Health Science Book Club for Cultural Awareness

This curated book list is designed to support cultural humility and inclusion within healthcare education by raising cultural awareness. Each category highlights a unique dimension of identity and lived experience that shapes patient care, access to services, and health outcomes. These resources were carefully selected to deepen understanding, foster empathy, and prepare healthcare professionals to provide culturally responsive and respectful care.

• Race & Ethnicity: Explore how historical and systemic inequities impact health across diverse racial and ethnic groups, and how healthcare providers can better serve these communities.

• LGBTQ+: Understand the unique health disparities, challenges, and resilience within LGBTQ+ populations, with guidance on affirming and inclusive care.

• Gender Equality: Examine how gender roles and inequities influence healthcare access, outcomes, and treatment—especially for women, transgender, and non-binary individuals.

• Disability Justice: Learn about the intersection of disability and healthcare, including access barriers, advocacy, and the importance of centering disabled voices in medical decision-making.

• Rural Populations: Gain insight into the healthcare challenges faced by individuals in rural areas, such as provider shortages and limited services, and explore community-centered solutions.

• Religion/Beliefs: Discover how spiritual and religious beliefs shape health practices, patient-provider communication, and ethical decision-making in healthcare settings.

Whether you're a student, educator, or practitioner, this collection offers perspectives to enrich your practice and help build a more equitable healthcare environment for all.