DO - Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Medicine
N e w i n t e r c u l t u r a l c o m m u n i c a t i o n
t r a i n i n g s e r i e s f o s t e r s c u l t u r a l
c o m p e t e n c y i n f u t u r e p h y s i c i a n s
michaeldibari.com
Medical school sharpens the senses. Eyes detect
subtle imbalances, hands track changes, and ears
listen with heightened diagnostic awareness. But
anatomical savvy and keen diagnoses alone won’t
cut it in today’s medical world. The various views
and priorities of humanity’s diverse cultures
rival—and perhaps surpass—the complexity of the
human body itself. Culture informs a patient’s
perception of, and decisions about, health care.
From 1990 to 2000, the United States Census saw
an increase in every minority population, including
a 23 percent jump in the Hispanic population.
Columbus, Ohio, is home to growing enclaves
of East Asian Indian, African and other minority
populations. “You don’t have to go very far to
encounter enormous diversity,” says Pat Burnett,
Ph.D., director of student affairs at the Ohio
University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
That’s why the staff of OU-COM’s Center of
Excellence (COE) is committed to sharpening
the cultural acuity of the college’s diverse student
body. Their latest project: a professional development
seminar conducted by Mark Orbe, Ph.D., an expert
in cross-cultural medical communication.
Cultural demand
Orbe starts each session of his “Professional
Development in Cultural Competency” series for
OU-COM by counting “1 – 2 – 3 … ”
“Dumela!” his students shout on cue. The word
dumela is a South African greeting that also
means “I affirm you, I believe in you, and I see the
great potential within you.” Orbe weaves this
Mark Orbe, Ph.D., reviews material covered during the seminar—
basic communication concepts, communication styles and
explanatory models.
michaeldibari.com
summer/fall 2007 15