Is culture important in the choice of role models? Experiences from a culturally diverse medical school
- 1 March 2004
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Medical Teacher
- Vol. 26 (2), 142-149
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01421590310001653964
Abstract
In a multicultural student population at a South African medical school, for over one-third of students (Years 1–5) undertaking a traditional curriculum, culture was an important consideration in their choice of a role model. This was particularly so for senior students, perhaps reflecting their relatively recent exposure to patients and their forthcoming internship. Some student comments might, however, be interpreted as reflecting a rigid perception of culture that could translate into a possible lack of respect for other cultures. It is therefore imperative that each institution provide appropriate early and continuous mainstream diversity training, as well as identify role models to match the student profile. With the increasing diversity of students globally, this issue of culture should assume even greater importance in medical education than it is currently afforded.Keywords
This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit:
- Cultural identity and representing culture in medical education. Who does it?Medical Education, 2001
- Mindful PracticeJAMA, 1999
- As others see us: students' role models in medicineThe Medical Journal of Australia, 1998