Date of Submission

2009

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP

First Advisor

Takako Suzuki, Ph.D., Chairperson

Second Advisor

Stephanie Felgoise, Ph.D., ABPP

Third Advisor

Todd Vladyka, D.O.

Abstract

With the growing number of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States, there also has been a rise in health disparities. Ethnic minorities have been experiencing an overabundance of medical issues, particularly chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Although these chronic diseases are preventable, ethnic minorities are at greater risk for death from them. Possible contributing factors to the increase in health disparities include limited medical attention and follow-up appointments with physicians and the physician-patient relationship. The purpose of this study was twofold: to examine cultural competence among osteopathic medical students and to examine their attitudes toward cultural competence training while in medical school. The results do not suggest a significant difference between Group A, first and second year medical students, and Group B, third and fourth year medical students on the level of cultural awareness and sensitivity and cultural competence behaviors. Additionally, all 4 years of medical students endorsed the importance of learning cultural competence training while in medical school.

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