by Allison Eichler, originally published on NYIT.edu
Where Music Meets Mental Health
For two weeks in January, osteopathic medicine student Jeri Ann Ramilo (they/she) returned home to the Philippines to conduct their research, “Creating Culturally Tailored Mental Health Music Therapy Treatment in Collaboration with the University of the Philippines Center for Ethnomusicology,” in Manila. A nation that tends to place a stigma on health treatments like therapy, mental health issues are often not prioritized in the Philippines. Ramilo’s project goals included gathering information and discovering methods to tailor treatment to acknowledge someone’s cultural background, specifically in a community health setting, as well as exploring how practicing cultural music and instrument skills can alleviate mental health concerns and decrease stigmas.
“My interest in guitar, songwriting, and music production, combined with my interest in practicing medicine in a way that is creative, empathetic, patient-centered, and evidence-based, drove me to be curious about why music is neurally and emotionally protective,” Ramilo says. After more deeply understanding Filipino indigenous culture, traditional music, and music therapy, she created several background tracks and video tutorials to guide the process of creating music therapy for a Filipino patient. Ramilo’s work expands on preventive medicine in the Philippines and aims to inspire locals to cultivate stronger relationships within their community and with healthcare providers through music.
After more deeply understanding Filipino indigenous culture, traditional music, and music therapy, she created several background tracks and video tutorials to guide the process of creating music therapy for a Filipino patient. Ramilo’s work expands on preventive medicine in the Philippines and aims to inspire locals to cultivate stronger relationships within their community and with healthcare providers through music.
The Batwa of Uganda
In February, osteopathic medicine student Hira Iftikhar spent two weeks in Buhoma, Uganda, for her project, “The Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Common Chronic Diseases Experienced by the Batwa People of Uganda.” Iftikhar says the indigenous Batwa, displaced decades ago from UNESCO World Heritage Site Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, face high rates of conditions like HIV, tuberculosis, upper respiratory infections, and alcoholism. Despite being integrated into communities that experience higher rates of diabetes and hypertension, the Batwa do not have many such cases. Iftikhar’s research sought to understand this discrepancy.
Through interviews with Batwa locals, as well as doctors and community health officers at Bwindi Community Hospital, she learned that socioeconomic status and receiving no compensation after their forced eviction from their homes caused the Batwa to face extreme poverty. Many of their homes are poorly ventilated, overpacked with family members, and have high levels of smoke exposure either from kitchen fires or smokers residing in the household.
For the duration of her stay, Iftikhar helped with daily activities at the hospital like administering vaccinations, conducting screenings, and other everyday tasks. She also participated in a fundraiser resulting in enough money for a 4-year-old boy to see a pediatric prosthetist and cover the cost of his prosthesis for the next three years. “This experience reinforced my passion for advocating for those in need of medical care and ensuring that no one is left without the resources they deserve,” she says.
Traditional Thai Architecture and Climate Change
Emily Sturges, who is studying health and design, stayed in Thailand for three and a half weeks in December and January for her research, “Revitalizing Vernacular Architecture for Climate Resilience.” Vernacular architecture refers to design elements based on local needs and reflecting the local environment and cultural practices. Sturges’ primary goal was to explore how traditional Thai houses are better adapted to address flooding, pollution, and rising temperatures than modern developments in Thailand.
To achieve this, she conducted site visits in rural and rapidly urbanizing areas to document examples of flood-resilient and climate-responsive architecture in varying economic and ecological climates. She also analyzed traditional construction techniques used to elevate buildings, manage water flow, and reduce heat; interviewed local experts about how environmental challenges affect daily life; and documented sustainable materials and climate-resilient design principles local communities use to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.
Despite severe flooding, rapid urbanization, and rising temperatures, Thailand has a rich history of vernacular architecture that has long adapted to these environmental conditions. “The idea that traditional design solutions can be combined with modern sustainable practices to create climate-resilient and health-promoting environments in such a dense, rapidly changing urban context deeply resonated with me,” Sturges says.
Improving Pediatric Care in Nepal
For four weeks in January and February, public health student Loryn Bucci visited Bayalpata, Nepal, where she conducted her research “Addressing Pediatric Emergency Care in Rural Nepal.” Set in a resource-limited setting, Bayalpata Hospital has significant gaps in pediatric emergency care and serves a vulnerable child population. With the hospital’s lack of a dedicated children’s emergency system, there are delays in treatment and preventable complications. Committed to global health and children’s emergency medicine, Bucci sought to improve this area of the hospital’s healthcare by developing and implementing updated protocols, training first responders, and identifying gaps in care.
She successfully created 10 new pediatric emergency protocols tailored to the hospital’s resources and patient needs, covering conditions like head trauma, malnutrition, and pediatric fractures. Working closely with hospital staff and physicians, Bucci ensured these new protocols were practical and aligned with existing workflows. She also introduced a new pulse oximeter specifically designed to read oxygen levels in newborns and small children, allowing the healthcare team to monitor oxygen levels in infants accurately for the first time.
“This work was deeply meaningful,” she says. “I wanted to help bridge the gap in care and empower local providers with the knowledge and tools to manage pediatric emergencies more effectively.”
View Jeri Ann Ramilo's profile
View Hira Iftikhar's profile
View Emily Sturges's profile
View Loryn Bucci's profile
