Health Science Book Club for Cultural Awareness

Cultural competency in healthcare refers to the ability of providers and professionals to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with patients from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. It is a critical skill in today’s increasingly diverse society, where patients come from varied racial, ethnic, linguistic, religious, socioeconomic, and gender-based backgrounds, each carrying their own health beliefs, customs, and expectations.

Culturally competent care requires more than just awareness of these differences—it involves developing respectful relationships, practicing empathy, and actively working to ensure that all patients feel seen, heard, and valued. This includes:

• Recognizing and appreciating diversity, including race, ethnicity, primary language, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, socioeconomic background, immigration status, and more.

• Respecting cultural beliefs and health practices, even when they differ from Western medical norms. This might include dietary customs, traditional healing methods, family decision-making roles, or different understandings of illness and wellness.

• Adapting care approaches to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of each patient while maintaining high standards of clinical care.

• Challenging personal biases and assumptions that may unintentionally impact clinical judgment or patient relationships.

By practicing cultural competency, healthcare providers can:

• Build trusting and respectful relationships with patients and their families

• Improve patient satisfaction and engagement

• Reduce health disparities by delivering care that is responsive and equitable

• Enhance clinical outcomes and support better public health

Cultural competency is not a one-time training or checklist, it is an ongoing process of learning, self-reflection, and growth. It is an essential component of delivering ethical, inclusive, and effective healthcare.

The Health Science Book Club is a space for students, faculty, and community members to come together and explore issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion through the lens of literature, specifically within the context of healthcare.

Through reading and discussing books that highlight underrepresented voices and healthcare disparities, we aim to deepen our understanding of how identity, history, and systemic inequities shape health outcomes. Each book selection focuses on a specific cultural awareness topic—such as racial and ethnic disparities, LGBTQ+ health, disability justice, gender equity, and more—encouraging reflection and dialogue on how these issues affect both patients and healthcare providers.

Our club is open to anyone interested in creating a more inclusive, empathetic, and culturally competent healthcare environment. Whether you're studying nursing, public health, neuroscience, or simply passionate about social justice, this is a welcoming space for learning, growing, and making connections across disciplines.

By fostering conversation, awareness, and critical thinking, the book club supports the broader mission of the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences to promote health equity in our communities and beyond.

The purpose of the Health Science Book Club is to create a collaborative, inclusive space where members can explore how cultural awareness intersects with healthcare practice, policy, and education.

Through storytelling and guided discussion, we aim to:

• Raise awareness of healthcare disparities that affect marginalized and underserved communities.

• Amplify diverse voices by engaging with authors who bring lived experiences and underrepresented perspectives to the forefront.

• Encourage critical thinking about bias, privilege, and systemic inequities in medical and health-related fields.

• Foster empathy and understanding, both as future healthcare professionals and as individuals committed to equity.

• Support professional development by helping members become more culturally competent and socially aware in their approach to patient care and community engagement.

By engaging with these important conversations, the book club helps Decker healthcare students grow into more compassionate, inclusive practitioners. It offers practical tools for delivering respectful, patient-centered care—and reinforces the message that every patient, and every healthcare professional, belongs. This space is not just about reading—it's about preparing for careers that prioritize empathy, justice, and human dignity.

Book clubs offer a powerful way to explore complex issues in healthcare through shared reading and open conversation. In an academic setting, they create space for students from different health disciplines to connect, reflect, and grow together. These discussions encourage deeper thinking about the social and ethical dimensions of healthcare that aren't always addressed in the classroom.

Reading diverse stories helps future healthcare professionals build empathy, challenge their assumptions, and better understand the experiences of patients from different backgrounds. By engaging with narratives about injustice, identity, and health disparities, students develop greater awareness of the systemic barriers that impact care.

Book clubs also foster a sense of community and belonging. They provide a safe and inclusive environment where all voices are welcome and respected. In doing so, they not only strengthen individual cultural competence but also contribute to a more inclusive culture in healthcare education overall.

Ultimately, book clubs are more than just a place to read—they are a tool for personal growth, professional development, and the creation of a more equitable healthcare future.