Integrating cultural competency into the undergraduate medical curriculum.
BACKGROUND
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.
Rapp
David E
DE
Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. derapp@yahoo.com
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D007858:Learning; D014481:United States