Global Photo Contest Entries Highlight Diverse Landscapes
The fourth annual Global Photo Competition in August 2023 brought an array of entries from students in Columbia University School of Nursing’s Masters Direct Entry (MDE) program who completed their clinical placements at one of the school’s global sites between April and May 2023. Organized by the Office of Global Initiatives, the Global Photo Competition aims to showcase MDE clinical placements that capture the essence of nursing and the spirit of global learning and collaboration. 52 students were placed in 12 sites this year including the Dominican Republic, India, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Spain, The Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zambia. Students spent six weeks immersed in their clinical practicum and conducting research in communities, local community health centers, and hospitals.
Three winners of the photo competition were chosen based on their interpretation of these categories: Active Nursing, I am a Columbia Nurse, and Team Photo. Winners and students who participated in the global program were honored at the MDE Global Student Celebration on August 1.
“At Columbia, we educate nurse leaders that are going to change healthcare and the world. Because these students embarked on this experience, they can bring a new perspective to healthcare here in the US. We’re proud of these students because they had the courage to participate in the program,” Heidi Hahn-Schroeder, DNP, assistant professor of nursing and assistant dean of academic affairs, said at the celebration.
2023 Global Photo Winners
“I am a Columbia Nurse”
Submitted by Karen K. Hsu
Location: Ta Wimbe, Kasungu District, Malawi
“When we arrived at the small village [to visit the community], the women of the community welcomed us by performing traditional songs and dances. We were asked to join in and dance along in the circle which is pictured here.”
“Active Nursing”
Submitted by Keisha Paul
Location: Soroka Medical Center Nursery, Israel
“After a silent two hours beginning the shift in the nursery, a rush of newborns entered the nursery. In this picture, I had just finished bathing, administering the hepatitis B vaccine and vitamin K, and putting clothes on the baby. To help soothe their crying, I held the newborn.”
“Team Photo”
Submitted by Ronald Shpata
Location: Great North Road Academy in Lusaka, Zambia
“We met with clinicians before starting the clinical day at Great North Road Academy, an institution that provides much-needed substance use and psychiatric care in Lusaka.”