations with both your delegation members and many of the oral health professionals you met during you visit to Havana. Discuss plans for future collaboration, resource sharing and on-going networking opportunities.
The afternoon is reserved for individual research pursuits.
Say goodbye to Cuba and your delegation members at the farewell dinner.
Day 6 Friday
Transfer from Jose Marti International Airport, Havana, Cuba to Miami International Airport.