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Integrating cultural competency into the undergraduate medical curriculum
Author(s) -
Rapp David E
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
medical education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1365-2923
pISSN - 0308-0110
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2929.2006.02515.x
Subject(s) - curriculum , medical education , cultural sensitivity , context (archaeology) , cultural competence , cultural knowledge , engineering ethics , medicine , psychology , pedagogy , engineering , psychotherapist , paleontology , biology
Context A significant movement is underway to develop standardised curricula that provide medical students with a fundamental knowledge of cultural sensitivity. Methods This paper reviews the recent initiative to integrate cultural competency training into the curricula of American undergraduate medical institutions. Results Despite these initiatives, few medical institutions have achieved a comprehensive curriculum providing for continued cultural experiences and assessment of related skill sets. The article proposes a framework for the introduction of continued instruction in and assessment of cultural competency within the undergraduate medical education. Conclusions The described components of cultural competency education in the undergraduate medical curricula provide a framework to facilitate early and continued exposure to experiences designed to promote cultural sensitivity.