Dr. Lauren Haldeman

Nutrition
School of Health and Human Sciences
Associate Professor, 2008
Professor, 2018

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures
by Anne Fadiman

This book was given to me early in my career as I was considering extending my research focus to address the food and nutrition needs of newly arrived refugee groups. It opened my eyes to the unique struggles faced by refugees as they transition into a new culture. The story follows the experiences of a Hmong family as they try to navigate the American medical system with the hope of helping their sick young daughter. For me, this book strengthened my work as a nutrition professional and guided me to find my role as a connector of services for these groups. It is an important read for those interested in and directly working with refugees.

View title in library catalog