The Importance of Cultural Competence

Many medical school clients have been asking me for advice regarding secondary essays pertaining to cultural competence. I find that many applicants neither understand the meaning nor the importance of cultural competence in the practice of medicine today. Because the population in the United States is becoming increasingly diverse, it is essential for physicians (and physicians to be) to understand how culture influences health related behavior, beliefs and perceptions.

An article by Betancourt et al clearly describes the definition and importance of cultural competence. I encourage all medical school and residency applicants to be well versed in this topic.

Click Here to read the article.

Visit: www.MedEdits.com.