Dear friends,
Have you ever felt like your doctor just didn’t get you? Like they were treating your condition, but not seeing you? Early in my career I met a young woman living with sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disease that causes small clumps of immune cells, called granulomas, to form in the lungs, skin, eyes, or other organs. Black women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with it than white women.
Her disease had gone unevaluated and untreated for years. A previous doctor told her that this was a disease only Black people get and that she needed to find a Black doctor to treat it. He dismissed her concerns right off the bat. She left every appointment feeling unseen and unheard.
When providers understand their patients’ cultural backgrounds, and how to treat all conditions no matter the prevalence, everyone wins.
Unfortunately, her story isn’t unique. Many in communities of color face similar challenges. Some receive instructions in a language they don’t understand. Some struggle to explain how their faith affects treatment choices, only to be met with blank stares.
These experiences highlight a critical truth: cultural competency in healthcare isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline.
Every leading health organization – including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Medical Association – stresses that cultural competency is vital for reducing health disparities and improving outcomes.
This National Minority Health Month is the perfect time to talk about bridging cultural gaps in healthcare. Addressing implicit bias is crucial. Studies show that these efforts lead to better outcomes and more trust in the healthcare system. So when providers understand their patients’ cultural backgrounds, and how to treat all conditions no matter the prevalence, everyone wins. Patients feel valued, communication improves, and outcomes improve.
The CDC reports that minority populations face higher rates of chronic conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. Language barriers, miscommunication, and implicit biases only make it worse. Patients who don’t feel understood are less likely to follow through on treatments. This can have life-or-death consequences.
These challenges make it crucial to seek out providers who are not only skilled, but are also culturally-competent, as they can bridge these gaps and ensure that every patient feels seen and understood.
So who is a culturally-competent provider? This is someone who listens carefully. They take the time to hear your concerns without rushing you. They also ask about your culture. Whether it’s dietary habits, spiritual beliefs, or family dynamics, a good provider wants to know how these affect your health.
Sometimes, seeing a provider who shares your background can make all the difference. But if that’s not an option, look for someone with a proven track record of working with diverse patients of all backgrounds. Resources matter, too. Providers should offer interpreters, multilingual staff, and culturally-sensitive materials to address language or cultural nuances effectively.
If you are in this situation, here’s how you can take better charge of your health:
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Prepare: Before your appointment, write down your concerns and any cultural practices that might affect your care. Bring your notes and don’t be afraid to share them.
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Speak Up: If something doesn’t feel right, ask questions, such as “Does this treatment option take into account my dietary or religious practices?”
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Bring Support: A trusted friend or family member can help you feel more confident and ensure your voice is heard.
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Know Your Rights: Many states require providers to offer language services or accommodations. Take advantage of these resources.
Healthcare systems also need to do more. Providers should get training in cultural competency. Hospitals should offer interpreters and translate materials; hire team members and partner with community health workers who represent the communities they serve.
As a physician who sees patients, I always ask if I am truly listening to them. I consider their personal needs when prescribing treatment decisions for them. Sometimes for me, it’s a matter of walking a mile in their shoes. In other words, how would I want to be treated were the shoe on the other foot?
Interacting with that patient earlier in my career carried a valuable lesson. She helped me to see that cultural competency isn’t just a skill, but a mindset that every healthcare provider must embrace. The way I see it, this is really about believing that every individual on this earth deserves respect. When providers honor our differences, they help create a system that works for everyone.
As we celebrate National Minority Health Month this April, let’s commit to advocating for care that truly sees us, our families, and our communities, in the most authentic way. And let’s ultimately improve medical outcomes and save more lives in the process.
With your health in mind,
