Mental Health Disparities, Diversity, and Cultural Competence in Medical Student Education: How Psychiatry Can Play a Role

• Published in: Academic psychiatry Vol. 30; no. 1; pp. 9 - 15
• Main Authors: Lu, Francis G, Primm, Annelle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc 01.01.2006; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Academic Standards; Accreditation (Institutions); Allied Health Occupations Education; Community Benefits; Cultural Awareness; Cultural Differences; Cultural Diversity; Cultural Education; Culture; Diversity (Institutional); Education, Medical; Educational Experience; Educational Policy; Health Needs; Health Occupations; Health Personnel; Higher Education; Humans; Labor Force; Medical Education; Medical Students; Mental Health; Mental Health Services - statistics & numerical data; Mental Health Services - supply & distribution; Organizational Climate; Physicians; Psychiatry; Psychiatry - education; Race; Role; Social Perception; Students, Medical; Zero Tolerance Policy
• ISSN: 1042-9670; 1545-7230
• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ap.30.1.9

Objective: The authors review recent developments in healthcare policy, including eliminating disparities in mental healthcare, increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce, and cultural competence. Following a discussion of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) standards, as they relate to disparity, cultural competence, and diversity, the authors discuss an action plan describing the role of psychiatry in addressing these issues. Methods: Key policy documents are reviewed for disparities, cultural competence, and diversity in healthcare and then in mental health specifically. Results: Important developments in healthcare policy regarding these areas have occurred. Conclusion: Psychiatry can play a vital role in addressing disparities, cultural competence, and diversity in medical student education.