Cultural awareness

In a healthcare environment, cultural differences take on greater significance. Proficiency in English may not always be enough to remove any cultural barriers between doctor and patient.

Additionally, overseas trained doctors (OTDs) in Australia need to be aware that this is a very multicultural society and cultural sensitivity may play a more important role here than in many other countries.

Miscommunication affecting the doctor--patient relationship or even accurate diagnosis, can arise in many ways; from failure to accurately read non-verbal signals, attitudes about the role of the medical profession in the treatment of illness and the concept of illness and health generally, and the influence of religion on medical treatment, through to cultural differences in lifestyle, gender-roles, discrimination and status issues.

Patients in Australia will expect doctors to behave in a certain way and to provide a high level of healthcare. For this reason, it is recommended that OTDs familiarise themselves with the Australian healthcare system, cultural values and style of communication. Cultural awareness training should also lead to an understanding of general Indigenous (Aboriginal) health issues, which is highly desirable for any OTDs planning to work in rural or remote areas of Australia.

This section provides some suggestions for short courses as well as other sources of information that should assist you in bridging cultural and professional differences.