By: Alana Banton
The first time I heard the phrase Global Scholar, I imagined someone constantly in motion: crossing borders, absorbing cultures, and collecting stories. Now, I see it differently. To me, being a Global Scholar is less about distance traveled and more about depth of understanding. It is the ability to step into unfamiliar spaces with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to listen, especially when words are not enough.
This summer, I will be working as a patient care technician on a medical-surgical unit at Mount Sinai Medical Center. I picture the environment vividly: the steady rhythm of monitors beeping, the soft murmur of conversations in multiple languages, the quiet urgency of nurses moving from room to room. Within this space, I will not only assist with patient care—checking vital signs, helping patients move, responding to their needs—but also observe something more subtle and powerful: communication.
My Community-Based Inquiry (CBI) focuses on how healthcare providers adapt both verbal and non-verbal communication when caring for patients from diverse cultural, linguistic, and health literacy backgrounds, and how these adaptations influence care decisions. I chose this topic because communication is at the core of healthcare, yet it is often taken for granted. A simple gesture, a change in tone, or the decision to simplify language can shape a patient’s understanding, trust, and ultimately their outcome.
To explore this, I will conduct interviews with healthcare providers and observe provider-patient interactions. I imagine sitting across from a physician, asking them to recall a moment when communication made the difference between confusion and clarity. I will pay attention not just to what is said, but how it is said—eye contact, pauses, body language, and even silence. These details, though small, often carry the most meaning.
I am both excited and apprehensive. I look forward to learning in a real-world setting where every interaction matters, but I am also aware of the challenges; time constraints, privacy regulations, and the emotional weight of working in healthcare. Still, these challenges are part of what makes this experience meaningful. They remind me that global scholarship is not about perfect conditions, but about adaptability and growth.
Engaging with my host community will require intention. I plan to immerse myself by actively listening, asking thoughtful questions, and respecting the diverse perspectives I encounter. At the same time, I will share my own values, empathy, patience, and a commitment to equitable care, through my actions. Even small moments, like offering reassurance to a patient or supporting a nurse during a busy shift, can become opportunities for connection.
I also hope to learn from the cultural differences I encounter. Each patient brings a unique story, shaped by their background and experiences. By remaining open and reflective, I aim to grow not only as a student and researcher, but as a future healthcare provider.
Ultimately, being a Global Scholar means recognizing that understanding others begins with listening, sometimes beyond words. This summer, in the quiet exchanges between providers and patients, I hope to uncover how communication can bridge gaps, build trust, and create more equitable care for all.
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