Integrating cultural competency into the undergraduate medical curriculum

Abstract

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.