This presentation discusses the need to train public health professionals to work effectively in diverse communities, drawing on five years experience teaching an elective course entitled Race Gender and Ethnicity in Health Education at a school of public health, along with experience in the movement to increase the number of public health professionals of color. It addresses the need to make diversity encompass areas of class and sexual orientation as well as race, ethnicity and gender. The presentation examines the increasingly popular concept of cultural competence and its elements, and ways to ensure that public health professionals are prepared to offer culturally competent programs and services. The presentation will also explore efforts to make a diversity/cultural competence course a central part of the public health curriculum.
Learning Objectives: To clarify the importance and scope of diversity training for public health professionals; To examine lessons from expereince in providing such training: To discuss the merits and means of establishing a diversity/cultural competence course as a public health training requirement
Keywords: Cultural Competency, Public Health Curriculum
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.