Three Chinese professors learn about lung treatmentsat WSU
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1 Comment [ View ]By BROOKE NELSON
Standard-Examiner staff
OGDEN -- Two years ago, they had heard little of respiratory therapy.
Two months ago, they had never stepped foot in the United States.
But thanks to them, a year from now a new profession will be available to Chinese medical students.
Three professors from Xi'an Medical College in northwest China are visiting Weber State University this semester, absorbing as much as they can about the school's respiratory therapy program so the major can be implemented next fall at their university.
"We are eager to learn from WSU," said Zhou Xiao Lan, who goes by the English name Grace. "It's very important to the people there."
Respiratory therapists are crucial to caring for patients with asthma, pneumonia and emphysema as well as monitoring airways in crisis situations such as pre-term deliveries.
"There are lots of people who suffer from respiratory disease (in China)," said Xue Ying Li, whose English name is Patience. "It's a must for people there."
Grace and Li Ping (Amy) have each worked in the medical field, while Patience teaches English and came to help soften the language barrier.
Lisa Trujillo, director of clinical education in Weber State's department of respiratory therapy, first visited China in 2004 with other health professionals.
It was difficult to find a Chinese counterpart for her profession during collaboration.
"Respiratory therapy is something that really doesn't exist there," Trujillo said.
After two more visits to China, and with the help of a Chinese colleague at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Trujillo said the department was thrilled to invite the professors here.
"I have been impressed with their desire to learn and their dedication to absorbing as much as they can from the courses we're teaching," she said. "They have an excitement and an enthusiasm for this profession and subject matter."
Respiratory therapy instructor Janelle Gardiner said faculty and students have responded warmly to their new classmates, offering help during labs and extending dinner invitations.
The professors have responded, making authentic Chinese food for the students and going camping and to a demolition derby with Weber State staff.
Patience said the three have also visited Park City, Temple Square and even Wal-Mart as part of their American experience.
Though the three are here as students, they have 32 years of combined teaching experience at the college level.
"Their teaching methods are different from how we teach in China. I've learned a lot from them," Grace said.
"I like the class atmosphere -- it's relaxed. I find the students study very hard."
All three teachers said using a syllabus was new to them and they've appreciated the clear direction it gives the class.
"In China, students are not active participants," Patience said. "Here the teachers serve more as organizers and facilitators."
Gardiner said she's been impressed with how well the three have done with courses taught only in English.
"English is hard enough as it is. To throw in medical terms in English adds a whole other level of difficulty," she said.
All three said the beautiful Ogden scenery will be one of the things they will miss when they leave.
"The mountain looks different at different times during the day," Patience said.
But it is the people they will miss the most.
"We've found the respiratory therapy department is a family," Patience said.
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They are in my intro to respiratory therapy class! :) Fantastic people and I am glad they came here to visit.
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