Cultural Competency

This course will introduce and sensitize students to the challenges of providing quality, culturally appropriate, and patient-centered healthcare that maximizes patient health outcomes. Students will be introduced to historical contexts, observations, experiences, and case studies involving diverse populations/patient groups to develop their awareness, sensitivities, and their appreciation of the importance of cultural sensitivity when caring for these traditionally under-represented patients. Students will understand the health disparities routinely experienced by racial/ethnic minorities, populations/patient groups based on their gender, age, socioeconomic, and insurance status, as well as religious or cultural beliefs and practices, sexual orientation, and physical and mental disabilities. Students will learn about the healthcare policy frameworks, the healthcare systems, the unique health challenges of various population groups, and what their expectations are for what is acceptable, culturally appropriate, and acceptable care that optimizes their health outcomes and overall quality of life.