"Voodoo medicine" is a common healing practice in the country of Haiti and is performed by a voodoo practitioner. Some people go to other folk healers. These include people such as a “docte fey” (leaf doctor), a fam saj” (lay midwife), a “docte zo” (bonesetter), or a “pikitrist” (injectionist). (Purnell and Paulanka, 2003) Many people turn to voodoo practitioners and leaf doctors for many reasons. Some reasons are more personal and want to receive healing from one of these healers because it is mostly through faith. However, some choose to turn to folk healers for convenience. Modern medicine is very rare in Haiti: the doctor-patient ratio is 1/8,000. Again, most health facilities in Haiti are understaffed and underfunded. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Haiti.html) Another reason why this type of medical treatment is preferred is that voodoo is part of their religion. If they submit to their religion to receive medical care, they are relying on their faith. Relying on faith comes in part from the Christianity that has been incorporated into their religious practices. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Haiti.html) Haitian voodoo practices are beneficial not only to someone's health, but also to other aspects of their life. Participating in voodoo practices confirms a relationship between you and your ancestors, gives you the chance to reconnect with your personal history and the relationships you have among your peers. (retrieved 11/14/13 from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/07/0707_040707_tvtaboovoodoo_2.html) Slaves brought voodoo practices to Haiti many centuries ago, when they were brought from a country in Africa Western, Dah...... middle of paper...... LD, & Paulanka, BJ (2008). Cross-cultural health care: A culturally competent approach (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis. Religion in Haiti. (n.d.). Aid to Haiti All for Him RSS. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://www.aidforhaiti.org/learn-more/about-haiti/religion-in-haitiRosenberg, D. (n.d.). A closer look at Haitian voodoo rituals. Slate Magazine. Retrieved November 12, 2013, from http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2013/11/06/anthony_karen_a_photographer_s_look_inside_a_haitian_voodoo_ritual_photos.htmlThomas, M. (2008, May 17). A Brief History of Voodoo in Haiti. by Matt Thomas. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://www.lifepaths360.com/index.php/a-brief-history-of-voodoo-in-haiti-4-14884/Voodoo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). (n.d.). Frequently asked questions about voodoo. Retrieved November 14, 2013, from http://www.realvoodoos.com/voodoo-faq.html#BelieveInGod