The effect of a global multiculturalism track on cultural competence of preclinical medical students.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated the effect of an elective (the Global Multiculturalism Track), including international and domestic immersion experiences, on the cultural competence of preclinical medical students.


METHODS
A self-assessment instrument was used to measure cultural competence, and it was administered to Track participants and nonparticipating class cohorts at the beginning and the end of the preclinical years.


RESULTS
Track participants (n=26) had a higher level of cultural competence both at the beginning and at the end of the program. At the end of their second year, students participating in the Track had, for the first time, greater knowledge of certain aspects of local cultures, more tolerance of people of other cultures not speaking English, and more comfort with patients of these cultures, compared with non-Track participants.


CONCLUSIONS
The results are based on a small sample size, but the suggestion that a multiculturalism track could provide a model for development of cultural competence warrants further research.
Godkin
M A
MA
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts, 01655, USA. michael.godkin@umassmed.edu
Savageau
J A
JA
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015331:Cohort Studies; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003479:Curriculum; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States