10 Nov 2025
This past Friday, 42 students and four faculty members from Northwestern University’s Physician Assistant Program took part in an academic activity focused on the Day of the Dead, integrated into the course Behavioral/Preventive Medicine II. The course emphasizes patient-centered communication, preventive health, and the importance of culture and social determinants in clinical practice.
Prof. Claudia Muñoz, Coordinator of the Spanish Department at UNAM Chicago, delivered a presentation on the cultural meaning of the Day of the Dead in Mexico, followed by a visit to the exhibition Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Remembrance at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
The experience offered students an opportunity to reflect on how cultural beliefs, rituals, and traditions shape grief, decision-making, and the relationship between patients and healthcare providers. Activities like this help future clinicians develop stronger cultural sensitivity—an essential skill for delivering empathetic and effective care to diverse communities, including Spanish-speaking patients.
In 2026, these students will continue their training with Medical Spanish courses taught by UNAM Chicago, further strengthening their ability to provide more human, inclusive, and culturally responsive healthcare.
