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Spring 2020 Buffalo Business 19 health care background to understand both the purpose of the project and the clinical research." Cultural challenges But getting there was only the begin- ning. Once in Kingston, Gersz found a vastly different communication culture. Aer the failed email attempts, he spoke to Lindo and learned that in Jamaica, people rely much more on direct communication— either in person or by telephone. Gersz changed his approach and began making calls. "Everyone was immediately respon- sive, and some were even able to meet with me that same day," he says. Adapting quickly to a culture that was, as a whole, less formal, Gersz found his inter- actions to be positive and productive. "Even though I was a student, a visitor and a guest to both the university and country, I was treated with the respect of a colleague and equal player," he says. A complex system In addition to cultural differences, obstacles included a siloed system with researchers at several separately operated institutions across the city. Additionally, the Jamaican health care system still uses a paper charting system for medical records. To sort out how each stakeholder would be involved, Gersz met with clinical investi- gators from facilities across Kingston, UWI administrators, technology support compa- nies, UB School of Management faculty and many others. "All of the participants were very much committed to getting the network up and running," says Gersz. "There just hadn't been anyone with 'feet on the ground' to deal with the details and logistics of actually starting." Despite the hard work, Gersz was able to have some fun during his month on the Carribean island, touring the area on week- ends. Among the highlights were visits to the Bob Marley Museum, Trench Town Culture Yard (see photos at right), Port Royal and the Sha'are Shalom Synagogue, as well as a trip to Port Antonio on the northeast coast of the island. "It had a very different culture with a small-town feel, and the beaches were beau- tiful," he says. Ensuring a smooth transition To help future leaders of the project and keep the goals sustainable, Gersz put his findings into a formal project proposal and presentation. His report included phases of implementation and challenges that needed to be overcome to achieve success. Long term, the diabetes informatics network will provide more effective treat- ments for individuals living with diabetes. The pilot project will serve as a model to expand out from diabetes research to a multitude of other chronic diseases. In addi- tion, future projects will include expansion into other sites in Jamaica and other coun- tries working with CIGBS. Now back in Buffalo, Gersz will finish his MD/MBA in 2020 and begin his residency training in pediatrics. He is continuing work on the project by attending CIGBS meetings to ensure a smooth transition to the next group of UB students and faculty who will continue to develop the informatics network. He plans to make global health and develop- ment part of his career in the future.