Another element of the Gullah culture, McLeod-Bryant and Maranville agreed, is the extensive use of herbs as remedies, a result of the residents isolation and independence. McLeod-Bryant said there probably would be times when the physician's values would clash with those of the patient. In those situations, attempt to reach a compromise that both parties can live with. Three of the six noontime presentations have been held, each drawing close to 100 or more students. Cultural issues have been introduced into the doctoring curriculum and small group sessions have been held solely for the purpose of discussing and understanding cultural diversity of all types in a doctor-patient relationship.
Diversity encompasses a wide range of issues.
To be a health care provider today requires awareness, understanding and respect for diverse issues, if the ultimate goal is to proficiently treat the patient. Ricky Choi, co-president of MUSC's chapter of AMSA, has been deeply involved in revamping the diversity portion of the college s curriculum. We as medical students are instructed to memorize epidemiological statistics to prioritize diagnostic differentials, but any clinican will tell you that the patients rarely read the textbooks, said Choi, a second-year student in the parallel curriculum with an interest in pediatrics and public health. It is imperative that a physician use his or her interpersonal skills and humble understanding of other cultural beliefs to guide the clinical decision-making process. Development of these skills is a lifelong process, and ideally we should plant the seed early in a student-doctor's career.