Commentary: Cultural Effectiveness—Ask and Listen

Abstract

The article by Sidelinger et al1 describes 2 programs for introducing pediatric residents to culturally effective care. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, these programs provide hands-on experiences for residents to learn directly from the community, outside of the academic hospitals in which residents spend most of their time. Residents also read books that highlight how culture interacts with medicine and have discussions lead by community partners or pediatric faculty. Both programs are based on the understanding that the community cannot get the assistance it needs until it is asked what it wants and how it would best receive that assistance. When community groups are involved in developing curricula and programs, they do not feel that residents have been imposed on them. The community and academic center begin to build trust by working together. The onus must be on hospitals to demonstrate … Address correspondence to Noel B. Rosales, MD, Cultural Effectiveness Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th and Civic Center Boulevard, Patient Care Operations Executive Offices, 8th Floor, Main Hospital, Room 8582, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail: rosales{at}email.chop.edu