Cultural Competence In Health Care

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Pages: 3

I wept with relief when my physician told me I had hypothyroidism. Months of unexplained weight gain, depression, and hair loss have left me feeling like a madwoman suffocating in a glass box. This physical struggle was just one layer of my complex identity as a Documented Dreamer; a term that no one around me understood. Immigrating to rural Indiana, none of my peers looked like me or had a running clock on their minds, marking the day they might be forced to deport and move to a foreign country alone. Simple tasks like obtaining a driver’s license took months of extra paperwork, and the fear of not being allowed back into the country made my stomach churn, with every trip abroad. My legal status made me worry constantly about my future—whether …show more content…
Her willingness to adapt her communication style to meet my needs underscored the importance of patience and empathy in fostering effective doctor-patient relationships.Through my experiences with Dr. R, I gleaned invaluable insights into the significance of cultural competency in healthcare. She understood my diverse cultural background with grace and sensitivity, creating a safe and inclusive space for open dialogue. Her ability to foster trust and rapport served as a profound example of the transformative impact of culturally competent care. I felt inspired by Dr. R's compassionate advocacy and empathy towards my care and realized my experiences as a Documented Dreamer have taught me skills such as resilience, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and advocacy. Through my interactions with Dr. R, I learned that being a physician means more than just treating illnesses—it involves listening, understanding, and connecting with patients on a human level, while also advocating for their needs. These insights have deepened my desire to become a physician who is empathetic, culturally competent, and a strong advocate for my