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Cultural Diversity, Health Care Disparities, and Cultural Competency in American Medicine

Dr. Williams is Clinical Professor of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, and President/CEO, The Minority Health Institute, Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Williams or the department with which he is affiliated has received nonincome support (such as equipment or services), commercially derived honoraria, or other non-research–related funding (such as paid travel) from NitroMed.

A 2003 report by the Institute of Medicine identified several areas of disparity in health care due to discrimination (whether unintentional or intentional), bias, and prejudice. Given that most minority patients are treated by physicians from the majority group, the principles of cultural competency are extremely important. A health care provider is culturally competent when the patient is satisfied that a collaborative partnership has been established that facilitates successful and satisfactory delivery of care. To accomplish this, the physician makes an effort to overcome language barriers and learns to appreciate cultural differences. Taking the step to increase communication and awareness will enhance the quality of medical care delivered to minorities, leading to greater racial and ethnic harmony and understanding in the health care professions.