A Patient Guides Her Provider: A Dialogue Over Cultural Awareness
July 2022
in “
American Journal of Kidney Diseases
”
TLDR Cultural awareness in healthcare improves patient care and relationships.
The document describes a dialogue between Dr. Ullian, a nephrologist, and Mrs. Wilson, an African American patient undergoing hemodialysis, highlighting the importance of cultural awareness in medical practice. Mrs. Wilson raised concerns about skin darkening, a side effect of dialysis, and its psychological impact, which Dr. Ullian initially dismissed as medically trivial. This exchange prompted Dr. Ullian to reflect on his cultural sensitivity and the need for physicians to consider cosmetic issues important to patients. The dialogue led to a collaborative essay, strengthening their doctor-patient relationship and emphasizing the value of understanding and addressing cultural and emotional aspects in healthcare.