This presentation will provide an overview of the curricular strategies used at the University of Arizona's College of Medicine to improve the culturally-related content of two required courses, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Preparation for Clinical Medicine. In addition, to these two courses a presentation of successful strategies for adding cross cultural content to at least two required basic science courses and two clinical clerkships, will be examined as it relates to improving the cultural competency of all University of Arizona College of Medicine students. The goal of these curricular changes is to increase medical student contact with culturally competent material in order to increase their cultural sensitivity toward Hispanic patients as well as improve their cultural competence with this group. Discussion will also focus on the development of a unique course developed in the medical school curriculum designed to emphasize the importance of cultural competence in the health professions from epidemiological, social, psychological, and biological perspectives that relate to the health of the Hispanic population of the U.S. and the border region. Focus areas include: principles of cultural sensitivity and competency; the health gap among minority populations; community issues in minority health; theories and models for promoting healthy behavior change; and practical issues in health promotion with minority populations. Finally, discussion of institutional barriers to introducing culturally innovative material in a college of medicine curriculum will be discussed with successful strategies to mitigate those existing barriers.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation participants will be able to : (1) recognize curriculum in medical education that can be used to appropriately target cultural competency through case studies and clinical examples affecting the Hispanic population. (2) Identify potential institutional barriers to incorporating cultural competency in all 4 years of medical education and strategies for minimizing these barriers. (3) List methods of evalution of the impact on medical student education from the infusion of cultural competency within the curriculum
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Latino Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The focus of this discussion will be on the infusion of cultural competency in medical education through the Hispanic Center of Excellence at the University of Arizona College of Medicine
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: The Hispanic Center of Excellence is funded by HRSA and I am the co-PI for the grant