Twist on Cultural Sensitivity

Abstract

Abstract As a part of the Double Helix curriculum at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, six themes are addressed throughout 4 years of medical education. One of these themes is that of diversity. The goal of the diversity theme curriculum is to have students develop an understanding of how features of culture and society, economy, and social structures are related to health and disease in populations. This resource contains a three-part activity that includes a student narrative, an interactive large-group activity, and small-group work. The student narrative is prepared in advance while the large- and small-group activities are conducted in the course of a half day. The small-group work allows for debriefing from the large-group activity as well as for students' to provide peer feedback regarding the patient experiences outlined in their narratives. Expert faculty feedback is provided in addition through written critique of the narratives. These materials can be used for students who are at any level of training as long as they are interfacing with real patients. In general, the presentation is well received by the students. Although we do not have a pre- or postassessment data, we have noted that a number of students come to speak independently to speak with the course director, and ask for further insights or resources pertaining to the content.

Keywords

• Health Equity Research
• Self-Reflection
• Humanistic Environment
• Bias
• Diversity
• Assumptions