Cultural Diversity in the Medical World
Cultural Diversity in the Medical Field
Patient Relations
Abstract
The United States is a nation of immigrants; they have virtually every culture of the world within its borders. Due to this reason, there must be a certain level of cultural competency within its people. A comparison and contrast will be made to compare the Hispanic cultural views on medical care to the American cultural views toward medical care. I chose to explore Hispanic culture because of my background but most importantly due to its richness of unique characteristics. I will provide an overview on how heredity, culture, and environment can influence behavior in the medical office. Furthermore, I will express my opinion about why a medical assistant, must strive to adapt to a patient’s individualized needs, based on research and experience. To conclude my paper, I will be discussing how I can adjust my interpersonal communication techniques, to demonstrate sensitivity to other’s cultural beliefs, and also, how my knowledge, skills, and attitudes can be applied to medical assisting.
Cultural Diversity in the Medical Field
Overview Heredity, culture, and environment can all influence patient behavior in the medical office. Starting with heredity, the traits that we inherit from our parents and grandparents are based on genes. We inherit genes from our family members; therefore, we may also inherit specific diseases that they may have had, like heart disease for example. If a mother has heart disease, this tendency can be transferred to a child through gene composition. Furthermore, from a Hispanic point of view, unlike Native Americans, they do not quite agree with taking medication every time they feel sick. “The prevention of illness is an accepted practice that is accomplished with prayer, the wearing of religious medals, or amulets, and keeping relics in the home” (Cultural Diversity, 2012). This citation explains the Hispanic point of view toward health care.
Patient Relations
Abstract
The United States is a nation of immigrants; they have virtually every culture of the world within its borders. Due to this reason, there must be a certain level of cultural competency within its people. A comparison and contrast will be made to compare the Hispanic cultural views on medical care to the American cultural views toward medical care. I chose to explore Hispanic culture because of my background but most importantly due to its richness of unique characteristics. I will provide an overview on how heredity, culture, and environment can influence behavior in the medical office. Furthermore, I will express my opinion about why a medical assistant, must strive to adapt to a patient’s individualized needs, based on research and experience. To conclude my paper, I will be discussing how I can adjust my interpersonal communication techniques, to demonstrate sensitivity to other’s cultural beliefs, and also, how my knowledge, skills, and attitudes can be applied to medical assisting.
Cultural Diversity in the Medical Field
Overview Heredity, culture, and environment can all influence patient behavior in the medical office. Starting with heredity, the traits that we inherit from our parents and grandparents are based on genes. We inherit genes from our family members; therefore, we may also inherit specific diseases that they may have had, like heart disease for example. If a mother has heart disease, this tendency can be transferred to a child through gene composition. Furthermore, from a Hispanic point of view, unlike Native Americans, they do not quite agree with taking medication every time they feel sick. “The prevention of illness is an accepted practice that is accomplished with prayer, the wearing of religious medals, or amulets, and keeping relics in the home” (Cultural Diversity, 2012). This citation explains the Hispanic point of view toward health care.
References: Hispanic. (n.d.). Transcultural Nursing: Basic Concepts & Case Studies. Retrieved April 26, 2012, from http://www.culturediversity.org/hisp.htm Think Cultural Health - Cross Cultural Health Care Information. (n.d.). Think Cultural Health - Cross Cultural Health Care Information. Retrieved April 26, 2012, from http://www.thinkculturalhealth.org/ The Challenge of Serving and Working with Diverse Populations in American Hospitals. (n.d.). Cultural Diversity in Health Care. Retrieved April 26, 2012, from www.ggalanti.com