Ma. Godkin et Ja. Savageau, The effect of a Global Multiculturalism Track on cultural competence of preclinical medical students, FAM MED, 33(3), 2001, pp. 178-186
Background: We evaluated the effect of an elective (the Global Multicultura
lism Track), including international and domestic immersion experiences, on
the cultural competence of preclinical medical students. Methods: A self-a
ssessment instrument was used to measure cultural competence, and it was ad
ministered to Track participants and nonparticipating class cohorts at the
beginning and the end of the preclinical years. Results: Track participants
(n=26) had a higher level of cultural competence both at the beginning and
at the end of the program. At the end of their second year; students parti
cipating in the Track had, for the first rime, greater knowledge of certain
aspects of local cultures, more tolerance of people of other cultures not
speaking English, and more comfort with patients of these cultures, compare
d with non-Track participants. Conclusions: The results are based on a smal
l sample size, but the suggestion that a multiculturalism track could provi
de a model for development of cultural competence warrants further research
.